Speak louder! I can’t hear you!
After nearly 75,000 miles of amazing adventure and exploration in our 2021 Ford Bronco, one thing had become painfully clear: our OEM soft top was a weak point that had to be addressed.
Why We Ditched the OEM Soft Top on Our Bronco
Wind Noise, Creaks, and Cabin Chaos
To be fair, our 6th Gen (2021, ’22, ’23, ’24, ’25) Non-Sasquatch Outer Banks Bronco wasn’t packaged with luxury in mind, it was built for top down, hit the road, enjoy the ride fun. But with less than 10,000 miles, the fit and finish of the factory soft top started to falter. Creaking, flapping, and squeaking over every bump and turn took a toll on our ears. Despite re-tightening and taping key touch points, the noise always came back. We seriously considered buying a hard top until we got introduced to the Bestop eTop at SEMA.
Spotted at SEMA 2024
While attending the 2024 SEMA show, we found a powered convertible soft top that didn’t require the three rear window panels to be removed to go topless. Intrigued, we asked Bestop’s Jake Rosaia for a walk around and he explained how the nine-layer construction of fabric, foam and fibers were designed to increase cabin comfort by reducing noise and allowing for better temperature regulation.
As you could imagine, after 75,000 miles, our stock soft top had its fill of squeaks, creaks and flapping noise so Bestop’s eTop looked like the exact solution that we were looking for. It was a no brainer that we had to try it out for ourselves.
Layer by Layer
Where the OEM soft top used a basic three-ply fabric laminate, the eTop was a huge step up in construction, ergonomics and design. We asked Jake for a layer-by-layer breakdown and purpose of each material.
Exterior Shell
Insulation Core
Interior Headliner
Installation
Our Bestop eTop was delivered to World Famous 4x4 in Burbank, California, an authorized Bestop installer local to us, where owner Henrik got his A-team on the install. While this could be a fun 2-man DIY project, the 3-year warranty only applies if it is installed by an authorized eTop installer. With that in mind, we looked to the experts to install the eTop.
Review
Driving Impression
On the freeway, the transformation was immediate. The wind noise above our head was reduced to the point we could hear the tires on the road and air passing by our windows. Phone calls at highway speeds were possible without raising our voice and speaker volume. Friends and colleagues who used to dread my calls from the Bronco now asked where I was calling from, pleasantly surprised to hear nothing but soft humming of the road—even while cruising at 70 miles per hour. The same was true with casual conversation in the Bronco now that the OEM soft top flapping and squeaking disappeared.
Thoughtful Design
No more getting out of the Bronco and removing three separate panels just to go topless. Now, you simply step on the brakes, push and hold a switch, and in about 14 seconds, the eTop opens up. After soaking in the sun, the wind, or even the moonlight, it takes another 15 seconds to close it. In our repeated tests, these numbers were consist for the Bronco.
Oversized handles and a thoughtfully placed central grab point make sealing the cabin intuitive and effortless. Rear cargo access has improved too—just pull back the Velcro, unzip the sides, and flip up the rear window to gain full access to the cargo area, no head-ducking required.
Fit & Finish
As of this writing, we’ve had the eTop on the Bronco for two months. In that time, we’ve logged over 2,000 miles, from the sandy, muddy chaos of King of the Hammers to the tequila sunrises of San Felipe, Baja Mexico. We hit whoops and washboards at speed, and the seal held tight—doing an excellent job of keeping desert dust and sand outside where it belongs. We’ll keep you posted on the seal’s long-term performance in future updates.
Feature Highlights
- Windows are made of vinyl that are .5 mm to .75 mm thick and tinted to 30%
- Window Storage is possible by a well thought out pockets. One for the side panels and a separate one for the large rear panel.
- German-made Bosch Motor is specially made for automotive convertibles.
- Open & Close Switch is placed next to the window switches and has a factory look and feel.
- 3-Year Warranty only with authorized professional installation.
Price and Weight
| OPTION | WEIGHT | |
|---|---|---|
| OEM 4 Door Soft Top: | $2,779.00 | 111 lbs. |
| OEM 4 Door Bronco Hard Top: | $4,995.00 | 400 lbs. |
| FORD Powered Soft Top by Bestop: | $5,499.00 | unknown |
| Bestop eTop: | $4,995.00 | 249 lbs. |
Final Word
The Bestop eTop is more than a soft top. It’s an upgrade to the entire Bronco experience. If you love the thrill of off-roading but want a touch of refinement and ease of use, the eTop is a great solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bestop eTop?
A powered soft top replacement for the 2021+ Ford Bronco, designed to reduce noise and improve ease of use.
Is it waterproof?
Yes. The PVC blend and the solution-dyed polyester backing makes it waterproof and strong.
Can I install it myself?
Technically yes, but professional installation by an authorized shop is required to validate the warranty.
How long does it take to open and close?
Roughly 14 seconds to open, 15 to close.
What makes it quieter than the OEM top?
Its nine-layer construction, including foam insulation and fabric backing, reduces noise by up to 5 decibels.
How long does it take to install?
Approximately 8 man hours to remove old soft top and install new soft top. +/- an hour depending on your experience.
For more stories about our OVR 2021 Ford Bronco Pavement Princess project vehicle, click here.
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