Why not have a solid top?

[JediMcMuffin]

I get the spirit of this thread completely. I went into Bronco ownership having owned a TJ many years ago, and having always appreciated the look of the classic Broncos. I didn't know what activities would appeal to me, and thought being in SoCal with some of the most cooperative weather in the country that having my top off would be more important to me. When I CAN use it as simply a toy, having a removable top is a very fun thing.

That being said, my Bronco is not purely a toy. It's my primary mode of transportation. I've also learned that what I'm MOSTLY doing with it off-road is weekend car camping with a little bit of overlanding maybe 2-3 times a year. The storage (even on a 4 door) is barely adequate for me and my six year old, leaving no room whatsoever for my wife and son to join me. If there was a version of this vehicle that came with a fixed roof with a stout roof rack, I think most of my issues would be solved.

I pick up a Turn Offroad hardtop on the 6th to replace my soft top and likely I'll be putting a roof rack on immediately. I'm fairly sure my top is never coming off again. My current plan is to let that new Landcruiser bake for around 3 years, see how the aftermarket solutions for it shake out. If something happened to my Bronco today, I'd probably be pricing out a Tundra.

At least, that's MY use case. It's almost perfect, except for storage. The removable roof holds no value to me anymore.

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[BlueBronco]

Since most people never take their Bronco off-road (at least that is what I have been told here) I think Ford should also offer a 2wd option, the cost savings should be enough to cover a true fixed top option. Front wheel drive, maybe? Or how about a 3rd row, sliding rear doors, a 1.5L fuel sipping EB and a CVT transmission! Think of all the cup holders we could have.

At what point do we crossover into Theseus' paradox? (2-door owners need not comment, lol)

 

[cr117]

Doesn’t matter man. This is literally the ONLY truck with a roof like ours. If you want what’s standard, then drive what’s standard.

No one asked anyone to buy the Bronco, we all chose to. The removable top is the biggest “feature” of the thing. Getting rid of that is removing (pun) what makes it what it is.

Also, none of us owe you anything. There are dozens of forums, but this is the way this one is.

Ford gave what most of us wanted; thus the passion, so no, we don’t want to see it turned into something less. Again, we’ve seen this happen before.

Not yet a fixed roof option because there isn’t enough of a market for one.

Cool, guess I should sell my Bronco because I want to modify it for the purpose of making it more... enjoyable?

Let me get this right, the removable roof is the defining feature of the Bronco? So if you replaced it with a permanent solid rood it's practically a, what, Bronco Sport? If that were the case, if Ford decided to stop making the full-size Bronco and just added an option for the Bronco Sport to come with a removable top, you'd be happy with that? I'm willing to bet the majority of the members here would not.

I understand your passion for having a vehicle that checks all your boxes, but why do you get to decide what other people want to do to their own Bronco?

 

[Ride Em Bronco]

I completely understand the nature of online forums. What I also understand is that most people here take their ride and make changes based upon their personal preference. How is my statement any different than someone who swaps the stock Sasquatch tires for another option that fits their needs?

I have googled the topic and what you find when searching “fixed bronco roof” is tens of thousands of articles about the botched roof crisis in 2021/2022.

I posted to see if anyone had run across a solution for my needs or a product in the works.

You may want to check out the 2025 Toyota 4Runner when it is available to order around mid-year - and hopefully even with the option of a manual transmission. But you didn't hear it from me.

 

[JediMcMuffin]

I understand your passion for having a vehicle that checks all your boxes, but why do you get to decide what other people want to do to their own Bronco?

No shit. I swear, every hobby I get into has gatekeepers who pop up and tell you that you're not a real enthusiast if you don't do it a certain way. You just gotta ignore them.

What i find funny about this topic in particular is the classic Bronco guys I've met up with a few times now are like "whats a top? you have air conditioning?" and yet somehow those guys are way more welcoming than some gatekeepers

 

[EasternSierra]

...The removable top is THE distinguishing feature on the vehicle. It is what separates the Bronco (and a Jeep) from the 4-Runner, Land Rover, FJ, Bronco Sport. The choice to get a removable top or not should be one of the first decisions you make when choosing an off road vehicle.

No question there are loads of passionate removable-roof fans here and elsewhere. But, I see a real contradiction. There are plenty of posts on this forum over time lauding the stock Bronco 6g's off-road abilities compared to any other stock 4x4 other than the Wrangler.

But when someone wants a fixed roof, then they're told to buy one of the other, much less capable SUVs, or to buy an off-road pickup that (these days) is a far larger vehicle. Those are not real choices for someone who wants the Bronco's capability and off-road maneuverability while not paying a fortune for aftermarket mods.

The first thing that got me thinking about the Bronco 6g was the manual transmission which is almost extinct in new vehicles in the U.S. these days. Then when I looked harder I liked the amazing stuff that can be built-in at the factory, instead of having to remove factory-installed stuff and replacing it at a much higher cost. It's just a much more capable vehicle than other SUVs. Plus the smaller size is a plus compared to my past 4x4s. For me (and this is just my personal preference) the removable top is not a draw but the size and off-road capabilities are.

The idea of getting a Bronco Sport instead is just laughable. That's a very nice vehicle and it's fun to drive on pavement but it's a gigantic step down in capability. We all know it's not suitable for serious off-roading. Ditto for the Ford Explorer.

How about this: Ford should make a Bronco variant with the same mechanicals and a fixed roof, but call it something different and make some superficial changes in exterior styling to set it apart. Not a 4runner but better right from the factory, and certainly not a Bronco Sport or Explorer.

