Fully loaded Big Bend vs bare bones Badlands?

[delm]

Are those your only options? You need one right away, or can you wait and get exactly what you want?

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[Wombot]

Are those your only options? You need one right away, or can you wait and get exactly what you want?

Unfortunately my car is on its last life so these are my only options. They both have been built and have been shipped to the dealers. I'm getting both at MSRP so at least I'm not paying for markups. Honestly I might just get whichever comes in first haha . The Badlands isn't that much more than the Big Bend but the Big Bend has all the options and the Badlands has none. I would prefer to have the 2.0 but not sure how much I would miss those convenience options on the Big Bend. The Car I'm coming from is a 2010 Chevy Trailblazer so either will be a huge upgrade!

 

[BSBB4Les]

I'm one more BB lover. Mine is Area51, tow pkg (for the full size spare) and the best option, co-pilot 360+! I've owned it for 7 months with no issues whatsoever. I have driven it mostly in local traffic with some relatively short highway travel and I'm averaging 26-28 mpg. As others have attested to, the 1.5l has surprising power which really surprised me on first drive. We're getting ready to take a long trip to visit family and will be going over the rockies. I can't wait to see how she does and what gas mileage we'll get. I think you'll be quite happy with the BB , if you go for it.

 

[RS1]

Plus, all the cool kids drive red sports??

 

[13MikeH]

Comes down to what's most important. Sounds like money isn't a factor with 1K difference. The roof, tow, and gadgets are hard to find. Hot pepper is sharp. I don't feel like the 2.0 is a big difference vs the 1.5 like some would argue. For everyday driving that Big Bend is more than enough for all the extras you get

 

[69cuda340s]

The high option big bends aren't common esp in that red. You could prob buy either one and if change your mind order what you want drive what you bought till next one comes in. Vehicle shortage for foreseeable future so resale likely to stay strong.

Dont know if you have seen one with moon roof yet but the shade is power its a super nice option to have.

 

[13MikeH]

Unfortunately my car is on its last life so these are my only options. They both have been built and have been shipped to the dealers. I'm getting both at MSRP so at least I'm not paying for markups. Honestly I might just get whichever comes in first haha . The Badlands isn't that much more than the Big Bend but the Big Bend has all the options and the Badlands has none. I would prefer to have the 2.0 but not sure how much I would miss those convenience options on the Big Bend. The Car I'm coming from is a 2010 Chevy Trailblazer so either will be a huge upgrade!

That may be the best motivation whichever comes first. Perhaps talk that over with the dealer so they can tag it. Badlands go fast, so will a loaded bigbend

 

[Rubber Ducky]

I had a cactus grey big bend and was very happy with it. I then test drove a badlands and got converted really quick.

I cannot speak for everyone, because we all have different needs and different expectations, but for me, the 2.0 cannot be beat. Drive a 2.0 in Sport mode? Well, I will let you be the judge.

I now have a bodlands cyber orange on order with a moon roof.

 

[T.T.]

I have the BB with convenience pkg, and it does very well even loaded up with tenting gear to the roof. As a daily driver I am getting 30.7 mpg and that's with only 1300 miles on it right now. 1.5 not a racing engine but it passes when it needs to, and it is adequate .

 

[SgtT11B]

I would take a barebones BL over any other fully loaded BS. With these kind of vehicles you always get the larger engine.

 

[Glamdring70]

I would recommend the Badlands every time someone wants to buy comparable Bronco Sports. I think it rides nicer and smoother with the better engine and advanced power distribution. But on your option a lot of really great things are missing. The 360+ makes the car nearly self-driving (but don't treat it like a self driving car). I think 17" wheels are better for snow but the 18's are fine. There are downsides to some of the other equipment like the moonroof and charging pad but you said those are things you like, plus the color you like better. You question almost reads, to me, as "talk me into this BB". $1,000 will buy a lot of add ons for road trips. You can get a hitch carrier to make up for the lessened roof weight for example. I think the loaded BB will give you plenty of smiles.

If you do want it, I would get a lock on it instead of waiting a month. These are still in short supply and 2022 ordering is over so you'll end up back of the line on a '23.

 

[The Shark]

I don't think any of us can tell you what is right for you. It all comes down to what you are going to use it for. The BB is fine if you are just going to the mall but if you feel like venturing off the road then I would go for the BL. If I was you I'd order a '23 and get exactly what you want. If you listen to Tim Bartz the Ford Video Guy there doesn't seem to be that much of a backlog for the BS, when he was going through the orders at Long McArthur Ford they didn't have any BS orders they were waiting on and they are a big dealer.

 

[The Shark]

And just a further thought, don't settle if you don't have too, you will just regret it. Get exactly what you want even if it means waiting a few months to get it because you will be so much happier for it. How do I know this? Settled for a OBX because I could get it, nice ride but I really wanted a BL and of course I finally did get one.

 

[Jockey]

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?

We love our 2021 Area 51 Badlands. Pretty well loaded. Love the power boost with the Turbo 2.0. Amazed a few people at the lights. LOL

 

[TravisPNW]

I cannot speak for everyone, because we all have different needs and different expectations, but for me, the 2.0 cannot be beat. Drive a 2.0 in Sport mode? Well, I will let you be the judge.

With these kind of vehicles you always get the larger engine.

I would recommend the Badlands every time someone wants to buy comparable Bronco Sports. I think it rides nicer and smoother with the better engine and advanced power distribution.

I don't think any of us can tell you what is right for you. It all comes down to what you are going to use it for. The BB is fine if you are just going to the mall but if you feel like venturing off the road then I would go for the BL. If I was you I'd order a '23 and get exactly what you want.

Since this thread was bumped today I'll chime in with my thoughts as a new BL owner. I agree with all of the above and couldn't be happier with the purchase. The reviews I saw said the BL was the way to go if you are doing both on and off-road adventuring which I will definitely be doing here in the Pacific Northwest.

The 2.0 in sport mode is great. I traded in a V8 Challenger and while the 2.0 definitely isn't on the same scale it has a lot of get up and go and I am pleased with the performance.

I had given some thoughts to ordering one... but then I found this one that had just arrived at a dealership less than 10 miles away. It had every option I would have added had I ordered and it was the light color I was looking for... so I bought it the next day.

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