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- Robert
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- California
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- Bronco Sport
To me there is no Outer Banks vs. Badlands comparison, other than both being Bronco Sports.
The obvious difference being the OB has more comfort appointments and the BL has more Drivetrain appointments, they each satisfy different users.
The First Edition Badlands model had more comfort appointments as well as the drivetrain that made/make it the best of both worlds.
For whatever reason Ford chose not to offer the 2.0 liter engine with the more basic drivetrain as an option in any of the other BS models.
I could see having a luxury version BS with the 2.0 liter engine as an AWD street performance CUV.
Did Ford think that combination wouldn't sell, or did they just want to keep the 2.0 liter for a more exclusive model which currently looks to be the case.
The obvious difference being the OB has more comfort appointments and the BL has more Drivetrain appointments, they each satisfy different users.
The First Edition Badlands model had more comfort appointments as well as the drivetrain that made/make it the best of both worlds.
For whatever reason Ford chose not to offer the 2.0 liter engine with the more basic drivetrain as an option in any of the other BS models.
I could see having a luxury version BS with the 2.0 liter engine as an AWD street performance CUV.
Did Ford think that combination wouldn't sell, or did they just want to keep the 2.0 liter for a more exclusive model which currently looks to be the case.
as posted on a couple of threads, here you go again with some of the differences that were listed. I highlighted the ones that look like they were not listed on the Badlands
2022 Outer Banks
The midrange Outer Banks trim is a good pick for those who want comfort over off-road capability. Features include:
The Badlands model comes with the most off-roading features. Compared to the Big Bend trim, it adds:
2022 Outer Banks
The midrange Outer Banks trim is a good pick for those who want comfort over off-road capability. Features include:
- 18-inch wheels
- Rain-sensing and heated wipers
- Rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking)
- LED foglights
- Remote engine start
- Leather upholstery
- Heated front seats
- Power-adjustable front seats
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- 6.5-inch digital instrument panel display
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Interior ambient lighting
- Heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Household power outlet
- Cargo pockets on the front seatbacks with Molle cargo straps
- 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system
- Wireless charging pad
- HD radio
- Universal garage door opener
The Badlands model comes with the most off-roading features. Compared to the Big Bend trim, it adds:
- Specific off-road suspension and all-terrain tires
- Underbody skid plates
- Front tow hooks
- Upgraded 4WD system with special rear differential
- Two additional driving modes
- Trail control (cruise control for off-roading)
- Forward-looking 180-degree camera system
- Rubberized flooring
- Household power outlet
- 6.5-inch digital instrument panel display
- Power-adjustable driver's seat
- Heated cloth front seats
- Passenger-side rear-seat underfloor storage
- Power-adjustable passenger seat
- Leather-trimmed upholstery
- 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Wireless charging pad
- Rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking)
- Heated steering wheel
So compared to my 2023 Badlands Premium, It looks like I'm not getting:
--18" wheels
--Heated wipers
--Ambient lighting
--LED fog lamps
Out of that list, I don't see anything I'd rather have than the bigger engine, higher ground clearance, and bash plates.
It definitely has HD radio, as I was using it today. As well as heated leather seats/steering wheel, which I also used today.
I have one of the 1995 first edition models made in 2021 and it is only missing the wiper deicer and the extra little lights on the interior , I find it just about perfect. I definitely agree that Ford screwed up not making that outer banks model without the 2.0 upgrade. I drove both models and I could have lived with one or the other without question.
- First Name
- Mark
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- 2021 Badlands | 2020 Escape
Ford DID think such a vehicle would sell, which is why it offers the Ford Escape Titanium with a 2.0L. The shape and weight/balance profile of the Bronco Sport does not lend itself to street performance. It's a short, narrow, boxy, relatively top-heavy car that gets pushed around by the wind, and whose street handling is hampered by a narrow wheel track and relatively high center of gravity. The only way to get a Bronco Sport to handle like a Ford Escape would be to slam the suspension, which is completely anathema to the Bronco Sport's off-road (however limited it may be in comparison to the full-size Bronco) potential.
Badlands performance is pretty impressive relative to the CUV category in general.
2023 Ford Bronco Sport Review, Pricing, and Specs (caranddriver.com)
Very comparable to the Escape.
2023 Ford Escape Review, Pricing, and Specs (caranddriver.com)
2023 Ford Bronco Sport Review, Pricing, and Specs (caranddriver.com)
Very comparable to the Escape.
2023 Ford Escape Review, Pricing, and Specs (caranddriver.com)
The seats are different, the spare tire, the mileage, etc. The point I was making is that there are people that like the OB better, I am one of them, and when that list was presented in 2021, I wanted things on my vehicle that I cold not get on the Badlands. As for your points, I have said repeatedly, both engines are significantly less than I am used to so I simply classify both as sluggish but adequate, the extra 2” do not help me, and I do not need that plate so it was never a factor for me.
So, you seem pretty stubborn in your opinions so I doubt if anything I have said has made a difference to you, but I hope others have found something useful. Thanks and enjoy your 2023.
IMO the only thing worth a crap you cant get on the badlands is the heated wipers. No front camera on a OB which can be pretty handy.
Just wish they offered the blue interior of the OB on a badlands. I find the brown interior fugly.
Just wish they offered the blue interior of the OB on a badlands. I find the brown interior fugly.
I think the Badlands & Premium Package closes the gap a bit more regarding the creature comforts.
Of everything you have listed above, the only thing that the OB has that the Badlands & Premium Package don't also have are the:
- 18-inch wheels
- Rain-sensing and heated wipers
- Ambient Lighting
Essentially, the OB and the Badlands + Premium Package are substantially similar to each other in terms of creature comforts. The major difference then is in the suspension and drive train components.
I do miss that. Asinine that they market OB as the combiner/luxury and do not have a 360 overhead view or at least a front camera. Simply silly!
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