Fully loaded Big Bend vs bare bones Badlands?

[TravisPNW]

Just going out on a limb here, but guessing it's because he has a chance to trade out the Big Bend for a Badlands....

Well yeah.... ? ? ? I just wanted to hear someone say "You know, I do regret getting the 1.5L" because I think all I've seen from non-Badlands owners since I arrived on these forums is how great the 1.5L is...

... I never even considered it though. Every review I saw said go Badlands or go home.

Sponsored

 

[dakman]

I'm curious... why the trade?

I was deciding between a BS BL, 2.0 Maverick or wait for the 23 Ranger coming out. In Feb I was in need of a vehicle and decided I like the BS but no BL's were anywhere around. I did find a CG BB with the tech and tow pkg. After 17k miles I'm very happy with the 1.5 and don't feel I need it but right now is the time for me to upgrade(engine) if I'm going to. I traded a highly modified Focus ST with 2.0 in on it so know engine well.

I stayed with my BB. The BL's msrp was only 6K more than my BB and they want to jive numbers. They obviously are trying to make a big profit off me and it won't work. This is the second time I came close to trading and I'm giving up, keeping the BB, I like how I have it set up and a low payment. Neither of the BL's had 360+ either, I don't think I want to lose that.

 

[delm]

Well yeah.... ? ? ? I just wanted to hear someone say "You know, I do regret getting the 1.5L" because I think all I've seen from non-Badlands owners since I arrived on these forums is how great the 1.5L is...

... I never even considered it though. Every review I saw said go Badlands or go home.

Oh I’m with you. That comment is fairly common. Yet I get some kind of grief every time I point out that you’ll often here of people with a 1.5L trim trading it out for the Badlands, but I have never once heard of a Badlands owner swapping it out for a 1.5L model. Seriously doubt it’s ever happened. That’s not hating on the 1.5…just pointing out a trend that I, for one, would find interesting when considering a purchase.

 

[dakman]

Well yeah.... ? ? ? I just wanted to hear someone say "You know, I do regret getting the 1.5L" because I think all I've seen from non-Badlands owners since I arrived on these forums is how great the 1.5L is...

... I never even considered it though. Every review I saw said go Badlands or go home.

For me the 1.5L is fine. After warranties up I will tune it just like I would have with a 2.0. My only issue is with the factory throttle. A good tuner will improve drivability and keep it safe. Little bump in power and a lot better peddle response. I don't need faster but really hate that dead peddle driving in normal mode.

 

[TravisPNW]

This is the second time I came close to trading and I'm giving up, keeping the BB, I like how I have it set up and a low payment. Neither of the BL's had 360+ either, I don't think I want to lose that.

Makes sense... I certainly wouldn't buy a vehicle that was missing options that I wanted. I have the 360+ but haven't used it yet... so far just been driving around city streets. That will change after I pick her up from the PPF detail shop tomorrow.

For me the 1.5L is fine. After warranties up I will tune it just like I would have with a 2.0. My only issue is with the factory throttle. A good tuner will improve drivability and keep it safe. Little bump in power and a lot better peddle response. I don't need faster but really hate that dead peddle driving in normal mode.

Yeah I hear ya. For me another reason I went 2.0L was because I was coming from a 6.4L Challenger... and surprisingly the 2.0L in sport mode isn't too shabby. Obviously not in the same league as what I was driving but definitely not a slouch either.

 

[TravisPNW]

Oh I’m with you. That comment is fairly common. Yet I get some kind of grief every time I point out that you’ll often here of people with a 1.5L trim trading it out for the Badlands, but I have never once heard of a Badlands owner swapping it out for a 1.5L model. Seriously doubt it’s ever happened. That’s not hating on the 1.5…just pointing out a trend that I, for one, would find interesting when considering a purchase.

Yeah I agree with you 100%. To each their own... but for me after doing the research without a doubt the Badlands trim is the only Bronco Sport that I could purchase that wouldn't come with buyers remorse attached.

