Upgrading the stereo system in your 2021-up Ford Bronco Sport (2024)

Overview of the Ford Bronco Sport

Off-road enthusiasts spent years clamoring for just one new Bronco. Ford came up with two. Good things come to those who wait, it seems.

There’s the big, truck-based Bronco, of course, which is designed to compete with the Jeep Wrangler for the rock-climbing, stream-fording, and dune-hopping enthusiasts. Then there’s the Bronco Sport, which is made for those who want to combine off-road ability with in-town agility.

The Sport, based on the same platform as the Ford Escape, might be the smaller of the two, but it’s every inch a Bronco. The styling is appropriately rugged both inside and out, and the performance is impressive both off-road and on. It’s just cool, which isn’t a word often used to describe SUVs.

The stock stereo systems aren’t bad, but any vehicle with blunt corners and big tires is going to need more oomph to be heard over all that road noise. This article will tell you what you can (and can't) do and give you some tips on how to do it.

The factory stereo system

The factory radio is, quite obviously, not an old-school in-dash receiver like the one in your dad’s old Bronco or Bronco II. As a result, there’s no way to replace the big-screen display with anything from the aftermarket.

That's pretty common these days. For the most part, aftermarket speakers are the way to go if you want to upgrade the audio in your Bronco Sport. Better speakers will give you better sound, even if you do have to stick with the factory radio. Adding an amplifier for more power will really make your Bronco sound off.

You might need to access the factory tuner/amp combo as part of your audio upgrade. It's located behind the climate control panel, and you'll find step-by-step disassembly info in the vehicle-specific instructions included with your Crutchfield car audio purchase.

To learn more about upgrading your sound while keeping the factory radio, check out this helpful guide to sound processors.

The Bang & Olufsen system includes a subwoofer that’s located behind the driver's side rear side panel. If that's not enough bass for you, you can use those speaker leads to get signal for an aftermarket bass system.

Removing the Bronco Sport's factory speakers

Since removing and replacing the speakers is the best way to improve your Bronco Sport's sound, it's helpful that the work is reasonably uncomplicated — for the most part. We'll get into the details below.

Removing the dash speakers

Depending on the system you’re starting with, the Bronco Sport’s dash can contain either two or three speakers. All systems will have 1.63" tweeters in the corners. The Bang & Olufsen system adds a 3-1/2" speaker in the center of the dash. Removing and replacing these speakers is reasonably easy, and aftermarket replacements are available.

Starting at the top edge, pry off the front pillar trim panel. Remove the 10mm nut securing the trim panel tether, then lift the trim panel to remove it. That’ll expose one 7mm screw, which you’ll need to remove. Repeat those same steps on the opposite side of the vehicle.

Once all that’s done, pry up the dash grille panel to release 22 (yes, we counted) clips, then remove the panel.

For the corner speakers, pry up the tweeter to release three tabs, then disconnect the harness and remove the tweeter. There are no aftermarket wiring harnesses for these speakers, so you’ll need to splice, solder, or use Posi-Products speaker connectors to connect the new ones to the factory wiring. There also aren’t any mounting brackets available. You’ll need to custom-fit the new tweeters using hot glue, silicone, or our universal backstraps to secure them.

In vehicles with the base audio system, the corner dash tweeters are wired in parallel with the corresponding front door woofers. The B&O corner speakers are powered by the tuner/amp module. In either case, replacing the high-impedance factory speakers with 4-ohm aftermarket speakers will result in lower volume levels, so keep that in mind when you’re shopping.

Removing the B&O center dash speaker

As for the B&O center dash speaker, you’ll need to remove the two 7mm screws securing the speaker to the dash, then disconnect the harness and remove the speaker.

There’s no aftermarket wiring harness for this speaker either, so you’ll need to splice, solder, or use Posi-Products speaker connectors to connect the new ones. This is also a high-impedance speaker, so pay attention to impedance when replacing this one, too.

Oh, and be sure to test your new speakers before putting the dash back together.

Tools needed: Panel tool, 7mm and 10mm sockets, ratchet and extension

Removing the front door woofers

The 6-3/4" front door speakers, which are wired in parallel to the corresponding corner dash tweeters, can be replaced by a variety of aftermarket models. You’ll need mounting brackets to install the new ones, and we’ll include them with your Crutchfield speaker purchase.

Starting at the front edge, use your panel tool to pry out the screw cover behind the door release handle, then remove one exposed 8mm screw. Next, starting at the front edge, pry up the power switch panel to release six clips, then disconnect the harnesses, remove the switch panel, then remove the two 10mm screws.

Remove the two 7mm screws along the bottom edge of the door panel, then pry off the reflector lens and remove the exposed 7mm screw. Starting at either lower corner, pry the door panel off to release six clips, then disconnect the door lock/release assembly by pressing the release tab. Disconnect the harness, then remove the door panel and store it someplace clean and dry while you keep working.

Finally, you’ll remove the three 7mm screws securing the speaker to the door, disconnect the harness, and remove the speaker.

