Everglades Or Badlands?

[MNBigfoot]

Fords explanation for using the 2.3 was because of the added weight of the winch set up in the front on the suspension. The heavy winch, mounting plate plus the weight of the 2.3 is roughly the same weight as the 2.7 without a winch. They would have had to apparently come up with and design another set of springs if they were going to use the 2.7 which I guess they did not want to do to compensate for the added weight

As far as the 2.3 being purpose built, I'm not really sure what you mean. This isnt a unique 2.3 thats in the Bronco built just for 4 wheeling. Its used in multiple other cars/suvs, such as the Mustang for example. For that matter, technically the 2.7 is built more robust (much stronger block) than a 2.3 is. Even if the 2.3 is a strong design.

And Ive read this rumor of the alternator location by several people. Which is the first thing I looked at when test driving. But I can tell you after looking at my 2.7 and the new 2.3 we own, there is virtually no difference in alternator location, maybe an inch or so higher. They are both on the bottom of the engine. Have you looked at the location of the alternator on yours? I dont know how the rumor ever started, but we are talking minimal difference in height of alternator location. Unless someone has some other explanations, I do not believe alternator location has anything at all to do with Fords decision to go with the 2.3. As you can see from the pictures, they are both on the bottom right of side off the engine, with what seems like equal chances to have the same issue you described. Ive also seen several 2.3s when going in deep water fail an alternator.

I do also believe the Badlands is purpose built just like the Everglades, and two of the best overall offroaders in the line up.

With all this being said, was a little hesitant to hold off on the Everglades, and waiting for the Badlands. But now that we've had the Everglades all weekend and got to enjoy it, I am VERY glad we went this route! It really is such a unique looking Bronco, and to me the best looking version of the 4 door. I agree with you that I think looking back on these down the road, the Everglades will be a fan favorite to enthusiasts. I've only ever seen one on the road. Definitely happy we chose it and look forward putting it to the test on the trails! Glad to be one of the few Everglades owners out there.

x2. The alternator misinformation keeps making the rounds, but knowing the 2.3s alternator sits at the bottom of the engine and is entirely submerged at the safe water fording depth of the average Bronco, that myth doesn't hold water.

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[Glade Runner]

I've never driven a Badlands because it's always been out of my price range.

With that said, I will be selling my 4DR Heritage this week and picking up an Everglades.

I've had many Broncos over the past couple years and the 2.3 is plenty power for me. The selling point for the Everglades is obviously the looks; unique wheels, HD bumper + winch, and the snorkel, not to mention I've been itching to get back into MGV seats with the MOLLE panels and the washout floors.

It's been a process upgrading to the exact Bronco I've wanted for the money and the day is coming up soon. I'm super excited.

The wheels will no longer be unique. If you look at the configuration page, they have been added as an option to Sasquatch equipped vehicles.

For example: two door badlands;

 

[BricknoseBronco]

The wheels will no longer be unique. If you look at the configuration page, they have been added as an option to Sasquatch equipped vehicles.

For example: two door badlands;

The Badlands I have on order actually has those wheels. Which in my opinion is the best looking wheel offered on the Bronco. The Everglades is still one of the most unique overall looking vehicles in the lineup even if others can get the wheels.

 

[BricknoseBronco]

UPDATE:

Well after 1800 miles and one week of ownership I can honestly say the Everglades does not disappoint. Took it on a road trip and averaged 18.5-20.5 MPG hand calculated which I was super impressed with. It definitely seems to get people asking about it and talking about the uniqueness of it as well. Several people stopped and said they havent see one before on the road.

Overall, while I dont think the brakes are still the best, they do work fine when needed. Just take some getting used to as far as the travel goes compared to most vehicles nowadays. Also, overall pretty happy with 2.3. While it doesnt have quite the punch of what my 2.7 had, I still overall have enjoyed it. I never felt like I didnt have the power to merge quickly or accelerate quickly off the line to get in front of someone. And we were loaded down with stuff in the back and 3 people. When people say it has plenty of power, I would agree. Not 2.7 level, but still pretty happy with overall performance. If they just could fix the low RPM lag on it, I think the 2.3 would actually convince a lot of people to save the money on the two engine options as the 2.7 is a costly option. I do have the Ford Performance tuner I bought for it, just have installed yet. Will be interesting to see how it performs after.

