Our marketing manager and our head of product development have been locked in an ongoing debate: whose Bronco would win in a race? Would old-school grit or modern engineering prevail? We decided to settle it once and for all. We fueled up the Broncos, tuned in our radios, and hit the dirt.
So began The Battle of the Broncos.
On one side, you’ve got a 2023 Ford Bronco Badlands. It's modern powertrain, stability, and traction control systems give it a theoretical edge.
On the other side you have Rugged's legendary 1996 OBS Ford Bronco turned Baja prerunner. It's stretched, armored, and built to hammer through the rough stuff without flinching.
So we lined them up on a dry lakebed, pinned the throttles, and kept the radios on - partly for safety, mostly because it's more fun to heckle in real time.
The Battle of the Broncos flag drop.
The Battle of the Broncos
Off the line, the modern Bronco's powerplant and lightweight platform came to life. It rocketed ahead on the hard-packed desert, soaking up bumps that would’ve bucked lesser rigs. No surprise there, 6th gen Broncos have horsepower and engineering on their side. In a pure drag race, new tech seems to provide the competitive edge.
It doesn’t matter if you win by an inch or a mile. Winning’s winning.
The OBS wasn’t worried. Over the radio, Steve was already calling his shots - claiming the 6th-gen wouldn’t survive the whoops. Was he lining up a rematch before we’d even finished?
Watch the Full Race
Who's the Real Winner?
It depends on what you’re after.
If your idea of adventure is covering ground fast, exploring new trails, and keeping it comfortable, a modern touch is tough to beat.
If your blood pumps faster at the thought of hammering through desert whoops at 60+ MPH, the old body style is the rig for you.
No matter your style, communication is key, and both builds are loaded with Rugged Radios gear to keep the adventure on track.
Shop the Look – Rugged Radios Products for Each Bronco
"Snoopy"
2023 Bronco
Radios:
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GMRS Mobile Radio Kit – Rambler G4 — Primary communication for trail and Baja exploration.
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GMR2 Plus Handheld Radio — Portable, backup GMRS handheld.
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R1 Business Band Handheld Radio — Backup radio for groups operating on business band channels.
Mounts:
Intercom & Accessories:
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No intercom needed — modern cab interior keeps noise low and communication simple.
Built for: Baja-style exploration and trail convoys.
"Wilson"
OBS Stretched Bronco Prerunner
Radios:
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GMRS Mobile Radio Kit – Rambler G4 — GMRS communication for trail groups and secondary channels.
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Business Band M1 Mobile Radio — Primary race communication radio.
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GMR2 Plus Handheld Radio — Backup handheld radio for GMRS use.
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R1 Business Band Handheld Radio — Additional handheld for race comms or chase crew backup.
Mounts:
Intercom & Accessories:
Built for: High-speed desert prerunning and full race support.
Who's the Real Winner?
Whether you’re flying solo in a new Bronco or chasing race trucks in a prerunner, the ability to hear clearly, react quickly, and stay connected is the real advantage. Rugged Radios gear is trusted by racers, explorers, and off-roaders who know that when the terrain gets tough, communication makes the difference.
Every Bronco Has a Story. Start Yours with Rugged Radios.