2026 Bronco Badlands - First Impressions (and Changes vs. 2023 Badlands)

[VirginiaHeritage]

Ahh, yes ... OK. I did not explain myself clearly enough. Yes, I have power mirrors, but I meant to say power FOLDING mirrors to tuck them in when going through tight spaces. My bad.

Ok, gotcha. I wouldn’t have criticized someone for not finding those controls right away on a new Bronco as it’s in the least intuitive location.

There were several things I didn’t realize I had for awhile, like the power outlet on the back side of the console box, the cup holders in the rear fold down armrest and back seats that can recline slightly with the same lever that folds them down. Back doors that don’t open on the first lever pull from inside when locked. Even with child locks disabled, It takes 2 pulls on the lever which is supposed to be a safety feature, but I had a rear passenger who thought they were locked in when it didn’t open on the first pull and they asked me to let them out. I thought they were broken at first. Also had other passengers in back the other day who couldn’t find the rear window controls because they weren’t on the door. Broncos are quirky like that.

EDIT: One more. In the center console box, under the rubber pad at the bottom is a fob shaped slot you can set your fob in to start the Bronco when the fob battery is dead or the wireless receiver isn’t working. Others that have posted here didn’t realize there is a backup key hidden in the FOB to get you in the door or lock the glove box:

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[rubber_ducky]

Ahh, yes ... OK. I did not explain myself clearly enough. Yes, I have power mirrors, but I meant to say power FOLDING mirrors to tuck them in when going through tight spaces. My bad.

no bronco has ever had this so while it may qualify as one of the many features available in other models, it isn’t a case of “shrinkflation” (as is the case with homelink.

personally, I find folding mirrors (power or manual) almost pointless on the Bronco as the mirrors barely (if at all) protrude further than other bits (wheels and fenders).

 

[RR25HB]

I will say there are a


Ok, gotcha. I wouldn’t have criticized someone for not finding those controls right away on a new Bronco as it’s in the least intuitive location.

There were several things I didn’t realize I had for awhile, like the power outlet on the back side of the console box, the cup holders in the rear fold down armrest and back seats that can recline slightly with the same lever that folds them down. Back doors that don’t open on the first lever pull from inside when locked. Even with child locks disabled, It takes 2 pulls on the lever which is supposed to be a safety feature, but I had a rear passenger who thought they were locked in when it didn’t open on the first pull and they asked me to let them out. I thought they were broken at first. Also had other passengers in back the other day who couldn’t find the rear window controls because they weren’t on the door. Broncos are quirky like that.

EDIT: One more. In the center console box, under the rubber pad at the bottom is a fob shaped slot you can set your fob in to start the Bronco when the fob battery is dead or the wireless receiver isn’t working. Others that have posted here didn’t realize there is a backup key hidden in the FOB to get you in the door or lock the glove box:

Many thanks for the info! I knew most of that, but 4 months in ... First Bronco ... I'm still learning.

 

[RR25HB]

no bronco has ever had this so while it may qualify as one of the many features available in other models, it isn’t a case of “shrinkflation” (as is the case with homelink.

personally, I find folding mirrors (power or manual) almost pointless on the Bronco as the mirrors barely (if at all) protrude further than other bits (wheels and fenders).

Perhaps so, but when the wifey backs her Tucson out of the garage, I still get nervous.

 

[Reese]

Hi everyone, I just wanted to give some input and participate on the discussion for the 2023 vs 2026 Badlands. I’m going to comment here, but I may also make a new thread on my own page.

Having said that this is what I have seen and learned what Ford has modified on the 2026….. I will also update the thread as I continue to get more information with an *.

I want to trade in my 2023 BL Lux non- Sasquatch for a 2026 Lux Sasquatch as my lease is up very soon. I haven’t heard anyone talk about the “offset” on both the 33s and the 35 tires.

Offset Tires and Tire Lift
Ford has offset the tires not by much but it’s noticeable they’ve also put a “lift” on the 2026, again, not by much but it’s noticeable it’s about 2” (approx) on the Badlands.

It’s not written in the guide anywhere, but the resource is TC Customs said it in his video on the 2026 Bronco breakdown he did.

Plus I have seen it in person the 2 doors are already coming in with those modifications. I’m Canadian and the Badlands Lux Sasquatch will be 88k Canadian.

What prompted me to look into this is that I knew the lift was going be there and could I still get the Bronco in the garage with roof rails? With a 7 foot opening of my garage. Took a while to figure out as Ford doesn’t give the dimensions with roof rails. After tons of manual measurements, I can get the BRONCO in the garage with approximately 4 inches left over. I can give the dimensions to anyone who wants them.

