Everglades Or Badlands?

[BricknoseBronco]

My wife has a fully optioned out Hot Pepper Red Badlands ordered 2024 model (Sasquatch, Lux, tow, dual tops, Raptor style running boards, washout floors/vinyl as we didnt want the carpet with the leather, 4 door, 2.7L). However, with a hefty price tag of MSRP $69k, it had us looking at cheaper options that would allow us to still have a great offroad family rig. So we started to look at a new 2024 Eruption Green Everglades which has a sticker of $58k. We do get A/Z plan, so the Badlands would be around $65k, while the Everglades would be around $54k.

To be honest, one of my biggest doubts is the 2.3L. I know, a lot of you like it. But I also feel like most people who like the 2.3L, have never owned the 2.7L and always say "Its got enough power for me". My 2 door has the 2.7L and test drove a 2.3L sasquatch manual transmission. To me, the 2.3L felt like an absolute turd compared to the 2.7L. I have not driven one with the 10 speed though to see how the difference is. The 2.3L just left me less than impressed and super sluggish. People will say you can add the Ford performance tune and be at similar power of a 2.7. But you also add the same performance tune on the 2.7l, which puts it way ahead of the 2.3L.

With all that being said, this will be my wifes SUV. Shes not nearly as much of a HP junky as I am so wondering real world feedback of the Everglades. For both daily driver, rock crawling and offroad in general how the 2.3L in that package handles. We live in TN, so rocks, mud, hills and water are what it will see. We really wanted wash out floors so came down to black diamond, Everglades or Badlands. If you option out the Black diamond now, it can get into the $60s.

Part of me wants to continue to wait for the one we ordered, but the Everglades is intriguing and love the way it looks with the more squared fenders vs the Badlands. Seems like a WAY better value overall for what you get vs spending almost $70k for the Badlands. You dont get all the bells and whistles like adaptive cruise, heated steering wheel, 360 cameras, or the big one sway bar disconnect, which technically could mean more things to break offroad. But you get everything else it has plus a few other things such as winch, snorkel, longer vent tubes, and slide out tailgate. Also, I know they make some nice pull pin sway bar disconnect kits now, so I dont think I have to have the push button disconnect.

So the real question I have is what is everyones thoughts on the Everglades Vs the Badlands as far as value, fun, and all around performer? The pricing of these are ridiculous anymore so it has us reconsidering. So if you could get a fully loaded Badlands for $65k, or a Everglades for $54k what would you do?

Bonus points for anyone whos owned both an Everglades and Badlands, or has real world comparison between the two.

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[TXBronco1313]

My Heritage has the 2.3 and it’s more than enough. 2.3 and 2.7 have similar horsepower but the difference is torque. If you plan to go off-roading then go with the 2.7. If you’re going to be driving city/highway then 2.3 is enough. I would say go with the Everglades those are hard to come by and the winch is a nice thing to have

 

[Wark]

The everglades is based on the badlands trim. They are close enough for an apples to apples comparison with very minor differences.

Badlands
sta-bar disconnect included
2.7L engine

Everglades
3" higher water fording clearance
winch
snorkel
unique look and some colors
2.3L engine only
$11k less out of pocket
install sta-bar disconnect to aux switch for ~$1500 ?

I have a 2.3L and smaller tires on my base and it's fine, but after the off-roadeo it's hard to avoid the call of more horsepower with the 2.7L in the bandlands for the larger wheel and tires.

The everglades is a better value by far and is a limited production with better resale potential.

I don't think you can go wrong with either.

 

[BricknoseBronco]

My Heritage has the 2.3 and it’s more than enough. 2.3 and 2.7 has similar horsepower but the difference is torque. If you plan to go off-roading then go with the 2.7. If you’re going to be driving city/highway then 2.3 is enough. I would say go with the Everglades those are hard to come by and the winch is a nice thing to have

It will be used both on and offroad. That was my biggest concern was when say rock crawling around or climbing hills in East Tennessee, the 2.3 just wont be enough. Even though its only 30 hp on premium difference, I can tell you for certain there is a huge performance feel/acceleration difference with the almost 100 lb ft torque difference. And if you ever take the 2.3L to any sand dunes, I bet it would do way worse than a 2.7L.

 

[TXBronco1313]

It will be used both on and offroad. That was my biggest concern was when say rock crawling around or climbing hills in East Tennessee, the 2.3 just wont be enough. Even though its only 30 hp on premium difference, I can tell you for certain there is a huge performance feel/acceleration difference with the almost 100 lb ft torque difference. And if you ever take the 2.3L to any sand dunes, I bet it would do way worse than a 2.7L.