As far as comfort for a road trip goes, its no different than a badlands. Same seats, same feel. Adaptive cruise would have been nice for the trip, but not needed.

Overall, we are LOVING it! If you're on the fence about an Everglades like I was, dont be!

Now, to complicate matters further....My Badlands order is scheduled to be built the week of September 2nd....of course. haha. Contemplating getting rid of my F350 for it...just not sure how it would be to have two Broncos at the house. Oh well, thats a decision for another day. Back to enjoying the Everglades!

 

[Sgt Badlands]

UPDATE:

Well after 1800 miles and one week of ownership I can honestly say the Everglades does not disappoint. Took it on a road trip and averaged 18.5-20.5 MPG hand calculated which I was super impressed with. It definitely seems to get people asking about it and talking about the uniqueness of it as well. Several people stopped and said they havent see one before on the road.

Overall, while I dont think the brakes are still the best, they do work fine when needed. Just take some getting used to as far as the travel goes compared to most vehicles nowadays. Also, overall pretty happy with 2.3. While it doesnt have quite the punch of what my 2.7 had, I still overall have enjoyed it. I never felt like I didnt have the power to merge quickly or accelerate quickly off the line to get in front of someone. And we were loaded down with stuff in the back and 3 people. When people say it has plenty of power, I would agree. Not 2.7 level, but still pretty happy with overall performance. If they just could fix the low RPM lag on it, I think the 2.3 would actually convince a lot of people to save the money on the two engine options as the 2.7 is a costly option. I do have the Ford Performance tuner I bought for it, just have installed yet. Will be interesting to see how it performs after.

As far as comfort for a road trip goes, its no different than a badlands. Same seats, same feel. Adaptive cruise would have been nice for the trip, but not needed.

Overall, we are LOVING it! If you're on the fence about an Everglades like I was, dont be!

Now, to complicate matters further....My Badlands order is scheduled to be built the week of September 2nd....of course. haha. Contemplating getting rid of my F350 for it...just not sure how it would be to have two Broncos at the house. Oh well, thats a decision for another day. Back to enjoying the Everglades!

Glad you are enjoying it. I don’t think you could have gone wrong with either option.

 

[bumyoon]

UPDATE:

Well after 1800 miles and one week of ownership I can honestly say the Everglades does not disappoint. Took it on a road trip and averaged 18.5-20.5 MPG hand calculated which I was super impressed with. It definitely seems to get people asking about it and talking about the uniqueness of it as well. Several people stopped and said they havent see one before on the road.

Overall, while I dont think the brakes are still the best, they do work fine when needed. Just take some getting used to as far as the travel goes compared to most vehicles nowadays. Also, overall pretty happy with 2.3. While it doesnt have quite the punch of what my 2.7 had, I still overall have enjoyed it. I never felt like I didnt have the power to merge quickly or accelerate quickly off the line to get in front of someone. And we were loaded down with stuff in the back and 3 people. When people say it has plenty of power, I would agree. Not 2.7 level, but still pretty happy with overall performance. If they just could fix the low RPM lag on it, I think the 2.3 would actually convince a lot of people to save the money on the two engine options as the 2.7 is a costly option. I do have the Ford Performance tuner I bought for it, just have installed yet. Will be interesting to see how it performs after.

As far as comfort for a road trip goes, its no different than a badlands. Same seats, same feel. Adaptive cruise would have been nice for the trip, but not needed.

Overall, we are LOVING it! If you're on the fence about an Everglades like I was, dont be!

Now, to complicate matters further....My Badlands order is scheduled to be built the week of September 2nd....of course. haha. Contemplating getting rid of my F350 for it...just not sure how it would be to have two Broncos at the house. Oh well, thats a decision for another day. Back to enjoying the Everglades!

Awesome!!! I just picked mine up on Friday morning about an hour south of Chicago and arrived home today. I've had three other 2.3L auto Broncos before and for some reason this engine feels more peppy and has some growl when accelerating (in sport mode).

Loving everything so far except....we stopped by one of the beaches off Lake Michigan on the way. When I arrived home, I was vacuuming up the sand from the floor and realized I do NOT have the rubber cover over my gas pedal. Reached out to my dealer to see if they can order me one or if I will need to go to a local dealer to have them order and install.