I just got super lucky in finding one close by exactly how I wanted it and was able to skip the ordering process.

 

[Mark S.]

For me the 1.5L is fine. After warranties up I will tune it just like I would have with a 2.0. My only issue is with the factory throttle. A good tuner will improve drivability and keep it safe. Little bump in power and a lot better peddle response. I don't need faster but really hate that dead peddle driving in normal mode.

I get what you're saying, but there's more to the Badlands than the 2.0L. I suspect if Ford offered the Badlands' suspension and driveline upgrades as a package on other trims it would be very popular.

 

[Idahobro]

I have a fully loaded BB and love it. Fully loaded and I added Katzin leather and I always get compliments on the Cactus Gray. Very happy with my ride.

you have any pics of you katzin leather upgrade? thx

 

[Mrmike]

I'm in the middle. I have a fully optioned Outer Banks. I love having the adaptive cruise, navigation, and a moonroof. I really wanted the 2.0 motor but did not want or need all the extra off-road equipment on the Badlands. After owning my OBX so far, I am very impressed with the 1.5 motor and happy with my decision. I think you would be better off with the Big Bend.

 

[RSH]

Yet another thread about comparing 1.5 liter BS models to the Badlands.

I notice most people that have a 1.5 liter model BS seem to go out of their way to justify how great they think the 1.5 liter engine is and not needing what the Badlands offers.

The advantage with the 1.5 liter BS models is fuel mileage and lower cost.
If you like a BS model that covers the range from the very basic to comfortable amenities with a sacrifice in overall performance then the 1.5 BS models are the way to go.

If you can use or want the extra on and off road performance and the somewhat exclusivity of the Badlands, then that's the model for you.

 

[delm]

Yet another thread about comparing 1.5 liter BS models to the Badlands.

I notice most people that have a 1.5 liter model BS seem to go out of their way to justify how great they think the 1.5 liter engine is and not needing what the Badlands offers.

The advantage with the 1.5 liter BS models is fuel mileage and lower cost.
If you like a BS model that covers the range from the very basic to comfortable amenities with a sacrifice in overall performance then the 1.5 BS models are the way to go.

If you can use or want the extra on and off road performance and the somewhat exclusivity of the Badlands, then that's the model for you.

I just like the fact that my kids can hit the gas and have the engine jump in response when they need to get out of the way of a semi truck barreling at them with its brakes out. Or something like that where they need to get the hell out of danger, quickly. ?

 

[Deleted member 8941]

Although we won't be getting either of these trims, I would go with the fully-loaded Big Bend. It goes without saying. You get more bang for your buck. Once you have all those added features such as Adaptive Cruise, Heated Seats, Convenience Package, etc. you won't want to live without them. I recently test drove an Outer Banks 1.5 and it's a very potent engine. It feels faster than it is. Honestly it feels more powerful than my Maverick 2.0 which is funny because the 2.0L has 70 more horsepower. Maybe it has something to do with power to weight ratio. Like I said, I would go with more features for less money and something that's more daily driver oriented.

 

[Bronco2.7]

Cross post from Reddit but would appreciate any advice!

I have the option of getting a dealer ordered Big Bend or Badlands which are both being delivered next month and can't decide which one I want.

The Big Bend is Hot Pepper red and fully loaded with options: Moonroof, Copilot assist +, Convenience package, trailer tow package, cargo package, wireless charging pad.

The Badlands is Carbonized gray with no options other than added floor mats but it's only $1000 more than the big bend. I've only been able to test drive the Bronco Sport first edition and really enjoyed the 2.0 so I gravitate toward that engine.

I don't see myself ever towing anything and would mainly use it for a daily driver and road trip vehicle. I do live in the Midwest with a decent amount of hills and snowy weather and dirt roads but won't do much off roading otherwise.

I'm not crazy about the Gray color of the Badlands and the lack of the moonroof or Assist + but other than that I think I prefer the badlands.

Did anyone have a similar situation or can offer advice?

Badlands! 4 wheel drive, bigger engine, 1in taller.

Sponsored