My previous Bronco was a 2.7 and I def did notice the torque difference. The most “off-roading” I do is drive on dirt roads and so far the 2.3 has been capable of that but if you’re looking to go rock climbing then definitely stick with the 2.7. If you’re looking for a cheaper price, maybe get something that has a 2.7 but with the mid package instead of the lux. That alone should bring dow the price few thousands especially if you’re not too hung up on the bells and whistles

 

[BricknoseBronco]

The everglades is based on the badlands trim. They are close enough for an apples to apples comparison with very minor differences.

Badlands
sta-bar disconnect included
2.7L engine

Everglades
3" higher water fording clearance
winch
snorkel
unique look and some colors
2.3L engine only
$11k less out of pocket
install sta-bar disconnect to aux switch for ~$1500 ?

I have a 2.3L and smaller tires on my base and it's fine, but after the off-roadeo it's hard to avoid the call of more horsepower with the 2.7L in the bandlands for the larger wheel and tires.

The everglades is a better value by far and is a limited production with better resale potential.

I don't think you can go wrong with either.

Agree with everything you said. I do wonder though how the 2.3, with auto and the gearing of the sasquatch vs your base model with the standard gearset feels. We also may go to 37s down the road on it. So just wonder if the 2.3 is up to the task even with the Ford performance tune. Even though its roughly $11k difference, you still dont want to be left with a lethargic feeling $54k vehicle. I always opt for the larger/higher HP engines in everything I buy because I dont want to regret it down the road. This would be the first time I settled on a smaller option. If the Everglades came with a 2.7 option, I wouldnt hesitate on the purchase even without the bells and whistles.

 

[BricknoseBronco]

My previous Bronco was a 2.7 and I def did notice the torque difference. The most “off-roading” I do is drive on dirt roads and so far the 2.3 has been capable of that but if you’re looking to go rock climbing then definitely stick with the 2.7. If you’re looking for a cheaper price, maybe get something that has a 2.7 but with the mid package instead of the lux. That alone should bring dow the price few thousands especially if you’re not too hung up on the bells and whistles

Kindve what I am thinking. However, if the Everglades was only a few thousand less than a Badlands it would be a no brainer to just get the Badlands. But with it being $11k less, it sparked out interest thats for sure.

 

[Ninjak]

The Everglades will come with the things you want and the winch and slide-out tailgate to boot. The only difference in this is the 2.3 vs the 2.7. As some have said, you can get the Ford Performance tune for the 2.3, so it will perform like a 2.7.

When I came across this choice, I bought my Badlands with the 2.7 and started my mod journey. I wanted the disco and I did not want to try to do that aftermarket. I also wanted the 2.7. In 21 the Badlands LUX package had all of the things I wanted, power seats, leather, dual air, etc, so that was another choice.

In the end, I guess it really comes down to 2.3 v 2.7 plus a few extras on the different models. Disco vs snorkel, winch, and slide out.

 

[TXBronco1313]

Kindve what I am thinking. However, if the Everglades was only a few thousand less than a Badlands it would be a no brainer to just get the Badlands. But with it being $11k less, it sparked out interest thats for sure.

I feel ya. It definitely is a nice trim and it does hold its value better than other non heritage trims but if the engine is a deal breaker for you then I would recommend sticking with the 2.7. The 2.3 will underperform at rock crawling

 

[DriveAllNight]

If you're just comparing engines, that's one thing. There's 2 camps, 1 says the difference is minimal, the other will always pic the V6. Drive both and decide, only you can make the call if it matters.

But, you listed, lux, dual tops, running boards, and hitch - you didn't mention ( and I suspect not) if you'd get that on the Everglades. So you're not comparing apples to apples - so to speak.

You could build and price a Badlands with the same options ( or lack there of) as the Everglades and then see what the real price difference is.

Also, I would think the Everglades is modeled from the Black Diamond not the Badlands, no disco and less options I'm betting they're more comparable, but I could be wrong.
Price compare those two also.

Also do you want/like/need a winch and a snorkel? You are paying for those items.

 

[TXBronco1313]

If you're just comparing engines, that's one thing. There's 2 camps, 1 says the difference is minimal, the other will always pic the V6. Drive both and decide, only you can make the call if it matters.

But, you listed, lux, dual tops, running boards, and hitch - you didn't mention ( and I suspect not) if you'd get that on the Everglades. So you're not comparing apples to apples - so to speak.

You could build and price a Badlands with the same options ( or lack there of) as the Everglades and then see what the real price difference is.

Also, I would think the Everglades is modeled from the Black Diamond not the Badlands, no disco and less options I'm betting they're more comparable, but I could be wrong.
Price compare those two also.

Also do you want/like/need a winch and a snorkel? You are paying for those items.

I agree, I was under the impression that the Everglades is a product of the black diamond

 

[userdude]

Get the Everglades. The 2.7 is a little better and if you want to mod the engine, get the 2.7. I don't think you'll ever notice the difference, even if you're rock crawling (which I've done several times with a 2.3).

