Possible new Bronco Sport Badlands owner w/some questions

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Check out my video on my badlands on YouTube. Hopefully my videos could hope you with your decision.

Thanks for the video, made me chuckle to see the Bronco in action in NYC. (I worked there for about 10 years 2000 - 2009+)

A question: I've seen videos talking about the front camera, but always in terms of Rock Climbing Mode. Can it be turned on manually? Thanks.
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Thanks for the video, made me chuckle to see the Bronco in action in NYC. (I worked there for about 10 years 2000 - 2009+)

A question: I've seen videos talking about the front camera, but always in terms of Rock Climbing Mode. Can it be turned on manually? Thanks.
Yes there's a button under the screen to turn it on.
 

MJE

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My wife was looking at a Escape, we test drove a Titanium Hybrid and she absolutely didn't like it. They had a XL Maverick demo which we took out for a test drive, rock bottom base truck, I can't remember the last time I drove a car that didn't have power side mirrors. She liked driving that more than a Titanium Escape with all the bells and whistles. She likes my BS the best but might get a hybrid Maverick because she really wants a hybrid and liked driving the Maverick. Lucky that I put a order for a Maverick Hybrid First Edition way back before I bought the BS. Didn't cancel when I bought the BS so she just might slip into that whenever it arrives which looks like sometime mid next year.
Can I ask, what didn’t she like about it? Out of curiosity. I didn’t actually try driving an Escape, nor a Corsair for that matter. Sitting in the Escape though it probably felt more car like If that’s what you’re after. If you regularly haul passengers the back seat (I don’t, it’s me & my dog) it did have a bit more room as well. Overall though it does seem more a CR-V/RAV4 competitor, whereas the Bronco, and Maverick for that matter, really have a unique design that stands alone. That makes for a compelling purchase and a drive you like.
 

MJE

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Thanks for the post. Yes, if I go with the incoming one I can have it real soon, if I order I would likely be able to get it at a better price and with exactly what I want...but would have to wait until ????

I am definitely a buy it new and keep it until it drops kind of guy. I have a 94 Camaro (6-speed) which I bought new and still have. I had a 96 Escort wagon (manual) that I drove until 2006...loved that little thing but had to eventually let it go due to frame rust. The 2006 Subaru Outback I bought new. It now has 155K+ miles and the engine on it is pretty decent, but it is on its original clutch (again manual tranny) but the gas tank has issues. To repair/replace the gas tank requires dropping the drive shaft...but will eventually also have to do the clutch (even though it seems fine at the moment). I am now at the point where I don't want to put a bunch of money in it. I bought my 2015 F-150 new in Jan 2016...man was that a much better time to buy a truck/vehicle, I was able to get 23% off sticker on it.

It isn't clear who (me, son) would drive what....that is what makes it difficult. He absolutely loves the truck, which is partially because a) It's a truck and b) I did some serious upgrades to the sound system (sub w/dedicated amp and run from battery, focal speakers front and rear, inline amp, sound deadening in the doors.) OTOH I'm trying to keep the mileage reasonable on it as I need it's towing capabilities - I have a L Series Kubota tractor and 20' trailer which I occasionally pull with the truck and I use the truck for firewood (I have another wooded property I used as a wood lot).

I too am fortunate enough not to be budget constrained. However, I am definitely cheap when it comes to vehicles. In general, I treat them as a depreciating asset and to provide utility, not as something to just dump a bunch of money in. So, while I could go out and spend $50K, $60K, whatever, the thought of that is very unappealing.
You have some awesome choices in cars for sure (Yes I’m the guy that would definitely appreciate a manual escort wagon, not just the camaro)! & sound a lot like me in trying to pick one & hold on to it. Probably one of the toughest things I’ve done is look at the purchase of my explorer, realize it was the right decision at the time but life changed quick, and I needed/wanted to change my car with it.

Yes you identified the tough part to get what you want, it’s a wait, which you might or might not be able to do. I was told 3 months by my dealer, though one guy was told 30-45 days. I’m optimistic it could be quick enough after seeing the thread that says January is now BS production rather than Maverick. But I wish you all the best on your decision, tough one For sure.
 

