Outer Banks vs Badlands

[hemyer]

I'm getting ready to order my new BS. Things that are important to me are: leather seats, body color door handles, 360+, tow hitch (just in case - not hauling anything large). I won't be doing any major off roading, but I may occasionally take it on vacations in the blue ridge mountains or want to drive it on the beach, etc... It will primarily be my daily driver, and I do a decent amount of highway driving. I'm debating between the Outer Banks and Badlands, but it would be significantly more expensive to get a Badlands with the leather seats + body color door handles.

My question is... will I miss the larger engine in the Badlands if I go with the Outer Banks? Or will I just appreciate the better gas mileage in the OB? I can't find one near me to test drive and am mainly concerned about the pick up on highways. Any thoughts or comparisons between the two would be helpful!

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[MHUNTOON]

I have the outer banks with leather seats, tow package, 360+. I don't feel like it's lacking in power. If you want it lifted and like a front camera, go with Badlands. I wish it had the camera, but otherwise very happy.

 

[GoatsyBanks]

I'm still surprised at how quick my OB is. As well as anyone that goes for a ride. You'll notice a loss of power when accelerating at high speed 55+,
and with towing I'm sure. Supper happy with the milage and I'm running bigger tires. If it wasn't for the interior and amenities i wouldn't be so enthusiastic about my decision. Rolling a window all the way down with one touch goes a long way for me I guess.
You've opened a can of worms. I'm sure everyone will be going back and forth with this one. Lol

 

[13MikeH]

I have the Badlands. It's pretty bare bones on purpose. Based on your want list and driving habits...go with the OB it is more your style and not lacking anything in power. It's a brick. Want performance get a sports car or an F-150. This is a great little SUV with off-road chops. The OB and badlands have their own unique advantages. Can't go wrong.

 

[RiotfunK]

If you’re going to go off-road at all. Get the badlands

 

[Ponyrider]

My OB has 21,000 miles on it. 360+ and tow package. Daily driver. I'm extremely happy with everything about it. She didn't disappoint on some gnarly back roads. Average mpg has been 33 in normal mode. The perfect package for me.

 

[Glamdring70]

Popular topic. Tons of reading you can do on it.
Build and price each, I bet the price is only about $3-$4k apart. You get a lot for that money.

https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/badlands-v-outer-banks-decision.1317/
https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/badlands-vs-outer-banks.1222/
https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/outer-banks-vs-badlands.2808/
https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/question-for-the-outer-banks-badlands-owners.3863/
https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/badlands-vs-outer-banks.4057/

 

[Adam CW]

Personally, I went with Badlands for the 2.0 Ecoboost.

Our 2019 Escape Titanium AWD has the 2.0 Ecoboost, so test driving a Bronco Sport with the 1.5 felt a bit disappointing. It has adequate acceleration but lacks passing power and sounds quite rough. It put out a lot of vibration as well.

The 2.0 is quick, has good passing power, smooth and sounds better. It’s genuinely better. MPG is not great.

Interestingly, we were offered a 2019 Fusion with the old 1.5 as a loaner from our dealer. It was buttery smooth and had zero vibration. I was surprised as our 2016 Fusion wasn’t as smooth.

 

[delm]

"I wish I had the smaller engine instead of this 2.0"
Nobody Ever

 

[Mark S.]

My question is... will I miss the larger engine in the Badlands if I go with the Outer Banks? Or will I just appreciate the better gas mileage in the OB? I can't find one near me to test drive and am mainly concerned about the pick up on highways. Any thoughts or comparisons between the two would be helpful!

What kind of car are you coming from? If you're used to driving a sporty coupe or hot hatch you probably won't be satisfied with the power available with the OB's 3-cyl. If you've been driving a typical late-model, non-turbocharged 4-cyl sedan, then you'll be fine with the OB.

 

[Tigger]

Your description of yourself is me. I had the Badlands but now have the Outer Banks (and it includes everything you listed). I like the Outer Banks better.
Also, I’d do the tech package too as I think it is quite nice on the OB with your other options.

 

[Tigger]

"I wish I had the smaller engine instead of this 2.0"
Nobody Ever

I have always felt like a nobody. But of course, nobody’s perfect! ?

 

[Benanza]

First, you can't really miss the bigger engine if you never had it, just saying. However I love my OB it does everything I need it to do without winning a 1/4 mile. When I see traffic requires me to get up on it, theres a GOAT mode for that. Honestly I've never felt at any point in 23,000 miles and 18 months I should've gone with a badlands. I love my creature comforts of the OB. Go with what works for you, is the best advice I can give.

But now as I sit here watching NFL network have a serious segment about Seattle QBs Geno Smith vs Drew Lock... That is basically the same thing as this 3cyl vs 4cyl conversation. They are what's available, they both can get the job done, but they both have their limitations.

 

[wiyeti]

"I wish I had the smaller engine instead of this 2.0"
Nobody Ever

wrong

 

[13MikeH]

If you’re going to go off-road at all. Get the badlands

The outer banks can go off-road. I'd bet 99% of badlands use is nothing more harsh than loose gravel, fire roads, or a municipal dirt road...the hype over badlands seems over the top.

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