Home FAQ

What Bronco can you take the top off?

The quickest answer: most 2021-and-newer Ford Broncos offer removable roof panels, and you can take the top off on both the two-door and four-door models, with either a soft-top or a modular hardtop depending on the trim.

Understanding the Bronco's removable roof

Ford designed the Bronco to emphasize open-air driving. The roof is available in two main configurations: a fabric soft top that can fold back or be removed, and a modular hardtop made of detachable panels that lets you strip the roof in sections while keeping the rest of the vehicle intact. The exact setup depends on the trim and top option chosen.

Roof options by configuration

Before detailing the options, here is a concise overview of the two primary roof configurations you’ll encounter on Bronco models:

Soft top: A foldable fabric roof that can be removed or rolled back to enjoy open-air driving; common on several trims and generally easier to remove than hardtop panels.

Modular hardtop: A hard roof divided into removable panels that can be taken off in stages; available on most trims with the hardtop option and designed for flexible open-air use.

In practice, both the two-door and four-door Broncos offer these roof choices, though panel arrangement and removal steps vary by body style and top option. Always check your specific trim and the owner's manual for the exact process and safety guidelines.

Which Broncos are covered?

Since the 2021 redesign, Ford has offered removable-roof options across the Bronco lineup in both the two-door and four-door configurations. Buyers can select either a soft top or a modular hardtop, depending on trim and package. Availability can vary by year and market, so verify with a dealer for current configurations.

Two-door Bronco: Available with soft top or modular hardtop, enabling open-air driving with some panels removed.

Four-door Bronco: Also available with soft top or modular hardtop, offering similar open-air flexibility with a larger cabin and cargo area.

Note that some editions or options may affect the top configuration, and removal should be performed following Ford’s instructions to ensure safety and structural integrity.

Practical tips for removing the Bronco roof

Removing a Bronco roof is typically a two-person operation for most panel configurations, and you’ll want to store panels in a designated space. Perform removal on level ground with the vehicle off, windows up, and doors secured. Always consult the owner's manual for precise steps, weight considerations, and safety precautions.

Summary

Open-air capability is a hallmark of the current Ford Bronco lineup. Both the two-door and four-door models can shed their roofs, choosing between a soft-top or modular hardtop to tailor the experience to weather and terrain.

Can you remove the top on a Ford Bronco?

Yes, you can take the top off a Ford Bronco, and the process varies slightly depending on whether you have a soft top or a hard top. For both options, you can remove the front panels to enjoy a more open experience, and for a full open-air feel, you can remove the entire roof, which may require assistance for the hard top. The necessary tools for hard top removal are included with the vehicle.

Hard top removal

Partial removal: For a partial removal, you can unlatch and remove the front two panels, often referred to as "freedom panels," and store them in the included storage bags. On a 4-door model, you can also remove the section behind the front doors.
Full removal: To remove the entire hard top, you'll first need to disconnect the wiring harnesses and washer fluid line for the rear window wiper and brake light. You will also need to remove the rear panel, which is a two-person job that involves unbolting it.
Tools: A tool kit with the necessary tools is included with the vehicle for hard top removal.
Storage: The front panels can be stored in the vehicle with the included bags, but the rear section will need to be stored elsewhere.

This video demonstrates how to remove the entire hard top: 54sVaughn Gittin Jr. YouTube · Dec 6, 2022
Soft top removal

Partial removal: You can partially or fully open the soft top by lowering the visors, releasing the latches, and pushing the top up and back. Velcro straps in the glove box are used to hold it in place.
Full removal: To completely remove the soft top, you must first take off the rear quarter windows and rear window. This involves removing panel covers above the rear wheel wells and unbolting them. You can then release the latches on the soft top and, with a friend's help, lift it off.

This video shows how to remove the soft top completely: 34sFord Motor CompanyYouTube · Jul 28, 2022

Which Bronco does the top come off?

Yes, they do, but there are some differences. The 2-door Broncos come with removable hard-top roofs while all 4-door Broncos come with a retractable soft-top. If you want a hard-top on a 4-door Bronco or a soft-top on a 2-door Bronco, you must go through the optional equipment route.

Do Bronco Sports have a removable top?

No, you cannot take the top off a Bronco Sport because it has a permanent, fixed roof as a key part of its structural integrity. The full-size Ford Bronco has a removable top, but the smaller Bronco Sport model is built with a fixed roof and is not designed to have its top removed.
You can watch this video to learn how to remove the top of the full-size Bronco: 1mGodspeed ZRZYouTube · Feb 29, 2024

Structural design: Unlike the full-size Bronco, the Bronco Sport's roof is a permanent structural component and is not designed to be removed.
Intended functionality: The Bronco Sport is designed as a more traditional SUV with a fixed roof, and the full-size Bronco is the model that offers a removable top for an open-air experience.
Alternative feature: The Bronco Sport does have an available power moonroof as an alternative to the fixed roof, which can be opened to let in fresh air and sunlight.

Is a Bronco hardtop removable?

Yes, you can take the hard top off a Ford Bronco, with options for removing just the front two "freedom panels" or the entire hard top. The process involves unlatching and removing the panels in sections, disconnecting wiring and hoses for the rear section, and then unbolting the remaining parts. Assistance is recommended for removing the larger, heavier sections of the hard top.
This video demonstrates how to remove the Ford Bronco hard top: 1mVaughn Gittin Jr. YouTube · Dec 6, 2022
Step 1: Remove the front panels

Drop the sun visors down on both sides.
Unlatch the front panel using the levers or handles, starting on the driver's side.
Unlock the three "L"-shaped latches on each side and then lift the panel out.
Repeat the process for the passenger side.

Step 2: Remove the center panel (4-door models)

Unlatch the side latches and unlock the three "L"-shaped locks.
Carefully lift the panel off, as this step is easier with help.

Step 3: Remove the rear section

Open the tailgate and lift the tailgate window to access the rear cargo area.
Locate the wiring harness and washer hose on the driver's side of the cargo area.
Disconnect the plugs and secure them to the vehicle's interior to keep them out of the way.
Open the rear doors and remove the two screws on each side at the C-pillar and the four bolts along the base of the rear roof panel.
With help, lift the entire rear section straight up and off, ensuring the locating pins are fully disengaged.

You can also watch this video for a full demonstration of removing the hard top with roof rails: 1mLasco FordYouTube · Jul 5, 2022
Important tips

Get help: The rear section of the hard top is heavy and awkward, so it is strongly recommended to have a second person assist you with its removal and installation.
Store safely: Store the removed panels on a soft, protected surface to prevent damage.
Follow the reverse order for reinstallation: When putting the top back on, follow the instructions in reverse order and make sure the locating pins are aligned correctly.
Use the included tool kit: The Bronco comes with a tool kit that includes all the necessary sockets and bits for the job.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.