Base Audio Differences Between 2023 and 2026?

[josephc04]

I’m hoping someone here can help clarify the differences between the base audio systems in the 2023 vs. 2026 model years.

I bought a 2023 earlier this year, and honestly, the sound system was pretty underwhelming. I ended up swapping the speakers out for Kickers and upgrading the rear speakers to 6.5” (with the necessary ForScan tweaks). It definitely helped, but it still doesn’t sound quite right.

A friend of mine recently picked up a 2026 with the base audio, and I was surprised at how much better it sounded compared to mine. One obvious difference is that my setup doesn’t have a subwoofer in the back. I know I could easily add an amp and sub, but I wanted to compare performance without that. He let me disconnect his sub so we could do a more direct comparison, and even without it, his system still sounded noticeably clearer and more balanced.

At this point, I’m kind of regretting going with the 2023, even though I saved about $20k compared to a similarly equipped new one.

Are there any other differences in the base audio systems between 2023 and 2026 besides the subwoofer? And if so, are any of those upgrades doable on a 2023 Bronco?

Thanks in advance!

Sponsored

 

[Kevin Scarbel]

All I can tell you is my 2024s and 2025 with the mid trim level have so-so sound. I've experienced the B&O in a high lux Outer Banks and it was significantly better. But I'll probably just live with what I've got. I don't get the need for a sub-woofer in a Bronco. I use sub-woofers for home surround sound systems to enhance movie sound.

 

[EOD98]

Didn’t realize the 2026 base had the sub. Thats cool. I’m curious about the other differences as well.

 

[ejpaul1]

ive heard all kinds of reports from the base system being OK to the B&O being complete crap and I think this is one of the most subjective things about the bronco or any car for that matter. First off theres the kind of music your listening to, if your listening to rap, pretty much anything will work so long as it has alot of base, having been a musician (Used to compete in drum and bugle corps) rap requires little of a stereo outside of having base and being loud.

Move to pop music of any era and theres base and treble and not much else.

Symphony requires everything, I love stuff like pink floyd division bell etc. that requires alot more.

THen theres the vehicle itself, listen to a premium sound system in an acura or mercedes,,,,, the car really turns into a place that stereos naturally sound better no matter how cheap they might be.

I have a 25 Badlands with the B&O 12 speaker system and on surround, it sounds amazing for the type of car it is.

Frankly? I like better systems and have had few really good ones, this one ranks up there for me and everything else I own is bose

 

[Brian_B]

2025+ I believe upgraded to coax speakers in most locations and “upgraded” the sub amp to a digital A2B input

You also get ESE “fake engine” noise in 2024+
models

 

[23OBX2.7]

ive heard all kinds of reports from the base system being OK to the B&O being complete crap and I think this is one of the most subjective things about the bronco or any car for that matter. First off theres the kind of music your listening to, if your listening to rap, pretty much anything will work so long as it has alot of base, having been a musician (Used to compete in drum and bugle corps) rap requires little of a stereo outside of having base and being loud.

Move to pop music of any era and theres base and treble and not much else.

Symphony requires everything, I love stuff like pink floyd division bell etc. that requires alot more.

THen theres the vehicle itself, listen to a premium sound system in an acura or mercedes,,,,, the car really turns into a place that stereos naturally sound better no matter how cheap they might be.

I have a 25 Badlands with the B&O 12 speaker system and on surround, it sounds amazing for the type of car it is.

Frankly? I like better systems and have had few really good ones, this one ranks up there for me and everything else I own is bose

'25 B&O is very good. Upgrading to Audison AP and APX drivers and high powered sub would send it into stratosphere.

Base systems are very simple to upgrade with good DSP amp and same as above.

 

[ejpaul1]

2025+ I believe upgraded to coax speakers in most locations and “upgraded” the sub amp to a digital A2B input

You also get ESE “fake engine” noise in 2024+
models

As much as I hate to admit it, the fake engine noise sounds a bit cool no matter how much I realize its not real. And really im no audio phile so in no way am I some kind of expert on the matter. Just sounds great to me

 

[RagnarKon]

2025+ I believe upgraded to coax speakers in most locations and “upgraded” the sub amp to a digital A2B input

You also get ESE “fake engine” noise in 2024+
models

Yup.

The basic setup is the same—6 speakers and a subwoofer. Some of the speakers are different, the amplifier is improved, and yes that new amp helps quite a bit. But it's not what I would consider to be an overwhelming difference.

The big thing was the subwoofer wasn't included in many of the 2023 Broncos built late-winter 2022 until late-spring 2023 due to supplier shortages. Sounds like @josephc04 got one of those Broncos.

 

[That Bronco Guy]

As many commented the sound quality is meh. I have the B&O package and be mindful it’s just branding. The speakers are still the same oem cheap paper cone speakers. All B&O package gets you is a “tuned” system. Meaning they programmed the highs, mid and low using their ideals then put their logo on it to confuse or add value to the package.

But the actual speakers are basic. Same when bose adds their label to premium luxury cars. They are not their speakers. Just the run of the mill speakers “tuned” by Bose.

when you hear a real B&O or Bose audio system with their technology and speakers and set up there is no comparison. But also would cost a fortune or a right kidney . No manufacturing company would spend that money.

if I were to do it over I’d skip the upgrade for a tuned system and just spend the coin on real speakers and pocket the rest. A simple speaker upgrade for Jbl or kicker with amp would be miles ahead of what you can get from the manufacturer with their “top tier” branding tune.

That’s pretty true with most vehicles now. For the majority of folks the sound is adequate but for others with trained ears and a desired level of quality… you will never achieve with out upgrading outside of OEM.

 

[That Bronco Guy]

Also, as a sidenote, adding sound deadening to the interior of your bronco will greatly enhance the audio quality and experience overall. I m in the process of editing a video showing how you can make your bronco nearly as quiet as a top tier luxury vehicle. And at some speeds even quieter that won’t break the bank. It will be up on my YouTube page soon.

I’ve noticed since our sound deadening efforts we cannot turn the sound system up where we used to listen to because it’s just too loud and overwhelming and more clear.

Sponsored