While Badlands and Raptor trims come with some factory skid plate protection, many owners upgrade to more comprehensive coverage for the engine, transfer case, fuel tank, and steering components. Here are ten top skid plate options for this generation.
Note: Coverage needs vary significantly by trim — Badlands and Raptor already include meaningful factory underbody protection, while Big Bend, Black Diamond, and Outer Banks trims have more limited factory coverage.
1. RPG Off-Road Complete Skid Plate System
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5) — Badge: Best Overall
“A comprehensive system covering engine, transfer case, transmission, and fuel tank in one coordinated package.”
RPG Off-Road’s complete system addresses all major vulnerable underbody components in a single coordinated kit, using thick aluminum or steel plate (depending on configuration) engineered specifically around the Bronco’s underbody geometry.
Rather than piecing together individual plates from different manufacturers with potentially mismatched coverage gaps, this system is designed to work as a complete, overlapping protective package.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Engine, transfer case, transmission, fuel tank |
| Material | Aluminum or steel options |
| Fitment | 2021–2025 Ford Bronco (non-Raptor) |
| Install Time | 3–4 hours |
Pros
- Comprehensive, coordinated coverage
- No gaps between mismatched individual plates
- Material choice flexibility (aluminum or steel)
Cons
- Premium pricing for the full system
- Longer installation time for complete coverage
Price Range: $900–$1,400
2. ADD (All Pro Off Road) Transfer Case Skid Plate
⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.6/5) — Badge: Best Transfer Case Protection
“Focused, heavy-duty protection for one of the most vulnerable and expensive-to-repair components on the underbody.”
ADD’s transfer case skid plate uses thick steel construction specifically contoured to the Bronco’s transfer case location, protecting one of the most costly components to repair if struck on a rock or obstacle.
For owners who want to prioritize spending on the single most critical protection point rather than a full system, this represents a smart, targeted investment.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Transfer case only |
| Material | Steel plate |
| Fitment | 2021–2025 Ford Bronco (non-Raptor) |
| Install Time | 1–1.5 hours |
Pros
- Protects a costly-to-repair component
- Genuine heavy-duty steel construction
- Reasonable standalone price point
Cons
- Doesn’t address other vulnerable underbody areas
- Adds some weight low on the vehicle
Price Range: $220–$320
3. Rugged Ridge Complete Skid Plate Kit
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.3/5) — Badge: Best Value Complete System
“Comprehensive coverage at a price point below premium off-road-specific brands.”
Rugged Ridge offers a full skid plate system covering the major underbody vulnerability points at a lower price than boutique brands like RPG Off-Road or ADD, making comprehensive protection more accessible.
Material gauge and finish trail the premium tier slightly, but the fundamental protective coverage remains solid for the price.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Engine, transfer case, fuel tank |
| Material | Steel plate |
| Fitment | 2021–2025 Ford Bronco (non-Raptor) |
| Install Time | 3 hours |
Pros
- Strong value for comprehensive coverage
- Solid core protection
- Widely available
Cons
- Less refined finish than premium brands
- Slightly thinner gauge steel than top-tier options
Price Range: $500–$750
4. DV8 Offroad Fuel Tank Skid Plate
⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5) — Badge: Best Fuel Tank Protection
“Targeted protection for one of the most safety-critical components to shield from puncture.”
DV8’s fuel tank skid plate provides focused, heavy-duty coverage for the fuel tank specifically, addressing a genuine safety concern since a punctured fuel tank on the trail is both dangerous and often trip-ending.
The Bronco-specific contouring ensures proper fitment and clearance, avoiding the generic fitment compromises of universal plates.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Fuel tank only |
| Material | Steel plate |
| Fitment | 2021–2025 Ford Bronco (non-Raptor) |
| Install Time | 1–1.5 hours |
Pros
- Addresses a genuine safety-critical vulnerability
- Bronco-specific contoured fitment
- Reasonable standalone price point
Cons
- Doesn’t address other underbody vulnerability points
- Adds weight at the rear underbody
Price Range: $250–$360
5. Rock Hard 4×4 Front Skid Plate System
⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5) — Badge: Best Heavy-Duty Front Protection
“Overbuilt front underbody protection matching Rock Hard 4×4’s reputation from their rock sliders and bumpers.”
Rock Hard 4×4’s front skid system covers the engine oil pan, steering components, and front differential (where applicable) with the same overbuilt steel construction philosophy found across their product line.
This is the choice for owners who genuinely rock crawl and want maximum front-end underbody protection to match their sliders and bumper investment.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Engine oil pan, steering, front differential |
| Material | Thick-wall steel plate |
| Fitment | 2021–2025 Ford Bronco (non-Raptor) |
| Install Time | 2–3 hours |
Pros
- Extremely durable for serious rock crawling
- Matches Rock Hard 4×4 slider/bumper aesthetic
- Comprehensive front underbody coverage
Cons
- Heaviest option in this category
- Premium pricing
Price Range: $600–$900
6. GenRight Off-Road Steering Box Skid Plate
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.2/5) — Badge: Best Steering Protection
“Focused protection for the steering box, a component that can be expensive and complicated to repair if damaged off-road.”
GenRight’s steering box skid plate provides targeted coverage for this specific vulnerable component, using durable steel construction contoured to avoid interfering with steering function while still shielding it from rocks and debris.
