The Ford Bronco has always been reliable and rugged, but the newer Gen 6 Broncos have proven to be more versatile than any of their predecessors. They’re great on the highway, even better on the trail, but one thing that really sets them apart is how easy it is to modify them to suit your exact needs. One of the features that will make a big difference in your setup is the factory front bumper, of which there are three versions: the Standard bumper, the Capable bumper and the Modular bumper. In this article, we will break down the differences between the OEM Bronco bumper options and explore how you can accessorize them to work for you.
THE STANDARD BUMPER
The Standard bumper is the default part for the Bronco Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks and WildTrak trim packages. Its intended use was more for city streets than for trails, as it is constructed almost entirely out of plastic. While it might not hold up as well out on the trails as a steel bumper would, the Standard model does have a couple of bells and whistles; tow hooks on either side, in case you need a flat tow, and fog lights for the Big Bend, Outer Banks, and WildTrak models, with the option to add your own fog lights to the Base version. The Standard bumper is the least aggressive looking bumper out of the three factory options, and the profile of the bumper only sits out about an inch past the front grille. It’s perfect for a daily driver, and can probably handle a camping trip and some dirt roads, but you’ll definitely want to step up to one of the other factory options before any serious off-road excursions.
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THE CAPABLE BUMPER
Both the Black Diamond and Badlands were originally equipped with the Modular bumper by default, but in 2022, Ford switched the default bumper to the Capable Bumper. Ford has since made the Modular bumper an optional upgrade for all trim packages, but we’ll get to that a little later. Let’s focus on the Capable bumper, which is sort of the best of both worlds; it looks very similar to the Standard bumper with its low profile design, but it is constructed of powder coated steel with plastic guards on the ends and around the tow hook areas. The tow hooks sit up a bit higher than the Standard, which makes them more accessible, and gives it a more aggressive look. This bumper comes equipped with LED fog lights straight from the factory, but if you want to add more light and visibility, there are plenty of options. The Capable bumper lives up to its name, capable of handling the highways and the trails, but one thing it lacks is extra mounting points for additional accessories. That’s moving into Modular bumper territory, which was designed for greater functionality on the trails.
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THE MODULAR BUMPER
The toughest and most versatile of the three bumpers is the Modular bumper. This bumper came standard on the First Edition, Black Diamond and Badlands, but the good news is that it’s pretty easy to upgrade to the Modular, whether through Ford or on your own. It is constructed from heavy-duty powder coated steel and has the strength and surface area to accommodate a winch, a bull bar, or any countless accessories made specifically for this bumper. It sits a few inches in front of the grille, which creates more space for accessory mounting points, as well as providing a bit more protection for the front end of the vehicle.
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MORE ABOUT THE MODULAR
Because the Modular bumper has so many features and potential configurations, let’s just keep going. Just like the Standard and Capable bumpers, the Modular has tow hooks, but they’re considerably more substantial and feature a pass-through that is large enough to allow you more recovery gear options. In fact, this bumper gives you tons of options all around, like removable end caps for more tire space and greater articulation to move over bigger obstacles. Or, leave the end caps on and add some fog lights or turn signals. As if that weren’t enough, the Modular bumper has a bash plate that can be upgraded and it also has the ability to support the optional brush guard. If you’re serious about off-roading, rock-crawling, or just want that really aggressive look, the Modular bumper gives you tons of options to customize your rig to suit your preferences. When shopping the IAG Off-Road online catalog for your Modular bumper upgrades, please note that IAG parts with the words “For Modular Bumper” in the title require the modular bumper for mounting. These accessories will NOT work with the Capable or Plastic bumpers.
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Whether you are wanting to add some useful mods to your current bumper, or are wanting to upgrade to a version that works better for how you intend to use your Bronco, Ford made it easier by providing a lot of versatile factory parts options. No matter how you’d like to use your Bronco, IAG Off-Road can help you to configure your bumper or your entire ride with the best there is to offer in off-road upgrades and accessories. If you’re looking for advice, need help with an install, or just want to explore your mod options, IAG Off-Road has the expertise you need. Give us a call at (410) 840-3555 or send us an email at sales@iagoffroad.com - we’d love to help!