Best 2021+ Ford Bronco Exhaust Upgrades

Upgrading your new Ford Bronco’s exhaust is a great way to get an exhaust note you love and improve performance. But there are a lot of different approaches to modifying an exhaust system, and which one is right for you depends on your goals. Are you most interested in exhaust note or power? Or, like most people, do you want a balance of the two?

These three exhaust mods are some of the most popular precisely because they offer plenty in terms of sound, performance, and appearance. They also make even cheap Bronco upgrades more beneficial in the future.

Swap Out the Stock Muffler

Upgrading your Bronco’s muffler is an easy way to alter the sound of your exhaust and get a little more power. A less restrictive muffler will reduce backpressure and improve performance (slightly). The performance gains on a muffler swap are slight, so this mod is best for people satisfied with their current performance. Basically, if your main motivator is sound, then picking out a new muffler is exactly right for you.

Aftermarket mufflers are available in a wide range of volumes. While some go for ultra-loud options like a glasspack muffler, there are a lot of sound qualities to choose from. Whether you like deep and rumbling or sharp and loud, there’s a muffler for your engine.

With the Bronco’s 2.3L or 2.7L engine option, lots of mufflers are going to be compatible. Or, if you really want to go loud, a muffler delete is also an option.

Get an Axle-Back Exhaust Kit

Axle-back systems combine a new muffler/resonator and exhaust tips. While this doesn’t offer the performance gains of a cat-back system, it does improve the sound and gives you a sharp new look.

These systems are as easy to install as a muffler but include exhaust tips/tailpipes. You’ll get a great sound and sharp look with these.

Get Better Performance with a Cat-Back Kit

Cat-back exhaust kits replace the mufflers, exhaust tip, and all the exhaust pipes between the cat and the tip. Depending on whether you have a four-door or two-door Bronco, this will include the over axle pipe and may include the longer four-door adapter.

Cat-backs require more time and skill to install than axle-back systems, but the awesome sound and performance gains make it worthwhile for many. By reducing backpressure substantially, they provide measurable power boosts.

Which Is Right For You?

If you’re still not sure whether you want to do a simple muffler swap or go all in, let’s break it down a little more.

Get a New Muffler…

If your primary concern is getting a great exhaust note, then a new muffler is a perfect pick. The right muffler will still reduce backpressure. You’ll have a large range of exhaust notes to choose from (from loud to quiet and from rumbling to tinny). And it’s an easy install.

Get an Axle-Back…

If you like the idea of a muffler swap but want a little more, then an axle back is a great choice. You’ll have a little more control over your exhaust note, and you’ll still reduce back pressure. You’ll also get to choose your exhaust tips. It costs a little more than a muffler, but shouldn’t be harder to install.

Get a Cat-Back…

If you need big performance gains quickly, then a cat-back exhaust system is the only choice. When coupled with a tune, you’ll see the best performance gains of any Bronco exhaust upgrade option. Though the installation process is a little harder, it’s still very doable as long as you have the time and tools required.