Fender Flares
Also they have taken away the 3” Fender Flare and replaced it with 5” regardless if you get 33s or 35s on the Badlands. The 3 inch fender flare is still available on some models.

The comparison between the 2 door 2023 and 2026 Badlands Lux so far are as noted by previous comments. This is what has been deleted from the Lux pkg.

1. The keypad has been deleted so you’ll have to use your fob*
2. No home buttons
3. All-terrain tires are no longer offered. They only offer rugged terrain tires.
4. No LEDspot lights on the side mirrors
5. No leather on the gear knob it’s now plastic and textured
6. All BRONCO Badlands now come with a 5 inch flare regardless if you choose 33 inch or 35 inch tires. I currently have small flares with BFG 33s” the larger flare looks odd to me and with the offset it just doesn’t look right. That’s my opinion.
7. There’s no colour inside the vehicle, not on the stitching, not on the handles….no where, it is very bland.
8. You cannot get bead locks unless you get the Sasquatch Pkg
9. There is no sway bar disconnect unless you get the Sasquatch package which is 6-7k Canadian. Or stand alone $1900 CDN. The option is there to “buy” when it was already there before on the 2023 so I don’t understand why they did this.
10. Still no heat in the back seat
11. No dim rearview mirror
12. When you choose a black painted roof, the interior roof is cream and black. If you choose to paint the roof, the same colour as the body then the interior roof is black.
13. *The split phone charger is only on the 4 door Badlands. (One side of charging and one side of small storage items)

I’m not surprised at changes because they always do this. Most car companies hit you hard at the beginning with all the options and then start taking them away. If you’re gonna take them away, at least make them available to purchase.

I think the bean counters like some one else said earlier, are making decisions not the R&D department. Why would you increase the price by $20,000k and remove all these options.

Yes it’s an off-road vehicle, but it can also be a Lux vehicle hence the “Lux Package.”

I know there’s mechanical things that they’ve changed but for aesthetics and just simple every day options that I use it is disappointing. Not sure what my decision will be.

Thanks Reese 🩶

 

[KreeHBronco]

Not sure about the reason behind the sway bar disconnect change. I believe the Wildtrack didn't have this and Badlands is now sort of a mix of Badlands and Wildtrack. By taking it off and making it an optional add-on, it allowed them to drop the price of the Badlands. I went ahead and added it to my non-SAS Badlands that I just picked up yesterday. Also my roof is painted and it's white inside with black sound deading pads. The MIC roof is black inside.

 

[FoCoBronc]

Hi everyone, I just wanted to give some input and participate on the discussion for the 2023 vs 2026 Badlands. I’m going to comment here, but I may also make a new thread on my own page.

Having said that this is what I have seen and learned what Ford has modified on the 2026….. I will also update the thread as I continue to get more information on my page.

I want to trade in my 2023 BL Lux non- Sasquatch for a 2026 Lux Sasquatch as my lease is up very soon. I haven’t heard anyone talk about the “offset” on both the 33s and the 35 tires.

Offset Tires and Tire Lift
Ford has offset the tires not by much but it’s noticeable they’ve also put a “lift” on the 2026, again, not by much but it’s noticeable it’s about 2” (approx) on the Badlands.

It’s not written in the guide anywhere, but the resource is TC Customs said it in his video on the 2026 Bronco breakdown he did.

Plus I have seen it in person the 2 doors are already coming in with those modifications. I’m Canadian and the Badlands Lux Sasquatch will be 88k Canadian.

What prompted me to look into this is that I knew the lift was going be there and could I still get the Bronco in the garage with roof rails? With a 7 foot opening of my garage. Took a while to figure out as Ford doesn’t give the dimensions with roof rails. After tons of manual measurements, I can get the BRONCO in the garage with approximately 4 inches left over. I can give the dimensions to anyone who wants them.

Fender Flares
Also they have taken away the 3” Fender Flare and replaced it with 5” regardless if you get 33s or 35s on the Badlands. The 3 inch fender flare is still available on some models.

The comparison between the 2 door 2023 and 2026 Badlands Lux so far are as noted by previous comments. This is what has been deleted from the Lux pkg.

