Outer Banks vs Badlands

[Adam CW]

For me the 2.0 engine isn’t about speed, though being able to accelerate and pass quickly is nice, it’s more about the fact that it can move the vehicle with less effort. It feels strong and is relatively quiet.

I would be willing to bet that almost all people would pick a Bronco Sport or Escape with the 2.0 just by feel alone.

I’m not saying the 1.5 is bad. The 2.0 is the superior engine.

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[The Shark]

I've had both, the OBX was nice but I've never regretted getting the BL. If you get the OBX and really what we are saying is the 1.5 if you never drive a BL you won't know what you missed, just don't drive one.

 

[Flash]

Let's put the 1.5L vs 2.0 L in perspective. Let's look at 0-60 times and Quarter mile times.

https://www.carhp.com/ford/bronco-sport/0to60

0-60 1.5L 9.2 seconds
0-60 2.0L 7.7 seconds
So, 1.5 seconds difference 0-60

1/4 mile 1.5L 16.7 seconds
1/4 mile 2.0L 15.4 seconds
So 1.3 seconds difference in the standing quarter mile.

The difference is almost nothing

 

[wiyeti]

My 2 cents. I live in Wisconsin and wanted a AWD vehicle that can do some light off-roading, is good in snow, has some creature comforts, and gets good mileage for a reasonable price. I was commuting 60 miles each way in 2021. The OB fit that perfectly.

I have not experienced any issues passing on the highway with the 1.5L, thought I don't have mountains in WI. Some have complained about steep grades. There are videos of the 1.5L doing fine in sand and one recent video on this forum showing the 1.5L doing some fairly hefty off-roading, though not up to the Badlands standards.

In the end it's different strokes for different folks. The 2.0L homers will say the 1.5L is a dog. Those with the 1.5L will have different priorities and opinions.

Neither is wrong. Neither is right.

 

[BravoAlpha]

Let's put the 1.5L vs 2.0 L in perspective. Let's look at 0-60 times and Quarter mile times.

0-60 1.5L 9.2 seconds
0-60 2.0L 7.7 seconds
So, 1.5 seconds difference 0-60

1/4 mile 1.5L 16.7 seconds
1/4 mile 2.0L 15.4 seconds
So 1.3 seconds difference in the standing quarter mile.

The difference is almost nothing

it’s all about feel. Ain’t nobody drag racin. BUT The 2.0 has the TORQUE. Not only is it handy off road but jumping onto on-ramps and a burst (think 40-60mph).

I too ordered a BL with fewest options possible. I wanted that 2.0. It’s been around awhile and has been used, albeit different variants, in dozens of applications. Ford has a lot of confidence in it. It’s proven. its strong between 2-3000 rpm. If the Bend Bend was offered with the 2L I would’ve went for that.

I don’t want to take away from the 1.5. the lil dragon motor in the OB is a beast. Very efficient. doesn’t have the pop the 2L does but in the daily pavement pounding stop n go grind, it’s the smarter choice. It’s also a lighter vehicle.

 

[vxarctic]

OB is a great daily driver. Badlands has less interior posh but exchanges it for a bigger engine and a different suspension along with some skid plates. You can do some neat offroading in a badlands, but if you're not interested in rock climbing mode, they both have sand mode.

 

[Mark S.]

...nobody’s perfect! ?

I see what you did there.

 

[13MikeH]

For me the 2.0 engine isn’t about speed, though being able to accelerate and pass quickly is nice, it’s more about the fact that it can move the vehicle with less effort. It feels strong and is relatively quiet.

I would be willing to bet that almost all people would pick a Bronco Sport or Escape with the 2.0 just by feel alone.

I’m not saying the 1.5 is bad. The 2.0 is the superior engine.

To each their own, I don't see it. Turbo makes a difference in both. I test drove a 1.5. on the advice of two dealers I got the 2.0 for some of the off road features. It accelerates like a brick. It's a small SUV. I sincerely think some convince themselves the 2.0 is this huge power boost. To me, if you want other features the 2.0 isn't a sacrifice. It's not like trading a 4cyl and a V8. Anyone who feels a significant difference is either highly sensitive to throttle response or they've convinced themselves they made the right choice. I'm not buying it. Probably a one cent opinion on my part...but I'm not alone in the thinking.

 

[13MikeH]

My 2 cents. I live in Wisconsin and wanted a AWD vehicle that can do some light off-roading, is good in snow, has some creature comforts, and gets good mileage for a reasonable price. I was commuting 60 miles each way in 2021. The OB fit that perfectly.

I have not experienced any issues passing on the highway with the 1.5L, thought I don't have mountains in WI. Some have complained about steep grades. There are videos of the 1.5L doing fine in sand and one recent video on this forum showing the 1.5L doing some fairly hefty off-roading, though not up to the Badlands standards.

In the end it's different strokes for different folks. The 2.0L homers will say the 1.5L is a dog. Those with the 1.5L will have different priorities and opinions.

Neither is wrong. Neither is right.

Perfect

 

[13MikeH]

Let's put the 1.5L vs 2.0 L in perspective. Let's look at 0-60 times and Quarter mile times.

https://www.carhp.com/ford/bronco-sport/0to60

0-60 1.5L 9.2 seconds
0-60 2.0L 7.7 seconds
So, 1.5 seconds difference 0-60

1/4 mile 1.5L 16.7 seconds
1/4 mile 2.0L 15.4 seconds
So 1.3 seconds difference in the standing quarter mile.

The difference is almost nothing

But but...1.3 seconds. I mean I hammer 0--60 at least...never?

 

[Ponyrider]

To each their own, I don't see it. Turbo makes a difference in both. I test drove a 1.5. on the advice of two dealers I got the 2.0 for some of the off road features. It accelerates like a brick. It's a small SUV. I sincerely think some convince themselves the 2.0 is this huge power boost. To me, if you want other features the 2.0 isn't a sacrifice. It's not like trading a 4cyl and a V8. Anyone who feels a significant difference is either highly sensitive to throttle response or they've convinced themselves they made the right choice. I'm not buying it. Probably a one cent opinion on my part...but I'm not alone in the thinking.

1.5 vs 2.0 comes up a lot here. I swear I can sense chest thumping when some talk about the 2.0. ?

 

[13MikeH]

1.5 vs 2.0 comes up a lot here. I swear I can sense chest thumping when some talk about the 2.0. ?

Reminds me of the measuring contest on G6 over two door vs four door. Buy what you want. There isn't an appreciable difference between either. If YOU think there is...you made your decision. Ain't my call?

 

[WLK]

It depends on your driving demands. I live in a congested metropolitan area that requires
prompt throttle response for vehicle acceleration. We also have lots of mountain passes. No thumping on my chest as that will probably hurt my boobs. Lol

 

[Bronco2.7]

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!

I got the Badlands. No regrets because I got everything with it.

 

[Its her Bronco]

My wife's prior vehicle was a 2008 Mercury Mountaineer AWD with the 3 valve fuel injected 4.6L V8.
When I showed her the pictures Bronco sport she fell in love and wanted one. When I told her she had a choice of a 3 or 4 cylinder I just got the look.
After multiple test drives she went with the BS OB and has never looked back.

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