Other than that....installed my front door pockets, stubby antenna, and will be installing my Turn Offroad running boards tomorrow...

 

[BricknoseBronco]

Awesome!!! I just picked mine up on Friday morning about an hour south of Chicago and arrived home today. I've had three other 2.3L auto Broncos before and for some reason this engine feels more peppy and has some growl when accelerating (in sport mode).

Loving everything so far except....we stopped by one of the beaches off Lake Michigan on the way. When I arrived home, I was vacuuming up the sand from the floor and realized I do NOT have the rubber cover over my gas pedal. Reached out to my dealer to see if they can order me one or if I will need to go to a local dealer to have them order and install.

Other than that....installed my front door pockets, stubby antenna, and will be installing my Turn Offroad running boards tomorrow...

Great to hear! My wife and I did some light trail riding with some creek crossings and some hill/rock crawling spots. Everglades did great in 4 LO when it was needed.

So far the only complaints I have have been that the front passenger door lock button does not work. I havent had time to take the panel off to check if it was just left unplugged from the factory. Its such a pain to get things in with a dealer that I just try to fix most little things myself first if its not going to cost me a bunch of money. We live like 30 min from a dealer so its always a pain.

Another thing Ive noticed is about 15 minutes into the trails, the hard top started squeaking. If i undid one latch, it would stop. Not sure exactly where that is come from but its super annoying. May just take the panels off, and put some like 303 on the seals/gaskets and see if that helps.

Finally, I remembered the reason I HATED the factory Goodyears on my 2 door and why I went almost immediately with another tire. When i got off the trail, literally 80% of the tires were packed with pebbles. They are the absolute WORST design for collecting rocks and throwing them. Im looking at changing them immediately. We spend 45 minutes after the trail driving down the road listening to rocks bang off the Bronco steps. Luckily I put the front mud flats up, and hoping the hoop steps protected most of the side after. Just a terribly designed tire for rocks.

Next up though, Ive got the Ford performance tuner ready to go. Excited to try to give that 2.3 some extra power. Hope it helps on the low end as thats where it for sure feels the most lazy and sluggish.

 

[mpeugeot]

Awesome!!! I just picked mine up on Friday morning about an hour south of Chicago and arrived home today. I've had three other 2.3L auto Broncos before and for some reason this engine feels more peppy and has some growl when accelerating (in sport mode).

Loving everything so far except....we stopped by one of the beaches off Lake Michigan on the way. When I arrived home, I was vacuuming up the sand from the floor and realized I do NOT have the rubber cover over my gas pedal. Reached out to my dealer to see if they can order me one or if I will need to go to a local dealer to have them order and install.

Other than that....installed my front door pockets, stubby antenna, and will be installing my Turn Offroad running boards tomorrow...

Was it programmed with the Ford Performance Tune by someone or did you buy it new?

 

[bumyoon]

Was it programmed with the Ford Performance Tune by someone or did you buy it new?

I've read in another forum that the sound piping was available for Lux package in the past, but now for all trims. I've had a 2021 VW GTI that had a "soundaktor" that I could tell was artificial sound. But this sounds much better and natural.

 

[bumyoon]

Great to hear! My wife and I did some light trail riding with some creek crossings and some hill/rock crawling spots. Everglades did great in 4 LO when it was needed.

So far the only complaints I have have been that the front passenger door lock button does not work. I havent had time to take the panel off to check if it was just left unplugged from the factory. Its such a pain to get things in with a dealer that I just try to fix most little things myself first if its not going to cost me a bunch of money. We live like 30 min from a dealer so its always a pain.

Another thing Ive noticed is about 15 minutes into the trails, the hard top started squeaking. If i undid one latch, it would stop. Not sure exactly where that is come from but its super annoying. May just take the panels off, and put some like 303 on the seals/gaskets and see if that helps.

Finally, I remembered the reason I HATED the factory Goodyears on my 2 door and why I went almost immediately with another tire. When i got off the trail, literally 80% of the tires were packed with pebbles. They are the absolute WORST design for collecting rocks and throwing them. Im looking at changing them immediately. We spend 45 minutes after the trail driving down the road listening to rocks bang off the Bronco steps. Luckily I put the front mud flats up, and hoping the hoop steps protected most of the side after. Just a terribly designed tire for rocks.