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Check out my video on my badlands on YouTube. Hopefully my videos could hope you with your decision.

Thanks for a great video review! I’m a suburbanite, but one of the things I wanted was a smaller car for more city/urban driving to get to cool spots, while still being large enough to be comfortable to drive across country. I think the BL is a great choice for that camera, even with it I’m not sure I could’ve gotten out of your tight spot parallel parking. Nice! I’m going to miss front parking sensors & 360 cameras, but honestly for the great size of the BS I think the front cam will be enough.
 


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Hello all
I'm hoping I can get some quick knowledge or pointers from the forum.

Background: I own a 2015 F150 w/3.5L EcoBoost which I bought new and so far has been a pretty great truck. I also own a 2006 Subaru Outback w/ 155K miles and is on "life support" (which the Bronco Sport would replace). Earlier this year (May) I started looking into the Bronco (as I owned one as a kid) but gave up after seeing how crazy the demand was for it. At that time the Bronco Sport also had outrageous pricing. I came across the Maverick and when it was formally announced I put in an order on June 11th (a few days after announcement). Since then, I've been waiting...but so far haven't been scheduled. Having two trucks isn't super ideal, but I would intend to keep both as I need the towing capabilities of the F150 (I would use one and my son the other).

As time as dragged on, I've started looking at alternatives. I was finally able to see and sit in a Bronco Sport at a recent auto show, and I like it but wasn't able to spend much time in it. A week ago I stumbled upon an in-transit Bronco Sport Badlands. I started researching the Badland's more, and have liked what I've read, but my knowledge on this vehicle in terms of options, what is good to include, etc. is nowhere near what I know about the Mavericks. But, the dealer convinced me to put down a fully refundable deposit on the in-transit Badlands so that I have rights of first refusal when it arrives.

The Bronco Sport Badlands in question has minimal additional options, only cargo mats for $130. If I had done a factory order, I would have likely done the premium package plus the Sunroof and the Tow Package (just to have it already there).

Are there some of you w/a BL w/o the Badlands package? What do you think of it w/o it?
What are the wheels/tires that come with the BL w/o the Badlands package? Are they adequate or will I be wanting to upgrade immediately? (Note: I normally buy a set of extra wheels to put Snow's on my vehicles and would likely want to do this for the BS.)

Anything else I should be aware of (that I would know if I were reading this forum for months).

Thanks in advance!

p.s. Assuming I buy it, I am not sure if I will cancel the Maverick Hybrid order. I might keep the order in given what seems to be a great demand for the Hybrid Mavericks.
I deliberately ordered the Badlands without the Badlands package, largely because I did not want a leather interior and I honestly did not see any additional features that justified the additional cost. The only two extra cost features that I originally ordered were the Rapid Red paint and the tow package. However because of early build shortages I didn't get the tow package when my was built. (I've since added one which I posted about elsewhere on these forums).

I've been perfectly happy with my decision. Wheels/Tires are fine for what my wife and I use it for, if you did a lot of off-roading a more aggressive tire might be worth it but for camping, light off roading, and snow, the Pirelli's are fine.

Everyone's preferences differ but honestly for me the Badlands with the standard options fit exactly what I was looking for, which was the more powerful engine, the off-road features such as skid plates and additional goat modes, front camera, etc., and the rubberized and easy clean interior. The base Sync 3 system works well and for advanced stuff like navigation I use Android Auto and Waze anyway, so I didn't need more.
 

The Shark

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Everyone's preferences differ but honestly for me the Badlands with the standard options fit exactly what I was looking for, which was the more powerful engine, the off-road features such as skid plates and additional goat modes, front camera, etc., and the rubberized and easy clean interior. The base Sync 3 system works well and for advanced stuff like navigation I use Android Auto and Waze anyway, so I didn't need more.
You are exactly right, everyone has their preferences and budget. I've learned in life buy what makes you happy (and can afford of course) :)
 