Another good deal is the HE (not L). But that Everglades at the price you mentioned is not bad at all, 2.3 and everything. I just put +20lbs heavier tires and didn't lose any acceleration AFAICT, but I probably lost some MPG.

 

[_lariat]

For the 2.3/2.7 discussion.

As a horsepower junkie, (own several cobra mustangs,) you really won't mind the 2.3/a10. You're not winning any drag races, but it keeps up quite well.

Also fwiw, you may benefit dropping the squatch package from the BL and putting wheels/shocks on it in the future. The factory bilsteins are already a known failure point, and the badlands gets a 4.46 gear standard vs the squatch 4.70. (4.70 if 2.3/7speed standard on BL.)

As for the differences between everglades and badlands, I can't speak on, but from what I've read, and experienced on my badlands, the squatch is a waste of money. Think buying a brand new mustang, then brining it home and putting a ford performance cold air intake on it. You've gained little, and emptied your pocket into Fords profit bin.

 

[Glade Runner]

My wife has a fully optioned out Hot Pepper Red Badlands ordered 2024 model (Sasquatch, Lux, tow, dual tops, Raptor style running boards, washout floors/vinyl as we didnt want the carpet with the leather, 4 door, 2.7L). However, with a hefty price tag of MSRP $69k, it had us looking at cheaper options that would allow us to still have a great offroad family rig. So we started to look at a new 2024 Eruption Green Everglades which has a sticker of $58k. We do get A/Z plan, so the Badlands would be around $65k, while the Everglades would be around $54k.

To be honest, one of my biggest doubts is the 2.3L. I know, a lot of you like it. But I also feel like most people who like the 2.3L, have never owned the 2.7L and always say "Its got enough power for me". My 2 door has the 2.7L and test drove a 2.3L sasquatch manual transmission. To me, the 2.3L felt like an absolute turd compared to the 2.7L. I have not driven one with the 10 speed though to see how the difference is. The 2.3L just left me less than impressed and super sluggish. People will say you can add the Ford performance tune and be at similar power of a 2.7. But you also add the same performance tune on the 2.7l, which puts it way ahead of the 2.3L.

With all that being said, this will be my wifes SUV. Shes not nearly as much of a HP junky as I am so wondering real world feedback of the Everglades. For both daily driver, rock crawling and offroad in general how the 2.3L in that package handles. We live in TN, so rocks, mud, hills and water are what it will see. We really wanted wash out floors so came down to black diamond, Everglades or Badlands. If you option out the Black diamond now, it can get into the $60s.

Part of me wants to continue to wait for the one we ordered, but the Everglades is intriguing and love the way it looks with the more squared fenders vs the Badlands. Seems like a WAY better value overall for what you get vs spending almost $70k for the Badlands. You dont get all the bells and whistles like adaptive cruise, heated steering wheel, 360 cameras, or the big one sway bar disconnect, which technically could mean more things to break offroad. But you get everything else it has plus a few other things such as winch, snorkel, longer vent tubes, and slide out tailgate. Also, I know they make some nice pull pin sway bar disconnect kits now, so I dont think I have to have the push button disconnect.

So the real question I have is what is everyones thoughts on the Everglades Vs the Badlands as far as value, fun, and all around performer? The pricing of these are ridiculous anymore so it has us reconsidering. So if you could get a fully loaded Badlands for $65k, or a Everglades for $54k what would you do?

Bonus points for anyone whos owned both an Everglades and Badlands, or has real world comparison between the two.

I have a 2024 Eruption Green Everglades. I test drove both engines in other broncos (the two were similarly equipped other than engine), I didn’t feel enough difference to worry about. The only thing other than the 2.7 you give up is the electronically disconnectable sway bar, but you gain much more like the factory installed and warranted winch.

I’ve had it four months and have no regrets so far. It does get noticed (commented on) for being the version people have never seen before, so that’s kind of cool I guess.

 

[BricknoseBronco]

The Everglades will come with the things you want and the winch and slide-out tailgate to boot. The only difference in this is the 2.3 vs the 2.7. As some have said, you can get the Ford Performance tune for the 2.3, so it will perform like a 2.7.

When I came across this choice, I bought my Badlands with the 2.7 and started my mod journey. I wanted the disco and I did not want to try to do that aftermarket. I also wanted the 2.7. In 21 the Badlands LUX package had all of the things I wanted, power seats, leather, dual air, etc, so that was another choice.

In the end, I guess it really comes down to 2.3 v 2.7 plus a few extras on the different models. Disco vs snorkel, winch, and slide out.

People keep saying that about the 2.3 that it will perform like the 2.7 when it has the Ford performance tune. However, I wonder how many people were driving the 2.7, switched to the 2.3 and tuned it to really give a fair comparison. I feel like most people who say just that have only had experience with the 2.3, and based on the numbers on paper say it performs the same as the 2.7. But I agree, if this was for me only, the 2.7 would mandatory. But this will be my wifes daily and weekend offroad toy.

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