How wide is the tailgate on the Bronco?
The Bronco does not publish a single, official “tailgate width.” Practically speaking, you should look at the cargo-opening width behind the tailgate and the overall body width. In typical Bronco models, the usable cargo opening behind the tailgate is about 41 inches wide, while the exterior body width runs in the mid-80s inches. Exact figures vary slightly by year, trim, and whether you’re looking at a 2-door or 4-door version.
What “tailgate width” means for the Bronco
When people ask about tailgate width, they usually mean one of two things: (1) the width of the cargo opening behind the tailgate, which determines what you can load through the tailgate, and (2) the overall width of the tailgate panel or the vehicle’s body width, which relates to parking clearances and the space the tailgate occupies. Ford does publish overall vehicle width and cargo space figures, but it does not publish a stand-alone tailgate width.
Model and year variations
The Ford Bronco is offered in 2-door and 4-door configurations. The tailgate design spans the cargo opening in both cases, and any measurable differences in width are usually minimal. Yearly changes tend to be minor and typically relate to bumper design, trim details, or accessory packages rather than a fundamentally different tailgate width.
Two-door vs four-door cargo openings
In practical terms, the width behind the tailgate (the cargo opening) is the figure most owners will reference for loading. For the Bronco, that cargo opening is typically around 41 inches wide, give or take a fraction of an inch depending on year and trim. The outer tailgate panel itself mirrors the vehicle’s overall width, which sits in the mid-80s inches range.
Key measurements you should know for planning cargo and accessory fitment:
- Usable cargo opening width behind the rear seats: approximately 41 inches (about 41–42 inches).
- Exterior body width (width of the tailgate panel when closed): roughly 85–87 inches (excluding mirrors).
- Width including mirrors: approximately 87–89 inches.
The practical takeaway is that Ford does not publish a stand-alone tailgate width. For planning, use the cargo opening width for loading and the overall vehicle width for parking and clearance considerations; exact numbers can vary slightly by year and configuration.
How to measure your Bronco’s tailgate width yourself
If you want a precise, model-year-specific measurement for your own Bronco, you can measure directly. Here is a straightforward method you can follow:
- Park the Bronco on a level surface and decide whether you want the inside-opening width (tailgate closed) or the exterior width (tailgate panel edges).
- With the tailgate closed, measure the distance from the inside edge of one tailgate jamb to the inside edge of the opposite jamb to capture the cargo opening width.
- With the tailgate open or closed, measure the distance from the outer left edge to the outer right edge of the tailgate panel to capture the exterior width.
- Record measurements and note any differences if you’re comparing a 2-door vs 4-door Bronco, or if you have bumper or accessory changes that may affect the width.
For the most precise, vehicle-specific numbers (for a given VIN), consult Ford’s official spec sheets or ask a dealer. They can confirm any deviations caused by trim levels, bumpers, or accessories.
Practical takeaways for owners and buyers
- If you’re planning to transport large gear, rely on the cargo opening width (about 41 inches) to assess fitment.
- For parking and garage planning, use the overall body width in the mid-80s inches (excluding mirrors) as a guideline, with mirrors widening the footprint slightly.
- For a precise figure on your exact vehicle, measure directly or obtain the model-year spec sheet from a Ford dealer.
Summary
The Bronco does not publish a single “tailgate width.” Practically, expect a cargo opening around 41 inches wide and an exterior body width in the mid-80s inches, with mirrors adding a bit more to the total. Exact numbers can vary by year, trim, and door configuration. For precise measurements, measure your specific vehicle or consult a dealer for the official spec sheet.
