When the 2024 Ford Bronco Raptor debuted, it brought painted fender flares to the off-road SUV for the first time since its “resurrection” for the 2021 model year. Those body color fender flares serve as a way to distinguish the range-topping Ford Bronco from its “regular” trimmed peers, but now that the model has been out for a while and we’ve had some time to appreciate them, we here at Ford Authority can’t help but wonder. Should body color fender flares be introduced to the entirety of the Bronco lineup?
We floated the same question a few years ago when Steeda Autosport released a few pictures of a festive red Ford Bronco with painted bumpers and fender flares. The consensus was clear: Bronco enthusiasts weren’t overly impressed with the streamlined look. The resounding argument was just that – the Bronco is meant to be an off-road beast, not a pretty pavement princess, and there’s something about the black molded-in-color (MIC) fender flares that gives it a more rugged look.
Moreover, painted fender flares may not hold up well in off-road situations. Rock chips can happen, and so can sun damage. Plastic flares may hold up better in that sense, and even if they do get chipped or scratched, there’s no base coat or metal to show through.
However, to play devil’s advocate, black plastic might look great for a while, but when it fades, it loses its charm. The Ford Bronco may not look so hot after years under the harsh sun with bleached-out fender flares. Sure, there are treatments out there that can restore the plastic to its original luster, but they require a lot of elbow grease to make a difference. A painted fender flare, on the other hand, could simply be touched up in the event of damage.
Now we turn to you, the reader. We want your thoughts on the matter. Would the Ford Bronco lineup look better with body color fender flares, or do the rugged MIC flares do the trick? Let us know by voting in the poll below and join the discussion in the comments!
Comments
As a 2023 Bronco Badlands owner, I never understood why all the models other than the base don’t come with body colored fenders
As the owner of the more civilized 2022, 2 door Bronco, I bought it because the Outer Banks edition has painted fender flares and body colored mirror caps. If I wanted an unfinished unit, I’d find an old Honda Element.
I personally prefer the non painted flares on my ’24 2dr BB. It’s a nice contrast to the Eruption Green Metallic.
I agree with Chuck. My 22 OB looks proper with painted flairs. Even if Ford charged extra, I would go for them. Mike S.
We should have the option for Color matched, Carbonized Gray, White, or Shadow Black. This option should extend to Top, Door Handles, and Mirror Caps. Also I feel that Ford should make the quarter windows on the hard top to be removable on all tops. Heck you can drop the hole in the 2 door for all we care. Also we would like to see a hybrid roof ( hard top at back and best top soft portion over passengers right from the factory. I want the V6 back as an option for all 2doors. And what with dropping fog lamps and signature lighting, that should be standard on all models. Ford could have dropped the carpet on all models, but the cloth seats are nice. upfitter switched should be standard on all models. No option for modular bumper on base model WTF.
When I bought my Bronco, I specifically ruled out the Outer Banks edition because I hated the look of the painted fender flares.