Once the new speakers are secured, test to make sure they’re working as they should. If they are, you can start putting the door back together. Check the door lock and release mechanisms, and also make sure there aren’t any wires messing with the window operation.

Tools needed: Panel tool, small flat blade screwdriver, 7mm, 8mm and 10mm sockets, ratchet and extension

Removing the rear door speakers

Removing the rear door speakers is pretty much the same process as removing the ones up front. In the base system, there’s a full-range speaker in each rear door. For the B&O system, there’s a woofer and a tweeter, which are wired in parallel. Complete, illustrated disassembly instructions can be found in the Crutchfield ResearchNotes included free with your purchase.

You’ll need mounting brackets to install your new "big" speakers, and we’ll include them with your Crutchfield speaker purchase. There are no brackets for the tweeters, so you’ll need to use hot glue, silicone, or our universal backstraps to secure the new ones. There’s also no aftermarket wiring harness for the tweeters, so you’ll need to splice, solder, or use Posi-Products speaker connectors here.

Tools needed: Panel tool, small flat blade screwdriver, 7mm, 8mm and 10mm sockets, ratchet and extension

Removing the rear side panel subwoofer

The Bang & Olufsen system also includes a 6"x9" subwoofer on the passenger’s side of the cargo area. This speaker is molded to a bracket and has a proprietary Ford bolt pattern. As a result, you’ll need to fabricate a bracket to install an aftermarket 6"x9" woofer.

Cargo area subs can be difficult to get to, but this one’s not too bad. First, you’ll lift up the cargo floor panels and remove them. Next, you’ll remove the two 10mm screws along the front edge of the hatch door scuff panel. Pry up the scuff panel to release six retaining lips, then remove it.

Lift up the passenger’s side under-floor foam storage block and remove it. Then pry off the passenger’s side rear pillar trim panel, starting at the upper front edge, then remove the panel.

Remove the spare tire, then pry off the rear edge of the passenger’s side rear-side panel just enough to reach the subwoofer. Remove the four Torx T25 screws securing the subwoofer to the factory bracket, then disconnect the harness and remove the sub.

The factory B&O amplifier is behind the panel on the driver’s side of the cargo area. To reach the amp, you’ll perform the same panel-removal tasks on that side of the truck. Instructions and an amplifier wiring diagram can be found in your Crutchfield ResearchNotes.

Tools needed (Sub): Panel tool, Tox T25 driver, 10mm socket, ratchet and extension

Tools needed (Amp): Panel tool, 10mm socket, ratchet and extension

Read our Car Speakers Buying Guide for more information.

Shop for speakers that fit your Ford Bronco Sport

More bass in your Bronco Sport

If you want to add a subwoofer box to your system, the Bronco Sport gives you a 39"W x 20"H x 26"/33"D space to work with. There's also space for a mono amp to power the sub, of course. And if you're a fan of one-stop shopping, we offer bass packages that'll fill your Bronco with plenty of bass.

If you want better bass, but still want to hang onto as much cargo area as possible, we’d suggest a more compact powered subwoofer.

Learn more about building a bass system in our Car Subwoofer Buying Guide.

Other options for your Bronco Sport

With a vehicle like the Bronco Sport, there are lots of ways to upgrade your entertainment quality and everyday utility.

Protect your carpeting with WeatherTech mats

The Bronco Sport is a very cool SUV, but the factory floor mats are...just regular old factory floor mats. Whether you're doing outdoorsy SUV-type stuff or just tooling around town, those mats might not be up to the job. A set of custom floor liners from WeatherTech will help protect the carpeting from dirt and damage.

We also offer rain deflectors, mud flaps, and other automotive accessories that will be great for your Bronco Sport.

Add sound damping to block noise

Big tires and blunt corners can raise quite a ruckus on the road. A Dynamat Xtreme Door Kit is the perfect way to seal in sound. This heavy-duty insulating material is easy to install, and it really makes a difference. One kit will take care of the front doors in your Bronco Sport. The rear doors and the rear hatch are also good areas to target if you build a serious sound system.

Add an amplifier and improve the sound

If you're mostly using your Bronco Sport to haul gear and kids and the kids' gear, you can still have an amazing system without sacrificing square footage — look for amplifiers with small footprints to fit in the out-of-the-way spaces in your cargo area.

Remote start and security systems

Adding remote start capability to your vehicle lets you warm it up in the winter or cool it down in the summer. The iDatastart system is incredibly convenient and makes it easier than ever to install a remote start system, so we highly recommend it. The module requires a vehicle-specific T-harness (sold separately) to connect with your vehicle's computer, security, and ignition systems, so we ask that you call to order so that we can make sure you get the right harness for your ride.

You can also talk to your Crutchfield Advisor about a security system. They’re not as easy to install (we usually suggest letting a professional do the job), but we can help you choose a system that’ll work in your vehicle.

Let's get started!

Ready to shop? Use our vehicle selector to find the gear that will fit your Bronco Sport, or other car or truck. If you have questions, give us a shout via phone or chat.