From Outer Banks To Badlands

[jonsfiend]

Last year in October I was sure I needed a BS OBX. The options the OBX offered was where my head was at the time. I loved the "luxury" creature comforts that it had to offer such as the ambient lighting among many other things! I had test driven both the badlands and the outer banks. I felt little to no difference at the time. So I figured let me just get the OBX its smooth interior and options made me more than happy - plus at 32 MPG I couldn't deny it was a big reason I leaned towards the I3 coming from a Mazda 3 Hatch back getting close to 34 MPG. Fast forward to July, my mindset has totally changed. My best bud and bandmate has a new F-150 Tremor and he invites me to off road. The OBX kept up but many trails I couldn't even entertain even the idea of trying to keep up. This is when it totally clicked for me I need a Badlands. I fell in love with off roading and the more rugged look of the BL. Noting also the nonstop complaints of water pump failures and strange rear end issues I had seen some members here post. I figured not only was I offered a very pretty penny for my OBX, I was also over it. The time to move on was here. I needed that bigger motor, MPG was no longer a concern. I wanted something that I personally felt more comfy in, could keep up wheeling with my buds, and overall seems to have less "bugs" than the rest of the BS lineup. From the moment I took it home I regret NOTHING! Its another world - if you can afford the badlands premium edition do it. I managed to score a fantastic deal below sticker with a bunch of other freebies tossed in. The dealer by me was very happy to handle the trade in and sell my the new vehicle and it was a mighty quick process they didn't waste my time and I didn't waste theirs. So now here I am almost a year later after purchasing the OBX - I regret nothing it was a fantastic piece of machinery and never left me stuck anywhere! But I'm glad I did what I did. This story is not to discourage anyone from purchasing any other trim in the line up they are all fantastic options. This serves as more of a story for those in a similar position who love the BS but want more out of it, maybe the Badlands is for you! 3 Months later I love every dang second I get in my BS.

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[Elegance]

I had a similar change of heart to yours. I bought a 21 Big Bend in June of 2021. I loved the Sport platform, but was immediately offput by the 1.5L engine quirks, low power output, and some of the limitations I'd reached when off roading. I work for the Forest Service and do a little more adventure driving than most folks. My 22 Badlands was ordered in March of 2022 after my local small town dealer recieved a bare bones white BL that I was able to test drive while waiting on an oil change. Feeling the difference between the bigger engine and suspension totally sealed the deal for me, so I ordered that same day. I ordered both the premium and towing packages since I intend to drive the BL 'til the wheels fall off. Velocity Blue is also the color I've dreamed of having since I was a kid. 8 months later, I picked up my Badlands and I've loved it to pieces ever since. Got a good trade deal on the BB and my payments went up less than $100/month. It's always been about "smiles per gallon" for me.

 

[rocks]

Congrats! I don't go offroad and love luxury features but do wish the OBX had a 2.0L option.

 

[TCBSport]

Last year in October I was sure I needed a BS OBX. The options the OBX offered was where my head was at the time. I loved the "luxury" creature comforts that it had to offer such as the ambient lighting among many other things! I had test driven both the badlands and the outer banks. I felt little to no difference at the time. So I figured let me just get the OBX its smooth interior and options made me more than happy - plus at 32 MPG I couldn't deny it was a big reason I leaned towards the I3 coming from a Mazda 3 Hatch back getting close to 34 MPG. Fast forward to July, my mindset has totally changed. My best bud and bandmate has a new F-150 Tremor and he invites me to off road. The OBX kept up but many trails I couldn't even entertain even the idea of trying to keep up. This is when it totally clicked for me I need a Badlands. I fell in love with off roading and the more rugged look of the BL. Noting also the nonstop complaints of water pump failures and strange rear end issues I had seen some members here post. I figured not only was I offered a very pretty penny for my OBX, I was also over it. The time to move on was here. I needed that bigger motor, MPG was no longer a concern. I wanted something that I personally felt more comfy in, could keep up wheeling with my buds, and overall seems to have less "bugs" than the rest of the BS lineup. From the moment I took it home I regret NOTHING! Its another world - if you can afford the badlands premium edition do it. I managed to score a fantastic deal below sticker with a bunch of other freebies tossed in. The dealer by me was very happy to handle the trade in and sell my the new vehicle and it was a mighty quick process they didn't waste my time and I didn't waste theirs. So now here I am almost a year later after purchasing the OBX - I regret nothing it was a fantastic piece of machinery and never left me stuck anywhere! But I'm glad I did what I did. This story is not to discourage anyone from purchasing any other trim in the line up they are all fantastic options. This serves as more of a story for those in a similar position who love the BS but want more out of it, maybe the Badlands is for you! 3 Months later I love every dang second I get in my BS.

