Undecided, trim level

[Glamdring70]

No one that owns a Badlands regrets that they didn't get another trim instead.
Some people traded another trim and got a Badlands instead.
Many owners say they wished they had a Badlands but couldn't get one.

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[Stircrazy]

No one that owns a Badlands regrets that they didn't get another trim instead.
Some people traded another trim and got a Badlands instead.
Many owners say they wished they had a Badlands but couldn't get one.

the badlands is a step down in trim level from the outer banks. I looked at them both and the outer banks is the one that had all the features I wanted with out having to have them added.

 

[Mark S.]

I don’t think it’s been mentioned but the Badlands has completely different suspension than the other models. If you put a premium on ride comfort off road that will be where the difference shows up the most. IMHO

It's not completely different, but there are some differences. All Bronco Sport trim levels are equipped with what Ford calls a "HOSS" (High-Performance Off Road Suspension System) system, featuring springs, front struts, and rear shocks designed for off-road use. The Badlands/First Edition trims get bigger rear shocks with hydraulic rebound dampers, softer anti-roll bars and springs both front and rear, and slightly taller springs. Ground clearance on non-Badlands/First Edition trims is 7.8 inches. The Badlands/First Edition trims get 8.8 inches if equipped with the taller 235/65R17 tires. That means 1/2" of additional ground clearance comes from the tires; the other half comes from the slightly taller springs.

All other suspension components are the same across the trims. For more you can read Ford's press release about the HOSS system at this link.

 

[Glamdring70]

the badlands is a step down in trim level from the outer banks. I looked at them both and the outer banks is the one that had all the features I wanted with out having to have them added.

I pored and pored over the option lists when I was shopping the car. In the end, the only thing the Outer Banks had that a Badlands did not, was rain sensing wipers and footwell lights. I don't know anyone or any media that would call it a step down from an OB for it.

 

[Mrmike]

Perfect answer would be an Outer Banks with the 2.0 motor. Unfortunately Ford isn't smart enough to realize this!

 

[BLUEOVALRACER]

To be very fair, Ford has had the 2.0 l 4 Cylinder in production for many, many years, and in various models. We have owned a few of them in my wife's vehicles. They are a proven engine with good power and gas mileage. As a result, I understand the began adding turbos to a 2.0 l based off the original one, around 2009 in Europe. Research found the Escape had them as an option beginning around 2017, before the Bronco Sport was manufactured using the Escape frame and drive train.

Sales staff at one of our local dealership stated that 90% of Bronco Sports are manufactured with the 1.5 l 3 cylinder for a few reasons. They say the main reason was to make it competitive with other manufacturers. Better rated gas mileage is another. Ones that have them as demos say they are adequate for normal highway driving. They further stated dealers are limited to ordering numbers of certain vehicles per dealership.

My only issues with the 3 models offering only the 3 cylinder engine is the ability to lock them in 4 x 4 for our bad winter conditions in this area, and the lighter suspension. There is a ride height difference. I would have thought Ford would offer more of a variety of options, and not all for the Badlands option.

I'm aware the 2.0 Eco Boost has been in production many more years than the 1.5 Eco Boost so what's not proven on the 1.5 Eco Boost besides some Water Pump Issues like i've mentioned? You guys keep saying the 2.0 Eco Boost is proven over the 1.5 Eco Boost but never mention the problems you think the 1.5 Eco Boosts are having? And FWIW most of the newer Escapes like the Bronco Sports also have the 1.5 Eco Boost engine in them!!

 

[Mark S.]

And FWIW most of the newer Escapes like the Bronco Sports also have the 1.5 Eco Boost engine in them!!

Clearly, the 1.5L three-cylinder will be Ford's base internal combustion engine going forward. While there were a few, I don't believe it suffers from significantly more growing pains than any other new-to-market engine. The one that seems to have gotten the most attention since its introduction is the fires traced back to cracked fuel injectors. The NTSB has chosen to dig deeper on this one to determine if Ford's response has been adequate. I would expect to hear something sometime next year. Many think the NTSB wants Ford to replace the fuel injectors. We'll see.

 

[WildFord]

the only thing the Outer Banks had that a Badlands did not, was rain sensing wipers and footwell lights.

I was trying to do the same, I don't know why they just clearly list the differences.

I have to say interior lights are nice to have...so I put some in myself. it's an easy mod to do. I wish there still a good way to lit the cup holder well.

Rain sensing wipers? perhaps personal, I have cars with those system I usually have it turned off.

Just considering simple logics, perhaps the choice would be based on what is the intention for the vehicle. there is always some trade off from one to another. fuel efficiency vs power is the fine example.

hm...I just built the BL again, now it is around $47k! wow, it's a 15% gain from '22. and...no more cyber orange??!!

 

[Dadio]

Keep in mind the 2025 models have entirely new MPC modular powerplants. Both the 1.5 and 2.0 displacements. So we are possibly at square one for measuring reliability…

 

[Stircrazy]

I pored and pored over the option lists when I was shopping the car. In the end, the only thing the Outer Banks had that a Badlands did not, was rain sensing wipers and footwell lights. I don't know anyone or any media that would call it a step down from an OB for it.

there were lots of options, leather seats, dual zone climate control, 10 speaker B&O stereo system, and a few others, yes the dealer can order the badlands with these options added but they can with the big bed also. as far as the interior and comfort the badland is a big bend with better suspension and 4wd capability.

 

[Glamdring70]

there were lots of options, leather seats, dual zone climate control, 10 speaker B&O stereo system, and a few others, yes the dealer can order the badlands with these options added but they can with the big bed also. as far as the interior and comfort the badland is a big bend with better suspension and 4wd capability.

Then isn't an Outer Banks just a Big Bend? Isn't the Big Bend just a Base? I'm not sure what is meant by this.

Rain sensing wipers? perhaps personal, I have cars with those system I usually have it turned off.

hm...I just built the BL again, now it is around $47k! wow, it's a 15% gain from '22. and...no more cyber orange??!!

Same. If I had the option, I would probably turn it off.

Yeah, prices really skyrocketed in 3 years. Part of the reason I bought in 2021 was I knew where supply and prices were going. I wouldn't go 50k on this car.

 

[BLUEOVALRACER]

My wife's Badlands has rain sensing mode on it. I like that feature, but it is not on my new Maverick.

It was also a nice surprise that my Maverick XLT (with the Sport and FX4 packages) came with a heated steering wheel. From online builds, I thought only the Lariat model had it. I prefer it over heated seats.

I test drove a Maverick on a cold day at the end of November when i had the Bronco Sport in for the Works Package and it had the heated steering wheel i liked that.

 

[BLUEOVALRACER]

Perfect answer would be an Outer Banks with the 2.0 motor. Unfortunately Ford isn't smart enough to realize this!

It would be nice if the 2.0 Eco Boost was an option on the Big Bend and Outer Banks.

 

[BobSinFL]

Badlands is only way to go!!!

Where did you get the kicking horse decal?

 

[MAGPLM]

It is a plastic emblem. I think I got it off ebay.

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