Ford Motor Company has filed a patent for interchangeable assist handle covers that may be used in future Ford Bronco models, Ford Authority has learned.
The patent was filed on April 23rd, 2024, published on October 23rd, 2025, and assigned serial number 0326345.
The Ford Authority Take
Given the fact that it's a very capable off-road vehicle, the sixth-generation Ford Bronco comes equipped with a variety of grab handles inside the cabin, which provide a way for occupants to hold on when traversing uneven terrain. The 2026 Bronco is also gaining new A-pillar mounted grab handles, which are standard on the 60th Anniversary Package, as well as an option across the rest of the lineup. Those handles aren't compatible with older Bronco models, however, though this new patent filing for interchangeable assist handle covers may very well be.
Here, Ford proposes a way to make vehicle-mounted assist handles that can be customized by the user, which would be relatively simple to do in this case. This particular design features a structural support that attaches to the pillar, coupled with a removable cover. Secured in place with just a couple of bolts/screws, this cover could easily be swapped out with others featuring various textures, colors, or designs, which we imagine could prove popular with Ford Bronco owners - not to mention folks that own other types of off-road-focused vehicles, too.
"Submitting patent applications is a normal part of any strong business as the process protects new ideas and helps us build a robust portfolio of intellectual property,” Ford said in a statement. “The ideas described within a patent application should not be viewed as an indication of our business or product plans. No matter what the patent application outlines, we will always put the customer first in the decision-making behind the development and marketing of new products and services."
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