Next up though, Ive got the Ford performance tuner ready to go. Excited to try to give that 2.3 some extra power. Hope it helps on the low end as thats where it for sure feels the most lazy and sluggish.

I've noticed the squeaking as well but I think this is one of those things that you have to expect with a removeable top. Many people complain about wind and road noise but it should be expected. It's a trade off for getting a removeable top, an experience I wouldn't trade for anything in a vehicle...which is a why I continue to get a new Bronco.

As for the tires, completely agree. I have had any other issues, but the way they grab gravel and throw them against your car when you're back on the highway is crazy. Luckily I havent noticed any serious scratches on the doors from it. I had Rokblokz in the past but its difficult to cough up $400 for a set of glorified plastic boards.

 

[rdg04578]

For me the stock goodyears never left the dealer's lot on mine--part of the deal- give me a credit and put a set of Cooper STT Pro's on. As for throwing stones and mud that's not the issue --the soft tread and 2 ply sidewalls is what spell doom up here. If you run a 2 ply side wall on the slate and shale roads here--then one thing is for certain--have more than one spare.

 

[Kevin Scarbel]

Fords explanation for using the 2.3 was because of the added weight of the winch set up in the front on the suspension. The heavy winch, mounting plate plus the weight of the 2.3 is roughly the same weight as the 2.7 without a winch. They would have had to apparently come up with and design another set of springs if they were going to use the 2.7 which I guess they did not want to do to compensate for the added weight

Ford's explanation doesn't hold water. The winch is very light, not the least bit "heavy" like Warn winches of old that we installed on CJ-5s and CJ-7s without any front suspension consequence. I know because I had to remove it for a moment.
I'm fine with the 2.3......great engine. However, I do wish the 7-speed manual was an option on the Everglades.

 

[BricknoseBronco]

Ford's explanation doesn't hold water. The winch is very light, not the least bit "heavy" like Warn winches of old that we installed on CJ-5s and CJ-7s without any front suspension consequence. I know because I had to remove it for a moment.
I'm fine with the 2.3......great engine. However, I do wish the 7-speed manual was an option on the Everglades.

Its believes more than just the physical weight, pounds wise. I would imagine it also has to do with the fact that extra weight is so far out front of the suspension. I bet it has to do with certifications they had on the Bronco (crash, weight, etc.) and also the fact the for springs are so soft. Same reason for the laughable tow rating. Either way, I was skeptical about the 2.3, but it definitely will get the job done. I'm excited to see how the Ford Performance tune changes things.

 

[BricknoseBronco]

For me the stock goodyears never left the dealer's lot on mine--part of the deal- give me a credit and put a set of Cooper STT Pro's on. As for throwing stones and mud that's not the issue --the soft tread and 2 ply sidewalls is what spell doom up here. If you run a 2 ply side wall on the slate and shale roads here--then one thing is for certain--have more than one spare.

Definitely my favorite tire! Thats what I had on my 2 door and what I will be putting on this 4 door. I just dont know if im going to lift it again as its my wifes daily driver. So to me the only question is going to be whether to put the 35x12.50 or 37x12.50 Coopers STT pros on. I just know Im going to do it soon as these tires suck so back. Anyone looking for a set of like new Goodyears?

 

[BricknoseBronco]

I've noticed the squeaking as well but I think this is one of those things that you have to expect with a removeable top. Many people complain about wind and road noise but it should be expected. It's a trade off for getting a removeable top, an experience I wouldn't trade for anything in a vehicle...which is a why I continue to get a new Bronco.

As for the tires, completely agree. I have had any other issues, but the way they grab gravel and throw them against your car when you're back on the highway is crazy. Luckily I havent noticed any serious scratches on the doors from it. I had Rokblokz in the past but its difficult to cough up $400 for a set of glorified plastic boards.

Whats weird is my 2 door never squeaked once. This seems to be a 4 door thing, likely cause of the extra panels for some reason. Its super annoying though when youre on a trail. Wonder if anyone has found the root cause. Seems to be almost be flex between the panels due to body shifting.

Its one thing to deal with wind/road noise and dont mind that one bit. But loud obnoxious squeaking right above my head somewhere needs to be fixed. Like someone with a dog squeak toy annoying the hell out of me for the whole trip. Just takes away from the fun to be honest. Id take a rattle or knock noise any day over the squeaking.

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