Ford Bronco Badlands Review: Is It Worth It?

by Alex Braham 45 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Ford Bronco Badlands, a vehicle that's been creating a lot of buzz in the off-road community. If you're wondering whether this beast lives up to the hype and if it’s the right choice for your adventures, you’ve come to the right place. We'll be covering everything from its impressive capabilities and standout features to potential drawbacks and how it stacks up against the competition. Buckle up, because this is going to be a thorough ride!

What is Ford Bronco Badlands?

The Ford Bronco Badlands isn't just another trim level; it's a statement. Designed for the hardcore off-roader, the Badlands trim takes the Bronco's already impressive capabilities and cranks them up to eleven. It's equipped with a range of features that make it incredibly capable on challenging terrain, including an advanced four-wheel-drive system, a disconnecting front sway bar, and heavy-duty suspension. But it's not just about brute strength; the Badlands also offers a comfortable and tech-filled interior, making it a versatile choice for both weekday commutes and weekend adventures. The Bronco Badlands perfectly blends ruggedness with modern convenience, setting it apart in the crowded SUV market.

Key Features of the Ford Bronco Badlands

Let's break down some of the key features that make the Ford Bronco Badlands a true off-road champion:

  • Advanced Four-Wheel-Drive System: The Badlands comes standard with an advanced 4x4 system that includes electronic locking front and rear differentials. This system allows you to distribute power evenly to all four wheels, maximizing traction in slippery or uneven conditions. Whether you're tackling rocky trails or muddy bogs, this system ensures that you have the grip you need to keep moving forward.
  • Disconnecting Front Sway Bar: The disconnecting front sway bar is a game-changer for off-road enthusiasts. When disconnected, it allows for greater wheel articulation, enabling the Bronco to crawl over obstacles that would leave other SUVs stranded. This feature significantly improves the Bronco's ability to navigate challenging terrain and maintain stability in extreme situations.
  • Heavy-Duty Suspension: The Badlands trim features a specially tuned heavy-duty suspension system designed to withstand the rigors of off-road driving. With increased ground clearance and enhanced shock absorption, this suspension system provides a smoother and more controlled ride, even on the roughest trails. It's built to handle whatever you throw at it, ensuring that you can explore with confidence.
  • G.O.A.T. Modes (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain): The Bronco's G.O.A.T. Modes are a suite of selectable drive modes that optimize the vehicle's performance for various types of terrain. These modes include Sand, Mud/Ruts, Rock Crawl, and Baja, each of which adjusts the engine, transmission, and traction control settings to provide the best possible performance in that specific environment. With G.O.A.T. Modes, you can easily adapt to changing conditions and tackle any challenge that comes your way.
  • Rock Rails and Skid Plates: To protect the undercarriage from damage, the Badlands trim comes standard with rock rails and skid plates. These rugged components shield vulnerable areas of the vehicle, such as the fuel tank, transfer case, and engine, from rocks and other obstacles. With this added protection, you can venture off the beaten path with peace of mind, knowing that your Bronco is well-equipped to handle the challenges of off-road driving.

These features combine to make the Ford Bronco Badlands a formidable off-road machine, capable of tackling some of the most challenging terrain imaginable. But it's not just about off-road performance; the Badlands also offers a comfortable and well-equipped interior, making it a practical choice for everyday driving.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance and handling, the Ford Bronco Badlands truly shines, both on and off the road. The standard engine is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder that delivers a robust 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking even more power, there's an available 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 that cranks out 330 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Both engines provide plenty of grunt for tackling tough terrain, and the ten-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth and responsive shifts.

Off-road, the Bronco Badlands is in its element. The advanced four-wheel-drive system, disconnecting front sway bar, and heavy-duty suspension work together to provide exceptional traction, articulation, and control. Whether you're rock crawling, mudding, or sand running, the Bronco Badlands inspires confidence and makes even the most challenging obstacles feel manageable. The G.O.A.T. Modes allow you to fine-tune the vehicle's performance to suit the terrain, further enhancing its capabilities.

On the road, the Bronco Badlands offers a surprisingly comfortable and composed ride. The suspension soaks up bumps and imperfections with ease, and the steering is precise and responsive. While it's not as sporty as some other SUVs, the Bronco Badlands is still fun to drive, with plenty of power for passing and merging. The cabin is relatively quiet, and the seats are comfortable, even on long trips. The Ford Bronco Badlands is a versatile machine that can handle anything you throw at it.