This way the open-roof fans can have their exclusive vehicle name, while others can get the same capability with a fixed roof. When I get my new 4x4 (which I still hope will be a Bronco) it's going to be used for a mixture of road trips and off-roading, often on the same trip. I want a quiet vehicle on pavement to reduce driver fatigue on long drives, windows that seal well and will stay that way as the rubber ages, but also a very capable vehicle when the pavement ends and things get rough. I appreciate the availability of wash-out floors and MGV seats.

No, I don't want a luxury SUV! My recently departed 1996 T-100 was anything but luxurious, with manual windows and locks, a bench seat, a somewhat rough ride, and better yet a 5-speed manual. But it had ground clearance and could take a beating on rough roads. Stuff that matters. Plus a fixed roof.

I see no contradiction between a fixed roof and wash-out floors. Ever track serious mud or snow into your vehicle? No carpeting anywhere!

Heck, the old 1960s-70s Land Cruiser was available in a fixed top, and that didn't cheapen the brand or make it less of a serious off-roader. Ford should do the same, whatever they end up calling it.

 

[BlueBronco]

How about this: Ford should make a Bronco variant with the same mechanicals and a fixed roof, but call it something different and make some superficial changes in exterior styling to set it apart. Not a 4runner but better right from the factory, and certainly not a Bronco Sport or Explorer.

They already do. They just don't sell it in North America, unfortunately, as pointed out earlier, it would meet a lot of peoples needs (and finally put an end to these fixed roofed posts).

 

[Glade Runner]

I wouldn’t t mind a solid metal roof option. But, honestly, I would still like it removable as one piece without having to take off the roof rails. Lift it off using them.

My preference would be all metal with removable first and second panels like it currently has, but be able to remove those panels without taking off the roof rails. I’d like to be able to toss my canoe on top, drive to the lake or river, and put my panels back on when away from the vehicle. The current design is substandard and poorly thought out.

Also, the toyota is not a serious contender. No serious off road design puts the spare tire under the vehicle.

(Note:also the top should be body color.)

 

[jdbabb4247]

I know that there will be plenty of hate on this post. Let’s get the obvious out of the way…some people love the removable top-but not me.

I would absolutely love to have an option for a solid and fixed roof on this bronco.

I have a 2022 Badlands squatch with hard top and lux package and I love everything about it….except the removable top.

It is literally the only thing about the vehicle that I do not completely adore. The water leaks and noise are ruining an otherwise perfect vehicle for me. It makes me consider switching to another vehicle, but I waited so long for this vehicle and nothing else really compares.

I’ll keep it and love it, but the solid hard roof would be a game changer for me.

Would like a one piece top with sun roof.

 

[Rspayde]

They already do. They just don't sell it in North America, unfortunately, as pointed out earlier, it would meet a lot of peoples needs (and finally put an end to these fixed roofed posts).

Yeah the Everest is my end all be all in a car but we can't have fun things in the US. Also reference the Yaris GR.

 

[Rspayde]

I wouldn’t t mind a solid metal roof option. But, honestly, I would still like it removable as one piece without having to take off the roof rails. Lift it off using them.

My preference would be all metal with removable first and second panels like it currently has, but be able to remove those panels without taking off the roof rails. I’d like to be able to toss my canoe on top, drive to the lake or river, and put my panels back on when away from the vehicle. The current design is substandard and poorly thought out.

Also, the toyota is not a serious contender. No serious off road design puts the spare tire under the vehicle.

(Note:also the top should be body color.)

Are there not roof racks that allow for the removal of panels or is it just the front two that can come off? I am a soft top guy so pretty out of the loop on this one.

 

[KillerPenz]

I know that there will be plenty of hate on this post. Let’s get the obvious out of the way…some people love the removable top-but not me.

I would absolutely love to have an option for a solid and fixed roof on this bronco.

I have a 2022 Badlands squatch with hard top and lux package and I love everything about it….except the removable top.

It is literally the only thing about the vehicle that I do not completely adore. The water leaks and noise are ruining an otherwise perfect vehicle for me. It makes me consider switching to another vehicle, but I waited so long for this vehicle and nothing else really compares.

I’ll keep it and love it, but the solid hard roof would be a game changer for me.

I'm not going to read through 6 pages, and it's probably already been said. If you want a solid top, well that's called a Blazer. Or an Explorer, or a Bronco Sport. It's not called a Bronco. It's as simple as that.

 

[cr117]

Honestly… opinions like yours @Stevins is a big reason why I feel like Ford should bring the Ford Everest stateside. It’s basically what you (and others) are looking for: a very capable off-road SUV built on the same platform that is used by the Ranger and Bronco. And it has a fixed roof.

But anyway… a Bronco with a fixed roof wouldn’t be a Bronco. Every other generation of Bronco had a removable roof (except arguably 5th gen). The market for other 4Runner-like vehicles does exist for sure… but it shouldn’t be the Bronco.

I do think there is a market for a single-piece top and the aftermarket is already working on that. Maybe someday it’ll come to market. Definitely not something Ford needs to do themselves.

If Ford would've brought the Everest to the US, the Bronco would have most likely been a commercial flop. Sure, the off road enthusiasts would still be interested, but I don't see how the Bronco's launch would be successful with a similar model cannibalizing its market.

 

[AZ_Liberty]

It's long past time Ford offered a fixed top (or one piece "semi-removable" top) Bronco.

They just need to market it as a Lincoln.

 

[EasternSierra]

If Ford would've brought the Everest to the US, the Bronco would have most likely been a commercial flop. Sure, the off road enthusiasts would still be interested, but I don't see how the Bronco's launch would be successful with a similar model cannibalizing its market.

A lot of people with no interest in off-roading bought the Bronco for its coolness factor. The Everett doesn't have that and wouldn't have appealed to that market.

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