The Ford Bronco has always been an icon. It’s the kind of vehicle that conjures images of open roads, untamed landscapes, and a certain brand of rugged American freedom. But what happens when you hand over this legend to the performance wizards at RTR Vehicles? You get the Ford RTR Bronco, a machine that takes everything you love about the original and cranks it up to eleven.
RTR, which stands for “Ready to Rock,” was founded by professional fun-haver and drifting champion Vaughn Gittin Jr. Their philosophy is simple: inject modern, aggressive styling and serious performance into production vehicles. They’ve done it with the Mustang, and now they’ve worked their magic on the Bronco.
The result is a vehicle that doesn’t just look the part—it lives it. It’s more capable, more stylish, and packed with thoughtful details that make you appreciate the engineering behind it. This isn’t just a Bronco with a few extra badges; it’s a re-imagined off-road beast. We’re going to break down five specific things that make the Ford RTR Bronco an absolute standout.
1. Upgraded Wheels and Tires for Any Terrain
Let’s start from the ground up. The first thing you’ll likely notice on the Ford RTR Bronco is its commanding stance, and that’s largely thanks to the wheel and tire package. Standard vehicles often come with rubber that’s a compromise—good enough for the street but maybe not for the trail. RTR throws that compromise out the window.
The RTR Bronco is fitted with custom RTR Tech 6 wheels, which are not only lighter and stronger than the stock options but also designed with off-roading in mind. These wheels are built to withstand the kind of punishment you’d expect from rock crawling or high-speed desert runs.
Wrapped around these formidable wheels are Nitto Ridge Grappler tires. This is where things get really serious. These tires are a hybrid design, blending the best attributes of a mud-terrain and an all-terrain tire.
- On the Trail: They feature deep, aggressive shoulder lugs that bite into soft dirt and mud, providing the traction you need when the going gets tough.
- On the Pavement: The tread pattern is engineered to be surprisingly quiet for such an aggressive tire, meaning your drive to the trailhead won’t be a deafening roar.
This combination means you have a vehicle that’s genuinely “Ready to Rock” straight from the dealership. You don’t have to spend your first weekend shopping for a new set of tires that can handle your adventures. RTR has already equipped the Bronco with a setup that’s more than capable of tackling just about anything you can throw at it.
2. A Signature Grille with Integrated Lighting
One of the most defining features of any vehicle is its face, and the Ford RTR Bronco gets a complete makeover here. The stock Bronco grille is already distinctive, but RTR replaces it with their own signature design that immediately sets it apart.
The RTR grille features a bold, geometric pattern that feels both modern and aggressive. It ditches the large “BRONCO” lettering across the front for a more integrated and subtle RTR badge. But the real showstopper is the integrated LED light bar.
This isn’t some aftermarket light bar bolted on as an afterthought. It’s seamlessly designed into the grille itself, creating a clean, factory-plus look. The high-intensity LEDs provide a massive boost in visibility for nighttime trail runs, lighting up the path ahead like it’s the middle of the day. It’s a perfect fusion of form and function. It looks incredible, and it serves a very real purpose for anyone who plans to use their Bronco after the sun goes down. This single modification completely changes the vehicle’s personality, transforming it from a friendly off-roader into a purpose-built machine that means business.
3. The Performance-Tuned Suspension System
An off-road vehicle is only as good as its suspension, and this is an area where RTR has invested heavily. The Ford RTR Bronco isn’t just lifted for looks; it’s equipped with a finely tuned suspension system designed to enhance both on-road handling and off-road capability.
The package includes custom-valved Fox Performance Elite 2.5 coilovers. For those not deep into suspension tech, here’s what that means: Fox is a top name in off-road racing, and their shocks are built to handle extreme conditions. The “custom-valved” part is crucial. RTR worked with Fox to develop a specific tuning profile for the Bronco’s weight and geometry.
This results in a ride that is remarkably composed. On rough, washboard roads where a stock suspension might feel jittery and unsettled, the RTR Bronco soaks up the bumps with confidence. When rock crawling, the increased wheel travel and articulation keep the tires planted on the ground for maximum traction. Yet, despite this off-road prowess, the suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable and controlled ride on the highway. It corners with less body roll than you might expect from a lifted vehicle, making it a surprisingly pleasant daily driver.
4. Thoughtful Interior and Exterior Touches
It’s often the small details that elevate a good vehicle to a great one. The Ford RTR Bronco is filled with them. While the big-ticket items like the suspension and wheels get most of the attention, the subtle branding and functional additions complete the package.
Inside, you’ll find a serialized dash plaque signed by Vaughn Gittin Jr. himself, reminding you that you’re driving something special. The floor liners are all-weather RTR-branded units, ready to handle mud, snow, and whatever else you track in from your adventures. There are even custom graphics on the exterior that are stylish without being overly loud.
One of the standout additions is the RTR Tubular Rear Bumper. This bumper not only looks tough but also improves the vehicle’s departure angle, meaning you’re less likely to scrape the rear end when coming off a steep obstacle. It’s a practical upgrade that adds to the Bronco’s capability. These elements combine to create a cohesive and polished vehicle. It feels less like a collection of aftermarket parts and more like a limited-edition model straight from the factory.
5. It’s an Authentic, Purpose-Built Package
Perhaps the most compelling thing to love about the Ford RTR Bronco is the philosophy behind it. This is not a random assortment of parts from a catalog. It’s a holistically designed package where every component is chosen to work in harmony with the others.
The team at RTR, led by a professional driver, understands vehicle dynamics. They know that changing one part, like the suspension, affects how another part, like the steering, behaves. They’ve done the hard work of testing and tuning to ensure the entire package is balanced and performs as intended.
When you buy an RTR Bronco, you’re not just getting a list of upgrades. You are buying into a vision of what the ultimate Bronco can be. It’s a vehicle built by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts. There’s an authenticity to it that’s hard to replicate with a DIY build. You can drive it off the lot with the confidence that it has been professionally engineered to be more capable, more stylish, and more fun than the already excellent vehicle it’s based on.
The Ultimate Bronco Experience?
The Ford RTR Bronco takes a legendary platform and refines it into something truly special. It addresses the common first steps many off-roaders take—wheels, tires, and suspension—and executes them at a professional level. It adds a layer of aggressive, modern style that makes it stand out in any crowd, whether at the trailhead or in a city parking lot.
If you are looking for a vehicle that’s ready for serious adventure from day one, without the headache of researching, purchasing, and installing parts yourself, the Ford RTR Bronco is an incredibly compelling option. It’s a turnkey solution for those who want to get out and explore, with a vehicle that is as capable as it is cool.
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