Off-Road Capabilities

Let's dive a little deeper into the Ford Bronco Badlands' off-road capabilities, because that's where this vehicle truly excels. The combination of its advanced four-wheel-drive system, disconnecting front sway bar, and heavy-duty suspension makes it a force to be reckoned with on the trails.

The advanced four-wheel-drive system is the heart of the Bronco Badlands' off-road prowess. With electronic locking front and rear differentials, it can distribute power evenly to all four wheels, maximizing traction in even the most challenging conditions. This system ensures that you always have the grip you need to keep moving forward, whether you're climbing over rocks, slogging through mud, or traversing sand.

The disconnecting front sway bar is another key component of the Bronco Badlands' off-road arsenal. By allowing for greater wheel articulation, it enables the Bronco to maintain contact with the ground, even when the terrain is uneven or rocky. This feature significantly improves the Bronco's ability to crawl over obstacles and maintain stability in extreme situations.

The heavy-duty suspension is designed to withstand the rigors of off-road driving, providing a smooth and controlled ride, even on the roughest trails. With increased ground clearance and enhanced shock absorption, this suspension system ensures that you can tackle any challenge that comes your way with confidence.

Interior and Technology

Stepping inside the Ford Bronco Badlands, you'll find a well-designed and functional interior that's both comfortable and practical. The cabin is spacious and airy, with plenty of headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The seats are supportive and comfortable, even on long drives, and the materials used throughout the cabin are durable and easy to clean.

The dashboard is dominated by a large touchscreen display that houses the infotainment system. This system is intuitive and easy to use, with crisp graphics and responsive controls. It includes features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, keeping you connected on the go. The Bronco Badlands also comes standard with a range of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.

Infotainment System

The infotainment system in the Ford Bronco Badlands is a standout feature, offering a seamless and user-friendly experience. The large touchscreen display is bright and clear, making it easy to see and operate, even in direct sunlight. The system is responsive and quick, with minimal lag or delay. It includes a range of features, such as navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice recognition.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is standard, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and contacts. The Wi-Fi hotspot provides a reliable internet connection for you and your passengers, keeping everyone connected on the go. The infotainment system also includes a range of off-road-specific features, such as trail maps and performance data, making it a valuable tool for exploring the backcountry.

The voice recognition system is accurate and responsive, allowing you to control various functions of the vehicle with your voice. This is especially useful when you're driving off-road and need to keep your hands on the wheel. The infotainment system is a well-rounded and feature-rich system that enhances the overall driving experience.

Pros and Cons

Like any vehicle, the Ford Bronco Badlands has its pros and cons. Let's take a look at some of the key advantages and disadvantages of this off-road-oriented SUV:

Pros:

  • Exceptional Off-Road Capabilities: The Bronco Badlands is one of the most capable off-road vehicles on the market, with a range of features that make it well-suited for tackling challenging terrain.
  • Rugged and Durable Design: The Bronco Badlands is built to withstand the rigors of off-road driving, with a sturdy frame, heavy-duty suspension, and protective skid plates.
  • Versatile and Practical: Despite its off-road focus, the Bronco Badlands is also a practical and comfortable vehicle for everyday driving, with a spacious interior and a range of modern features.
  • Unique and Stylish: The Bronco Badlands has a distinctive and eye-catching design that sets it apart from other SUVs.

Cons:

  • Fuel Economy: The Bronco Badlands is not the most fuel-efficient vehicle on the market, especially when equipped with the larger engine.
  • Ride Quality: While the ride quality is generally good, it can be a bit rough on certain surfaces, especially compared to more road-focused SUVs.
  • Price: The Bronco Badlands can be expensive, especially when equipped with all the desirable options and features.
  • Availability: Due to high demand, the Bronco Badlands can be difficult to find and may require a long wait time.

Final Verdict

So, is the Ford Bronco Badlands worth it? The answer is a resounding yes, especially if you're an avid off-roader or someone who values a vehicle that can handle anything you throw at it. With its exceptional off-road capabilities, rugged design, and versatile nature, the Bronco Badlands is a top choice in the off-road SUV segment. However, it's important to consider its drawbacks, such as fuel economy and price, before making a decision.

Ultimately, the Ford Bronco Badlands is a fantastic vehicle that delivers on its promise of off-road capability and adventure. If you're looking for a vehicle that can take you anywhere and do anything, the Bronco Badlands is definitely worth considering.