Throughout our Bronco’s journey, it has seen quite a few different exhaust’s from a few different manufacturers. We’ve done the hard work in installing, testing, and providing you content of EVERY Bronco exhaust we’ve had on the truck to ensure you’re happy with the exhaust you get at the end of the day.
In this article...
AWE 0FG Cat-back Exhaust
Roush Axle-Back Exhaust
MRT King of the Hill Axle-Back
MRT Trail Rated Axle-Back
Thermal R&D Cat-Back Exhaust
Kooks Street Series Axle-Back
Corsa Performance Cat-back
So what have we had on the truck so far...
AWE 0FG Cat-back Exhaust
Install Difficulty : 3/5
Sound Level : 2/5
Drone : 1/5
With install being a little more difficult due it being a cat-back system, including the removal of the stock mid-pipe, everything included with AWE installed perfectly without an issue. The slightly larger diameter piping could definitely benefit us down the road when turbo upgrades, intercoolers, and larger, better flowing charge pipes and downpipes are in play.
The sound change is well worth noting, as the sound compared to any of the axle-back’s gets “deeper”, so to say. We believe that due to the muffler being earlier in the exhaust system (within the mid-pipe, just after the flange, the acoustic’s change quite a bit, and more so to our liking.
With the various different combinations that AWE provides, you have 3 different variations you can run, all of which are interchangable with simple hand tools. Whether you want it to be nice and tucked away for maximum clearance or loud and proud with your 4 inch dual tips (or 5 inch single tip), they give you the option with ease.
Overall, we have to say the AWE Cat-back is one of our favorites due to it’s overall quality, features, and sound.
Check it out here below!
Roush Axle-Back Exhaust
Install Difficulty : 3/5
Sound Level : 2/5
Drone : 1/5
While the exhaust will fit both the 2.3L and 2.7L Bronco, you will have to remove the rear bumper cover & flip the bracket (if you already have a 2.3L) or remove the bracket and replace with the supplied 2.3L bracket (if you have a 2.7L). While this may sound like a lot for an axle-back install, it is very easily done in your driveway.
With a muffler still being in play, of course smaller and routed higher than OEM (for better clearance), the sound is a nice, yet somewhat mild increase over the stock sound. We see it as a perfect solution those who aren’t looking for a huge jump in sound but can’t stand the OEM sound, or really the lack of it.
Made from T304 Stainless Steel, this exhaust could very well outlast the truck, regardless of what conditions you throw at it, making this, overall, well worth the money.
Check it out below!
MRT King of the Hill
Install Difficulty : 1/5
Sound Level : 4/5
Drone : 2/5
Being MRT’s most aggressive exhaust system for the Bronco, we were expecting a loud, almost unbearable exhaust. Although, we were pleasantly surprised and wrong in our initial assumption.
The initial start-up sounded quite good and plenty aggressive for our tastes. Under a normal cruise around 2,100-2,500 RPM, there is not much of a drone, although, it is definitely heard. With some wide open throttle, this system lets the world know you mean business and aren't playing around, although, we don't believe it's loud enough to cause hearing damage, it gives what MRT promises : MOST AGGRESSIVE SOUND!
The system utilizes 2.5" T304 Stainless Steel for the piping itself and 3.5" Stainless Steel for the tips, Available in both Polished or Black Ops finish.
The Black Ops tips we chose do blend perfectly with our bumper, making it a nice touch to the aesthetics of the Bronco, as well as giving it that nice throaty sound some want out of their truck.
Check it out below!
MRT Trail Rated Axleback
Install Difficulty : 1/5
Sound Level : 3/5
Drone : 2/5
This is the First Exhaust we installed on our Bronco and we weren’t too sure what to expect for sound, as well as install ease, but much to our liking, the install was a breeze and the sound was even better.
Jared actually took the Bronco on a 10 hour road trip with this exhaust equipped and had NO issues when it came to the sound or drone with the exhaust, making it definitely making it one of his favorite.
There is a light drone, of course being a much smaller muffler than the OEM, but nothing compared to the noise of the 35 inch tires on the highway.
Check it out below!
Thermal R&D Catback Exhaust
Install Difficulty : 2/5
Sound Level : 1.5/5
Drone : 0/5
Under normal throttle and cruising, it is very quiet, but of course, slightly louder than OEM. This is definitely the closest to an OEM sound level, but much better, in our opinion.
Kooks Street Series Axle-Back
Install Difficulty : 2/5
Sound Level : 1/5
Drone : 0/5
Being one of the most established exhaust manufacturers in the country, Kooks Headers and Exhaust has brought their over-the-top quality to the Bronco market with 2 Axleback systems : the Street Series and the Adventure Series.
We had the honor of testing the Street Series on our 2.7L Bronco. With their black, 4 inch, slash cut, ceramic coated tips, this system bumps the Bronco's exhaust sound, as well as the rear aesthetic to the next level above stock. With the subtle, deep-toned note, this system brings out the best in the Bronco, but still is very discrete until under throttle. We believe this is the closest system we've tried to the stock system, but still a well-noticeable sound level increase.
If you're looking for a system that is more hidden and discrete, as well as given a higher surface clearance, the Adventure Series would be recommended instead. While the sound should be fairly similar, there will be slight acoustic changes considering the different routing of piping to make it a single exit system.
Check them out below!
Corsa Performance Cat-Back Exhaust
Install Difficulty : 3/5
Sound Level : 4/5
Drone : 0/5
Corsa has gotten into the Bronco game with their Sport Catback Exhaust System for both the 2 Door and 4 Door versions of the Bronco.
With 3 different setups, ranging from Polished and Black tips, all the way to a Turn-down Exit, which helps tuck the system up into rear of the truck more further helping the departure angle for who need it, they have a system for just about everyone!
Their systems use a 2.75” Piping size, is made from 304 Stainless Steel, and all feature their Reflective Sound Cancellation technology, better known as RSC.
With an aggressive, noticeable sound, the Corsa system has made a unique, Raptor-like sound for our truck. Jared found this exhaust to be his favorite on the truck so far!
Check out all the Corsa system variations here!
https://www.lethalperformance.com/search/?q=Corsa+Performance+Bronco
Overall the Bronco Exhaust’s can be heard in similar tones, apart from the cat-back systems, in which provide a deeper sound, but is among the quieter of all the systems we tested. Each system definitely has their own unique sound or quality, which is much harder to interpret in writing so hopefully, you had a chance to hear each system in the videos provided. While the Ecoboost has been a hard beast to tame as far as sound goes, but we think each of one of these manufacturers has produced a quality product, spending countless hours developing a sound that isn't too much for most, but also, doesn't give any rasp or negative tone, which is hard to find in any exhaust.
Check out all the 2021+ Ford Bronco Exhaust Systems we carry here at Lethal Performance!
https://www.lethalperformance.com/shop-now/vehicle-selector/ford-2021-bronco/exhaust
Looking for more parts? Check out our collections of 2021 Ford Bronco performance parts and 2021 Ford Bronco Sport parts today.
About the Author
Joe, also known as “the Average Joe” is anything but your “average” automotive enthusiast, with an early influence of speed, his life revolves around anything with a motor, from race cars, street cars, motorcycles, boats and more.