This is a smart addition for owners who’ve already addressed engine and transfer case protection and want to round out coverage of remaining vulnerability points.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Steering box only |
| Material | Steel plate |
| Fitment | 2021–2025 Ford Bronco (non-Raptor) |
| Install Time | 1 hour |
Pros
- Protects a costly-to-repair steering component
- Doesn’t interfere with steering function
- Affordable standalone addition
Cons
- Narrow coverage scope
- Best purchased alongside other skid plates for full protection
Price Range: $150–$230
7. Artec Industries Skid Plate Kit
⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.4/5) — Badge: Best Fabrication Quality
“Known in the off-road community for precise fabrication and attention to fitment detail.”
Artec Industries has a strong reputation in the broader off-road fabrication community for meticulous attention to fitment and material quality, and their Bronco skid plate kit reflects that same standard.
The kit’s precise contouring minimizes gaps and maximizes ground clearance retention compared to more generic aftermarket plates, an important detail for maintaining approach and departure angles.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Engine, transfer case (configuration options) |
| Material | Steel plate |
| Fitment | 2021–2025 Ford Bronco (non-Raptor) |
| Install Time | 2–3 hours |
Pros
- Excellent fabrication precision
- Minimizes ground clearance loss
- Strong off-road community reputation
Cons
- Premium pricing
- Longer lead times reported by some buyers
Price Range: $550–$800
8. Barricade Skid Plate Set
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.1/5) — Badge: Best Budget Multi-Piece Set
“A more accessible price point for multi-component underbody coverage.”
Barricade’s skid plate set covers engine and transfer case protection at a price point below premium boutique brands, using standard steel plate construction with reasonable fitment for the price.
For owners wanting broader coverage without the investment of premium comprehensive systems, this represents a practical middle-ground option.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Engine, transfer case |
| Material | Steel plate |
| Fitment | 2021–2025 Ford Bronco (non-Raptor) |
| Install Time | 2–2.5 hours |
Pros
- More affordable multi-component coverage
- Solid core protection
- Reasonable installation time
Cons
- Less refined finish than premium brands
- Doesn’t include fuel tank coverage
Price Range: $380–$560
9. Smittybilt Engine Skid Plate
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.0/5) — Badge: Best Budget Single-Component Plate
“Straightforward engine oil pan protection at an accessible entry-level price.”
Smittybilt’s engine skid plate covers the most basic and commonly damaged component — the oil pan — at a price point well below multi-component systems, offering a reasonable starting point for owners building up protection incrementally.
The steel plate construction and factory-point mounting keep installation straightforward for a DIY-oriented owner.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Engine oil pan only |
| Material | Steel plate |
| Fitment | 2021–2025 Ford Bronco (non-Raptor) |
| Install Time | 1 hour |
Pros
- Affordable entry point into underbody protection
- Protects the most commonly damaged component
- Simple installation
Cons
- Narrow coverage scope
- Doesn’t address transfer case or fuel tank vulnerability
Price Range: $130–$200
10. C4 Fabrication Full Skid Plate System
⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.4/5) — Badge: Best for Serious Overlanders
“A system designed with input from the overlanding and long-distance off-road community, balancing weight against comprehensive coverage.”
C4 Fabrication’s full system takes a slightly different design approach than pure rock-crawling-focused competitors, balancing weight considerations against comprehensive underbody coverage for owners doing extended overlanding trips rather than dedicated technical rock crawling.
This balance makes it a good fit for Bronco owners whose off-road use skews toward long-distance trail travel rather than extreme technical obstacles.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Engine, transfer case, fuel tank |
| Material | Aluminum/steel hybrid |
| Fitment | 2021–2025 Ford Bronco (non-Raptor) |
| Install Time | 3 hours |
Pros
- Balanced weight vs. coverage approach
- Good for overlanding-style off-road use
- Comprehensive coverage
Cons
- Premium pricing
- Less overbuilt than dedicated rock-crawling systems
Price Range: $750–$1,100
Buying Guide: How to Choose Skid Plates for Your Bronco
1. Trim-Specific Factory Coverage Badlands and Raptor trims already include meaningful factory skid plate protection — check what’s already covered before duplicating protection unnecessarily. Big Bend, Black Diamond, Outer Banks, and Wildtrak have more limited factory coverage and benefit more from a full aftermarket system.
2. Full System vs. Targeted Components A complete system (RPG Off-Road, Rugged Ridge, C4 Fabrication) covers all major vulnerability points at once. Targeted individual plates (ADD transfer case, DV8 fuel tank, GenRight steering box) let you prioritize spending on the most critical components first.
3. Material: Steel vs. Aluminum Steel plates offer maximum durability but add more weight. Aluminum options reduce weight but may dent rather than deflect on severe impacts — consider your specific off-road use case when choosing.
4. Ground Clearance Impact Some skid plates, particularly thicker steel options, can slightly reduce effective ground clearance — well-engineered systems (Artec Industries) minimize this trade-off through precise contouring.
5. Rock Crawling vs. Overlanding Priorities If you rock crawl technical trails, prioritize maximum-strength systems (Rock Hard 4×4). If your off-roading is more long-distance overlanding, a balanced weight/coverage system (C4 Fabrication) may serve you better.
Disclaimer: Prices and availability are accurate as of publication but may change. TruckBench earns a commission on qualifying purchases via the Amazon links above. Confirm your specific trim’s existing factory skid plate coverage before purchasing to avoid unnecessary duplication.
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