The Shark

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Can I ask, what didn’t she like about it? Out of curiosity. I didn’t actually try driving an Escape, nor a Corsair for that matter. Sitting in the Escape though it probably felt more car like If that’s what you’re after. If you regularly haul passengers the back seat (I don’t, it’s me & my dog) it did have a bit more room as well. Overall though it does seem more a CR-V/RAV4 competitor, whereas the Bronco, and Maverick for that matter, really have a unique design that stands alone. That makes for a compelling purchase and a drive you like.
I've tried to quantify exactly what she didn't like about the Escape but to be honest it's probably more about what she liked better about the BS and Maverick. She told me the Escape was "fine" but just didn't do it for her. She really liked driving the BS and Maverick. I'm going to say it was more of the upright driving position and visablity she liked better in both the BS and Maverick. I mean underneath they are very similar being built on the Escape platform. Plus she didn't like the color of the Escape :)
 

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I've tried to quantify exactly what she didn't like about the Escape but to be honest it's probably more about what she liked better about the BS and Maverick. She told me the Escape was "fine" but just didn't do it for her. She really liked driving the BS and Maverick. I'm going to say it was more of the upright driving position and visablity she liked better in both the BS and Maverick. I mean underneath they are very similar being built on the Escape platform. Plus she didn't like the color of the Escape :)
Ford marketing decided that women didn't want a boxy, truck like SUV and would prefer softer looking instead.

They sure as heck didn't ask my wife. We looked at the Escape two years ago and bought a RAV4. The Rav4 had angles not curves. One look at the BS and the RAV4 was a goner. Boxier was better.

Boxy, upright and truck like is exactly what she wanted.
 

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Thanks for the video, made me chuckle to see the Bronco in action in NYC. (I worked there for about 10 years 2000 - 2009+)

A question: I've seen videos talking about the front camera, but always in terms of Rock Climbing Mode. Can it be turned on manually? Thanks.
At slow speeds you can activate the front camera with the touch of a button. Once you start picking up speed it will automatically shut off for safety. In certain goat modes the camera will stay on. Thank you for checking out my video I'm glad you enjoyed.
 


MJE

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I've tried to quantify exactly what she didn't like about the Escape but to be honest it's probably more about what she liked better about the BS and Maverick. She told me the Escape was "fine" but just didn't do it for her. She really liked driving the BS and Maverick. I'm going to say it was more of the upright driving position and visablity she liked better in both the BS and Maverick. I mean underneath they are very similar being built on the Escape platform. Plus she didn't like the color of the Escape :)
That’s probably a fair & honest summary. It’s fine to be certain. But for me and it sounds like everyone on here, boxy, upright and truck like wins the day.
 

Jill

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I used the same logic as many of you did in ordering my BL. I’m fortunate to not be particularly budget constrained & yet hope to keep this vehicle a decade or much longer. My usual timeframe, current vehicle being an exception when it gets traded.

1. 360+: Absolute necessity. On any new vehicle. I cannot believe how incredible adaptive cruise is. I find myself using it in city freeway traffic where normal cruise is unusable. No, none of the driving aids should be necessary, but if one of them saves a moment of inattention it’s worth it.
2. Tow: the limit is low enough with these vehicles, that I’m not sure what you’d really tow with it, & I’m not really a big toy/rv guy anyways. But. It’s so cheap to add at the time, and opens up options for racks & hitch mount accessories as well.
3. Steelies: they look retro vintage cool to me and the Falken tires they come with are supposed to be 3PMSF rated, a huge bonus for me as I don’t run separate winter tires.
4. Cargo Management: I believe as somebody posted above, very cheap to add into an order, but not practical to add after the fact.

Premium Package: I am so happy they unbundled the moonroof (not a fan at all for a few reasons) from the ’lux’ BL/PP package, that was the only thing I skipped. The rest of the things in the PP were absolute necessities for me. I’ve attached the order guide (assuming you’re in the US, though I got the Canada ones on here as well) that lists out exactly what it comes with, a whole list of things I wasn’t willing to give up. None of it necessary, but a lot of small things I think will make it nicer to enjoy for more years.

