Undecided, trim level

[NMhunter]

The Badlands is limited only by clearance. I've taken it on lots of gnarly roads, and the only limit I've found is clearance. But, with a couple of additonal skid plates and a 1.5" lift, it has taken me every place I've wanted to go. It is better in mud, snow, and sand than my Jeep Liberty was (also limited by clearance).

I have a lifted 4WD Superduty, but with Bidenflation, diesel got pretty expensive, and 14 mpg wasn't cutting it for me. I use my Sport as a daily driver, where it excels, and still take it hunting on roads my Superduty would struggle with (because of the long wheelbase and width).

I took the truck on an elk hunt with my grandson, and because of the narrow roads, I ended up with some NM pinstriping. Of course, even with the Sport, I have added some pinstriping from the mesquite trees. Here in NM there are lots of narrow washes where the approach and departure angles are severe. The Badlands shines here. I take it on side-by-side UTV trails, and it does fine.

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[hellb0y]

We looked at new 2024 Big Bend Bronco Sports and really liked them. But the dealer had a used 2022 Bronco Sport Badlands. The color was really nice and I saw it had the full GOAT mode controls so I was beginning to lean toward the Badlands. It had less than 9,000 miles on it and was close to the same price as the new Big Bends. Then I found out the Badlands have a 2.0 L four cylinder engine. That pretty much cinched it for us.

We have had it close to two months now and we are very happy with everything about the Badlands. The handling on both highways and bumpy country roads (yeah, we live very RURAL.)

Our average gas mileage is 24.8 MPG and has been steadily going up.

During the last eight years of my working career I drove a county vehicle that happened to be the Ford Escape. In that time I went through two Escapes. I really appreciated the all wheel drive since I was usually driving in severe weather conditions when I was called out in the middle of the night.

I mentioned the Escapes to say the Bronco Sport Badlands took the good points of the Escape and added some additional very nice features. The GOAT mode in the Badlands is one of those additions. I might never need it, but I'm happy to have it.

My vote is the Badlands.

the GOAT mode is available in all Bronco Sport from the big bend to the badlands…in fact, even the Escape has the driving modes now too

 

[ltcdwb]

Interesting. Neither of the two Escapes I was issued had the a driving mode nor the GOAT mode.
But both of those were model years of 2008 and 2012.

 

[B-Dog15]

the GOAT mode is available in all Bronco Sport from the big bend to the badlands…in fact, even the Escape has the driving modes now too

I think he is saying the full spectrum of GOAT modes. Badlands has extra modes such as Mud/Ruts and Rock Crawl.

 

[BSBB4Les]

I'm of the opinion that if you intend to use your Sport off roading, even a little bit, your better off ponying up the extra dough for the Badlands model and equip it as your budget allows. Otherwise, the BB or the OB are great for everyday use. And they are quite economical for the amount of add ons you can order for the money. I had a '22 BB on lease, add ons were co-pilot 360 assist+ and tow pkg. Jan 2022 it listed at $32,200 (msrp). This year I traded it for a '24 BB again on lease, adds are Azure gray metallic tri coat paint, black appearance pkg, convenience pkg and co-pilot 360 assist+. July it listed at $35,815. With dealer incentives we financed $29,300. No $$ out of pocket and same monthly. What I'm saying is, depending on how you intend to use your BS will determine what you're gonna pay for model and trim. Be prepared to negotiate harder for a discount on a badlands though. Which ever one you choose, you're gonna get a great vehicle.

 

[RSH]

Go big (Badlands, First Edition, Heritage Limited) or go home.
The drivetrain differences and exclusivity alone make the 2.0 models the one's to choose.
They are more capable whether you use it or not, you know it's there.
Bottom line is you won't be wanting for more because you will already have it.

