Get OB 21 or 22 Badlands

[RoutyRhondaB]

Hi Y'all~
I bought a Alto Blue BS 2021 OB w/ Navy Pier a month ago at a used car sale. They sold it to me for a Modest 32k. (they didn't know what they had). Just a couple days ago, my garage had a very hot electrical fire, total loss! So now I'm at a dilemma on what to buy next: Should I buy an exact replica of what I had? OB AltoBlue 21 or should I get the Badlands 22 on order? They are within about 2k of each other. I really can't decide and wanting some insider advise since I only had the car 4 weeks before it being totaled. I want to get into off roading ( I live in SD) and pull motorcycles/small trailers.

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[Deleted member 6350]

Well let me tell ya that I rushed into buying my BigBend and if I had the chance for a do over I would Definitely get the BadLands and wait it out but that’s me. Don’t get me wrong I Luv my BigBend.

 

[Ponyrider]

Cue the Badlands people. ?

 

[SportWest]

I want to get into off roading ( I live in SD) and pull motorcycles/small trailers.

In that case, get the Badlands with tow package. You'll want the extra power. Also budget for a small loss in fuel economy with the 2.0 vs 1.5 engine.

FWIW, I also traded up from a 21 1.5 Big Bend to a 22 Badlands (still waiting).

 

[13MikeH]

I love my badlands and I'd argue it's intended for beefier off-road with the suspension and skid plate. I'd also argue the Outer Banks is more creature comforts and likely meets every need of 99% of buyers. If it's 2K and you can wait get the Badlands. If the Outer Banks was perfect and it's available, get it. Sincerely can't go wrong. I don't care what others say, the 1.5 was more than capable from my test drives. I got what I wanted and the influence of the dealers sold the Badlands. I wouldn't know the difference.

 

[thekingprawn]

should I get the Badlands 22 on order?

Are order banks still open?

 

[AndyMac204]

go badlands if they are comparable in price.

 

[MJE]

Sorry to hear of your fire, I can imagine that’s a horrible experience to go through and for more than just the car. When I faced this choice I ultimately chose BL (and could afford to wait for my order), but it’s not a clear cut answer. I’d agree, if you’re looking to get into off-roading & towing, the BL seems to fit those needs.

My considerations were:
1. Creature comforts. The OB has a few that the BL lacks, such as the rain sensing wipers & deicer. With one caveat, I’m in Canada where those are all standard even on the base model. So the only ‘small’ thing I was giving up going to BL (with premium) from OB was ambient lighting.
2. Interior colors. The OB offers a premium ’blue’ option where the BL is ‘brown’ only. I happen to love the brown suede so an easy choice for me, but if you prefer the blue interior with your blue exterior, only OB offers that (or you give up the premium BL package to get blue fabric).
3. Wheels/Tires. I love the factory ‘steelies’ as they look like vintage 4x4 to me. With the carbon gray roof, I think it’s a neat pairing. Others think they look like cheap snow tire rims. But the fact that I got the Falken tires (and their 3PMSF or whatever) with them means I don’t have to swap out tires right away or buy a 2nd set of winters. Cost savings enough right there.
4. Front Camera. Only BL has it. & though it’s arguably there for a trail spotting cam, it should be equally useful for tight city parking in a vehicle that lacks front parking sensors. OB should have this as well, but doesn’t.
5. Economy. Not a huge difference for me, but if you’re doing a lot of commuting, you should get better mileage out of the OB 1.5 & that can add up over time.

That’s what I remember the considerations were off the top of my head. There’s some other threads too where people have asked the same question before which might give you some more insight. Good luck with the choice!

 

[MJE]

https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/suddenly-feeling-stuck-between-bs-ob-vs-bs-bl.5357/
https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/new-21-ob-vs-used-21-bl-decisions-decisions.5677/
https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/who-changed-model-who-sold-a-1-5-to-get-into-2-0.4921/
https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/i-am-getting-ready-to-order-a-new-bronco-sport-i-need-some-advice-on-ob-vs-bl.6036/
This may be more reading than you want, but OB vs BL is probably one of the tougher purchasing dilemmas faced by those shopping at the top of the BS food chain, perhaps because neither one is completely at the top. Both in the order guide say they build off the BB specs.

https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/2022-bronco-sport-order-guides-u-s-canada-updated-monthly.4290/
Oh & that reminds me, if you want to really read up on every little detail of what each model does or doesn’t have, the order guide tells all.

 

[Slingy]

You have to ask yourself if you want the soda bottle on the left or the one on the right. While 181hp out of a 1.5L 3 cyl. is pretty amazing, the 250hp out of the 2L is just so much fun.

Now if you can't live without your Navy Pier interior ( my favorite int. which I really wish was available in BL) get another OB.

My BL came with the Area 51 interior so it's kind of a "Base BL" but it also has the Falken 235's and the towing package. I'm fine with that since I have all the function and everything else is just fluff to me. I still think fluff is nice but if I don't have it I don't have to really know how nice it is.

 

[SportWest]

This may be more reading than you want, but OB vs BL is probably one of the tougher purchasing dilemmas faced by those shopping at the top of the BS food chain, perhaps because neither one is completely at the top. Both in the order guide say they build off the BB specs.

That's an interesting perspective as I didn't know the extent of the OB's unique features. When I shopped, it was between the BB and Badlands: OB seemed 'unnecessary' in the lineup, as in why not just swing for the fences with the Badlands? BB had the best bang-for-your-buck with the same 1.5 as the OB. Current MSRP might change the calculus but that was my vibe in 21.

 

[Melzz]

Fantastic breakdown from @MJE above. I do wish the BL had a few of the creature comfort and color options the OB has, but beyond those the decision really came down the the functionality of the larger engine, additional GOAT modes, etc. I wanted the extra ponies under the hood.

 

[MJE]

That's an interesting perspective as I didn't know the extent of the OB's unique features. When I shopped, it was between the BB and Badlands: OB seemed 'unnecessary' in the lineup, as in why not just swing for the fences with the Badlands? BB had the best bang-for-your-buck with the same 1.5 as the OB. Current MSRP might change the calculus but that was my vibe in 21.

Honestly I think they could get down to just BB & BL. Give the BL all the features of the OB like it should have (& mostly does here, which yes made my decision easier). & BB should cover off all but the most price conscious of customers I’d think, I didn’t think it was that much more than base If you don’t add the package.

I’m assuming it ultimately comes down to a different enough ‘look’ with the OB to have it take its place in the lineup, perhaps mostly from the unique wheels. Glad they can profitably produce more models but really. Just put the few small features on the BL & give it a premium blue interior & you’re good to go.

 

[Tigger]

I have the Outer Banks and love it. It is the right vehicle for me. But I think your explanation makes it clear that it is time for you to move to the Badlands because towing and off-roading are its strengths.

I must admit that I’m suspicious of the price difference being only $2000 but I can tell you on resale, the 22 BL will be worth a lot more.

 

[Mark S.]

You mentioned the two use cases—towing and off-road—that make the Badlands your best choice. The Badlands makes significantly more power, so towing will put far less stress on the engine. It also has a more capable 4WD system. In short, if you plan to do a lot of towing and off road driving then the Badlands makes the most sense.

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