Honestly I wish Ford packaged the US versions like the Canadian ones. There’s items that exist only on the BL with PP or not even then, only on the OB, which are standard on even the Base model up north. Wiper de-icer, rain sensing wipers, auto dimming mirror, I think even remote start perhaps. All pretty generous for a ’Base’ model car.

Ultimately for OP, it probably depends on timing (BL isn’t really a lot car here, they do kinda have to be special ordered) & use case. Is the BS to be used more by OP or the son? Are vehicles kept for many years (a 2006 outback if that was bought new & still kept is something)? I might just be the guy that doesn’t want to do without though when I’m expecting to keep the vehicle much longer than the payments.
I’m retired from Ford Canada Marketing and have to agree that our team does an excellent job of ensuring Canadians get great packages and options to suit our climate and buying preferences.
 

MJE

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I’m retired from Ford Canada Marketing and have to agree that our team does an excellent job of ensuring Canadians get great packages and options to suit our climate and buying preferences.
Thank you to you & your team for the work they do to make features so widely available or included, if not on the BS, then on previous vehicles. Their work meant I didn’t have to wonder what I was giving up in a BL because it’s all standard here. Pretty incredible really! Funny though, I wouldn’t think our climate and buying preferences are any different from northern states with winter climates, but you’ve probably seen decades of data which point out every nuance where that isn’t the case.
 
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OK, so I did a test drive today. Not a long one as there wasn't a lot of gas in the vehicle. Seems pretty nice, but strange given I am used to driving my F-150.

The vehicle is being offered to me at MSRP. No x-plan or other discounts. OTOH no ADM or crazy dealer doc fees. 21 model year and 22's are being ordered/production started.

Should I stay or should I go?

Oh yes, to make this even more interesting, my long ago (June) ordered Hybrid Maverick finally got a production scheduled date scheduled! (w/o Jan 22, 2022). That one I am getting for 4% under invoice + $400 "doc fees". So 30K for a Maverick Lariat + Lux package + co-Pilot360 + sunroof ...most likely sometime in late March/early April or 35K for a Badlands but no BL package (and no sunroof etc.)

Looking for current thoughts on the pricing aspect of the BS BL at MSRP.

I can afford either vehicle, so that part of it isn't a decision factor. Feeling that the deal is reasonable IS a part of the decision factor.
 

MJE

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OK, so I did a test drive today. Not a long one as there wasn't a lot of gas in the vehicle. Seems pretty nice, but strange given I am used to driving my F-150.

The vehicle is being offered to me at MSRP. No x-plan or other discounts. OTOH no ADM or crazy dealer doc fees. 21 model year and 22's are being ordered/production started.

Should I stay or should I go?

Oh yes, to make this even more interesting, my long ago (June) ordered Hybrid Maverick finally got a production scheduled date scheduled! (w/o Jan 22, 2022). That one I am getting for 4% under invoice + $400 "doc fees". So 30K for a Maverick Lariat + Lux package + co-Pilot360 + sunroof ...most likely sometime in late March/early April or 35K for a Badlands but no BL package (and no sunroof etc.)

Looking for current thoughts on the pricing aspect of the BS BL at MSRP.

I can afford either vehicle, so that part of it isn't a decision factor. Feeling that the deal is reasonable IS a part of the decision factor.
It honestly sounds like you’re getting more for less with the Maverick at this point, if you can wait until delivery. Lariat + LP & options, that’s a really compelling price to get what’s probably X-plan or better. In your decision case, I’d have a hard time not waiting. The Maverick hybrid certainly should get great mileage too for a lower cost to run.

I’d expect they’d both drive similarly, but for the additional length of the maverick. My use case though was needing a vehicle small enough for urban driving, so even length was a factor, plus I’d found that with my F150 I was driving around with an empty bed 99% of the time. So the BS is perfect as a small car for my needs. If I need a truck again for more often than I could reasonably rent one, I’d just go buy an old ranger to park out back of my house.

But. There’s one issue with the hybrid maverick, & that’s all wheel drive. From what I understand, that’s available only on the 2.0L. For me, that’s a 100% need & rules out the hybrid model for me. But if AWD isn’t a consideration for you, then perhaps waiting to get what you want in the maverick order isn’t a bad idea.
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