 

[hellb0y]

I'm of the opinion that if you intend to use your sport off roading, even a little bit, your better off ponying up the extra dough for the Badlands model and equip it as your budget allows. Otherwise, the BB or the OB are great for everyday use. And they are quite economical for the amount of add ons you can order for the money. I had a '22 BB on lease, add ons were co-pilot 360 assist+ and tow pkg. Jan 2022 it listed at $32,200 (msrp). This year I traded it for a '24 BB again on lease, adds are Azure gray metallic tri coat paint, black appearance pkg, convenience pkg and co-pilot 360 assist+. July it listed at $35,815. With dealer incentives we financed $29,300. No $$ out of pocket and same monthly. What I'm saying is, depending on how you intend to use your BS will determine what you're gonna pay for model and trim. Be prepared to negotiate harder for a discount on a badlands though. Which ever one you choose, you're gonna get a great vehicle.

one is better off buying a real Bronco at that point, especially for the price of a Badlands….with a Bronco you will get proper 4x4, ground clearance, diff locks, more space…etc…

 

[B-Dog15]

one is better off buying a real Bronco at that point, especially for the price of a Badlands….with a Bronco you will get proper 4x4, ground clearance, diff locks, more space…etc…

I agree with this. Looking at the price of a Badlands BS vs Lower trim Full Size there isn't that much of a difference in my area. Overall decided that the 1.5L is enough for me at the moment. Maybe in the future will upgrade to a full size but at the moment my Big Bend has treated me very well!

 

[BLUEOVALRACER]

Go big (Badlands, First Edition, Heritage Limited) or go home.
The drivetrain differences and exclusivity alone make the 2.0 models the one's to choose.
They are more capable whether you use it or not, you know it's there.
Bottom line is you won't be wanting for more because you will already have it.

If you have an unlimited budget sure but there's a Big Price Difference between what you like and the Base, Big Bend or Outer Banks.And if the OP is ordering one that would be easy for the ones you like.But if you're shopping at a Dealership those models you like are few and far between. And after reading the what the OP wants a Base,Big Bend or Outer Banks would be fine for what he wants it for as he said 90% of driving will be on the Highway..

 

[RSH]

If you have an unlimited budget sure but there's a Big Price Difference between what you like and the Base, Big Bend or Outer Banks.And if the OP is ordering one that would be easy for the ones you like.But if you're shopping at a Dealership those models you like are few and far between. And after reading the what the OP wants a Base,Big Bend or Outer Banks would be fine for what he wants it for as he said 90% of driving will be on the Highway..

The OP asked about the Badlands in the very first post.
I posted with a Badlands opinion along with others that posted the same. It's not a big deal.

 

[Stircrazy]

If you have an unlimited budget sure but there's a Big Price Difference between what you like and the Base, Big Bend or Outer Banks.And if the OP is ordering one that would be easy for the ones you like.But if you're shopping at a Dealership those models you like are few and far between. And after reading the what the OP wants a Base,Big Bend or Outer Banks would be fine for what he wants it for as he said 90% of driving will be on the Highway..

up here there is only 2000 bucks difference between a base Outer banks and a badlands at base level. its the 10K in options you have to add to that base Outer banks to bring the features up to the outer banks level that's the difference.

 

[hellb0y]

up here there is only 2000 bucks difference between a base Outer banks and a badlands at base level. its the 10K in options you have to add to that base Outer banks to bring the features up to the outer banks level that's the difference.

huh?? Not for 2025…the only way to bring the OB close in price is by adding the SQ package but that’s not a one to one comparison because a OB with the SQ package is a better deal than a base BL.

 

[BLUEOVALRACER]

up here there is only 2000 bucks difference between a base Outer banks and a badlands at base level. its the 10K in options you have to add to that base Outer banks to bring the features up to the outer banks level that's the difference.

Now what's the Base Price Difference Between the Badlands and Big Bend IIRC it was $6,000 when i got my Big Bend last year? 2024 Badlands Base Price $38,390.00 2024 Big Bend Base Price $29,795.00 What's interesting is my 2023 Big Bends base price was $31,230.00 which was more than the 2024 Big Bends $29,795.00 base price.

 

[BLUEOVALRACER]

The OP asked about the Badlands in the very first post.
I posted with a Badlands opinion along with others that posted the same. It's not a big deal.

True but for 90% Highway driving do you think the Badlands is really needed and worth the extra cost?

 

[Stircrazy]

huh?? Not for 2025…the only way to bring the OB close in price is by adding the SQ package but that’s not a one to one comparison because a OB with the SQ package is a better deal than a base BL.

ya that was looking on ford Canada base pricing. the OB is a fully loaded or in truck terms "platinum, or Limited" trim level. the badlands is a base trim level with suspension and drive train additions to make it a little more 4x4 focused. if you want the interior luxury options you have to add about 8 to 10K to the base price of a bad lands then it becomes way more than an outer banks. but if you go base to base it is under 3000 difference as the OB already has all those features.

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