Ford resurrected the Bronco name in 2021 after a 25-year hiatus and unveiled a retro-styled, off-road monster. The timing was perfect. The first-generation Bronco (1966–1977) became highly collectible. Some restored first-generation Broncos are selling for more than $100,000.

Appearance and Capabilities

The new sixth-generation Bronco styling is strongly influenced by the original Bronco and is backed up with serious off-road credentials. The retro styling was an instant hit, winning over GM loyalists, many of whom, like me, felt deflated by the milk toast performance and jellybean styling of the 2019 Chevy Blazer. 

Targeting the Wrangler

Ford had the Jeep Wrangler in mind when engineering the Bronco. The new Bronco has the power, strength, agility and specialized suspension components to tackle any off-road adventure. Ford wasn’t looking to benchmark the Wrangler, it surpassed it.

Averaging 81,000 sales per year in its first 51 months of production, the new Bronco took a huge bite out of the Jeep Wrangler’s market. 

Model Choices

From rock-crawling to high-speed trail running, there’s a Bronco available for every need among nine trims: Base, Big Bend, Black Diamond, Outer Banks, Badlands, Wildtrak, Everglades, Heritage Edition and top-line Raptor. With prices ranging from $39,630-$90,035 (excluding destination) making the right choice could be an enjoyable dilemma.

Bronco Yin Yang

The “Badlands” balances luxury and capability. It’s second to the Raptor in off-road capabilities, generously equipped and has many standard features. It’s handsomely trimmed in black leather with vibrant orange contrasting stitching. The Badlands is my pick for the best value.  

The Badlands has several great off-roading features: A twin-turbo V6 engine, position-sensitive monotube Bilstein shocks, front and rear locking differentials, stabilizer bar disconnect, generous ground clearance and a two-speed transfer case. There are also four drive modes, front and rear heavy-duty bumpers, heavy-duty D-rings, skid plates, rock sliders, turn assist and a 3,500-pound tow rating.

Stock vs Accessorized

I wouldn’t choose a Badlands as a commuter car, but it’s more comfortable than the Bronco Raptor for daily use, and it gets better mileage. The 2022 Bronco Raptor I tested got 15.2 miles per gallon (mpg) during 1,700 miles of aggressive driving. I managed 16.3 mpg in the Badlands. The EPA estimated fuel economy for the 2024 Bronco Badlands 2.7L V6 is 17 mpg.

A step up to the 330 horsepower 2.7L EcoBoost V6 is worth the extra $2,145. It feels nearly as powerful as the 418 horsepower 3.0L V6 in the Raptor. An 8-speed automatic transmission is standard; the 10-speed automatic is a $1,495 option will provide a small fuel economy increase and better performance.

The Sasquatch Package ($6,035) provides more road prowess than economy and versatility. It includes Ford’s advanced 4×4 with automatic on-demand engagement, 17-inch beadlock capable aluminum wheels, 4.7 final drive ratio with electronic-locking front and rear axle. There’s also a high clearance suspension, high clearance fender flares and “big foot” 35″ LT315/70R17 Mud-Terrain (M/T) tires.

Comfort

The Badlands has better ingress and egress than the Raptor. The Bronco Raptor comes only as a 4-door and it’s difficult to enter and exit, with door openings uncomfortably tight. I bumped the door frame every time entered the vehicle.

The Badlands is available in 2-door or 4-door models. My test Bronco was a 4-door, but I visited the local Ford dealer and also drove the 2-door model. The latter had easier ingress and egress and improved shoulder room. Unless a 4-door is a must, I strongly recommend the 2-door model.

Convenience

While the Badland’s exterior is retro, the interior is thoroughly modern. My test Badlands was equipped with the high/lux package that included: adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, heated steering wheel, SYNC 4 infotainment, navigation, wireless phone charging, 360-degree cameras and 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system

The instrument panel and center stack feature large graphics-intensive displays. There’s a full suite of infotainment features and customizable instruments. The sound system is superior with the included subwoofer adding the right amount of “punch.”

Behind the Wheel

The Badlands’ road manners are superior to the Raptor. The Raptor’s floaty ride and 1960’s vague handling is gone. The Badlands’ body motions are tighter and better controlled. It’s a comfortable highway cruiser.

At highway speeds wind noise is pronounced. I experienced a slight whistle from the windshield area and the usual soft howl of off-road tires. Overall it’s quieter than the Raptor, likely due to the tire differences.

Off-Road 

When the pavement ends, the Badlands is a “billy goat.” Power and suspension travel are the primary differentiators between the Raptor and Badlands, and the Sasquatch Package closes the gap. While the Badlands might not catch as much air, or drive through the open desert as fast as the Raptor, but it’s as capable otherwise.  

The Verdict

The Bronco Badlands is a good balance between off-road prowess and everyday drivability. I liked the Badlands and imagined it as a daily driver. 

I’m not in the market for an SUV or an off-road vehicle, but I “crunched the numbers” while using Ford’s online “Build & Price” configuration tool. The price as tested, including the V6 engine, 10-speed automatic transmission, and High/Lux Package and destination is $61,195. The Badlands is an entry-level Raptor, $30,000 less expensive, and I recommend it.