Last year in October I was sure I needed a BS OBX. The options the OBX offered was where my head was at the time. I loved the "luxury" creature comforts that it had to offer such as the ambient lighting among many other things! I had test driven both the badlands and the outer banks. I felt little to no difference at the time. So I figured let me just get the OBX its smooth interior and options made me more than happy - plus at 32 MPG I couldn't deny it was a big reason I leaned towards the I3 coming from a Mazda 3 Hatch back getting close to 34 MPG. Fast forward to July, my mindset has totally changed. My best bud and bandmate has a new F-150 Tremor and he invites me to off road. The OBX kept up but many trails I couldn't even entertain even the idea of trying to keep up. This is when it totally clicked for me I need a Badlands. I fell in love with off roading and the more rugged look of the BL. Noting also the nonstop complaints of water pump failures and strange rear end issues I had seen some members here post. I figured not only was I offered a very pretty penny for my OBX, I was also over it. The time to move on was here. I needed that bigger motor, MPG was no longer a concern. I wanted something that I personally felt more comfy in, could keep up wheeling with my buds, and overall seems to have less "bugs" than the rest of the BS lineup. From the moment I took it home I regret NOTHING! Its another world - if you can afford the badlands premium edition do it. I managed to score a fantastic deal below sticker with a bunch of other freebies tossed in. The dealer by me was very happy to handle the trade in and sell my the new vehicle and it was a mighty quick process they didn't waste my time and I didn't waste theirs. So now here I am almost a year later after purchasing the OBX - I regret nothing it was a fantastic piece of machinery and never left me stuck anywhere! But I'm glad I did what I did. This story is not to discourage anyone from purchasing any other trim in the line up they are all fantastic options. This serves as more of a story for those in a similar position who love the BS but want more out of it, maybe the Badlands is for you! 3 Months later I love every dang second I get in my BS.

Good to know the differences. Keep us posted on the off road ability as you take on adventures with your Tremor buddy.

 

[jkeaton]

As the wives DD, we are perfectly happy with the trim level we have. It's all about what you can afford. Sure, I'd love one with more bells and whistles and the 2.0, but we got what we got, and it fits our needs just fine.

 

[Dude]

… has a new F-150 Tremor
… I need a Bronco Sport Badlands

On the other hand, wouldn’t the F-150 Tremor be designed with far more rugged heavy duty suspension parts than the Badlands? Would seem that a BL might fail more quickly than a F-150 Tremor given the same off-road usage. A full size Bronco could be a better choice for off-road if reliability was factored in.

 

[jkeaton]

On the other hand, wouldn’t the F-150 Tremor be designed with far more rugged heavy duty suspension parts than the Badlands? Would seem that a BL might fail more quickly than a F-150 Tremor given the same off-road usage. A full size Bronco could be a better choice for off-road if reliability was factored in.

This.

 

[Mark S.]

On the other hand, wouldn’t the F-150 Tremor be designed with far more rugged heavy duty suspension parts than the Badlands? Would seem that a BL might fail more quickly than a F-150 Tremor given the same off-road usage. A full size Bronco could be a better choice for off-road if reliability was factored in.

The Badlands has better approach and departure angles. Plus, it’s a lot narrower. There are almost certainly places you can go with the Badlands that are inaccessible to the F-150.

 

[Dude]

The Badlands has better approach and departure angles. Plus, it’s a lot narrower. There are almost certainly places you can go with the Badlands that are inaccessible to the F-150.

Yes that’s certainly true. I was referring to heavy duty parts and reliability in my post but you are correct a nimble and smaller off road vehicle also has its own advantages. Good points!!

 

[BravoAlpha]

both have their strengths. In some scenarios one might find the Tremor trying to keep up with the Badlands. You’ll have size and an over 2000 lb weight advantage.

 

[jamlot]

Similar trajectory for me. I originally had a 21 OBX and loved everything about it except for the engine. Traded it in for a 23 Badlands and now it has everything o want with only exception of no Adaptive Cruise. Could have tried harder to find one with copilot + but the timing and price were right so I pulled the trigger without it. Glad you’re also digging your Badlands!

 

[Tigger]

@jonsfiend I like the enthusiasm in your OP as it is always great to see people loving their Sports. I had my OBX for 11 months and I loved it and the luxury features. I had no desire to own a Badlands … until the dealer called and said come look at this Heritage Limited Edition we are taking off the truck. I loved it and traded in.

Also like you, I have gone off-roading a few times and I’m shocked how much I love it. I’m glad I have the HLE but I still love the OBX.

 

[jonsfiend]

On the other hand, wouldn’t the F-150 Tremor be designed with far more rugged heavy duty suspension parts than the Badlands? Would seem that a BL might fail more quickly than a F-150 Tremor given the same off-road usage. A full size Bronco could be a better choice for off-road if reliability was factored in.

Tremor money is far beyond my reach sadly

 

[Feint]

Yeah, not everyone can spring an extra $20k-30k+ for a Tremor or a full size Bronco Badlands.

 

[Bucko]

I should stay away from the 2.0 BS, in fear I will have to have one.

I am very impressed with how Ford took a 3 cylinder engine, turbo'd it, and has the guts it has. The wife and I went on a two hour highway drive to Daytona for a wedding. The OBX handled great, ran like a bat out of hell on I-75 and I-95, and gave us an average of 26.5 MPG; we kept the speed at just under 80.

If from what you all say about the 2.0 is so much more powerful, then I guess I better not test drive one!

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