1. The keypad has been deleted so you’ll have to use your fob*
2. No home buttons
3. All-terrain tires are no longer offered. They only offer rugged terrain tires.
4. No LEDspot lights on the side mirrors
5. No leather on the gear knob it’s now plastic and textured
6. All BRONCO Badlands now come with a 5 inch flare regardless if you choose 33 inch or 35 inch tires. I currently have small flares with BFG 33s” the larger flare looks odd to me and with the offset it just doesn’t look right. That’s my opinion.
7. There’s no colour inside the vehicle, not on the stitching, not on the handles….no where, it is very bland.
8. You cannot get bead locks unless you get the Sasquatch Pkg
9. There is no sway bar disconnect unless you get the Sasquatch package which is 6-7k Canadian. Or stand alone $1900 CDN. The option is there to “buy” when it was already there before on the 2023 so I don’t understand why they did this.
10. Still no heat in the back seat
11. No dim rearview mirror
12. When you choose a black painted roof, the interior roof is cream and black. If you choose to paint the roof, the same colour as the body then the interior roof is black.

I’m not surprised at changes because they always do this. Most car companies hit you hard at the beginning with all the options and then start taking them away. If you’re gonna take them away, at least make them available to purchase.

I think the bean counters like some one else said earlier, are making decisions not the R&D department. Why would you increase the price by $20,000k and remove all these options.

Yes it’s an off-road vehicle, but it can also be a Lux vehicle hence the “Lux Package.”

I know there’s mechanical things that they’ve changed but for aesthetics and just simple every day options that I use it is disappointing. Not sure what my decision will be.

All these options Thanks Reese 🩶

You mentioned offset, but just to clarify, the nonsas BL wheel is now 40 rather than 55. This gives about 5/8” more poke which may help reduce appearance of additional 2” flare width. Maybe additional 1 3/8” flare will help with mud and stones hitting sides

 

[michelle227]

Nope. Fully manually adjustable only. They did away with the wireless phone charging pad, as well.

Was the charging pad worth a damn? I've got on in a couch that I found by accident one night...you could set your sundial by it's charging speed.

 

[RR25HB]

Was the charging pad worth a damn? I've got on in a couch that I found by accident one night...you could set your sundial by it's charging speed.

No, actually, I heard the charge pads were quirky -- not consistent reliable. But rather than fix it upgrade, the former "better idea" and "quality us job 1" people decided to just delete it. Nice commitment.

 

[rubber_ducky]

@Reese it may not be the case with the two door, but you can get tan accents in a BL 4 door if you get leather. Not the most exciting of accent colors, but it does offer some contrast.

 

[jdru66]

Was the charging pad worth a damn? I've got on in a couch that I found by accident one night...you could set your sundial by it's charging speed.

No I have an aftermarket that works great.

 

[Felix808]

Ahh, yes ... OK. I did not explain myself clearly enough. Yes, I have power mirrors, but I meant to say power FOLDING mirrors to tuck them in when going through tight spaces. My bad.

Oh they fold in just fine automatically with the proper tree or rock engagement. I also find a camera tripod donated by @popo_patty does a great job of resetting them to their normal position

I

 

[Reese]

@Reese it may not be the case with the two door, but you can get tan accents in a BL 4 door if you get leather. Not the most exciting of accent colors, but it does offer some contrast.

Thank you @rubber_ducky. I’ve test drove the 4 door and you are correct. It comes with square panels above, that look tan on the interior roof with extra sound deadening centers. Unfortunately the 4 door is too big for my needs and also won’t fit the garage length because I have stairs in the way.

All 2 doors are black on the interior roof, which I’m fine with and like. It’s the other components like stitch and handles, mesh, etc. that has no colour. Which I could transfer my accessories too it I guess. To give it some pop of colour.

I’m guessing not every one liked the cyber orange accents or red or blue accents etc. depending which model ya had over the last 6 yrs. So they removed the colour, idk. I have the cyber orange accents and worked with it and added to it.

At the end of the day it’s not a huge loss compared to the other deletes. It’s just odd.

I thought it personalizes your ride. But I guess they have different views.

 

[Reese]

You mentioned offset, but just to clarify, the nonsas BL wheel is now 40 rather than 55. This gives about 5/8” more poke which may help reduce appearance of additional 2” flare width. Maybe additional 1 3/8” flare will help with mud and stones hitting sides

Thanks @FoCoBronc. Yes absolutely it went to 55 from 40mm. Which gives it a little bit more aggressive stance. Not super out there, but it is noticeable. And I’m guessing that that’s why they did the larger fender flares. And it’s on all badlands regardless if it’s a 2 door or 4 door. So going for a 35 inch tire would look better than a 33. In my opinion. And having larger fender flares are going to help with debris as you said.

Day to day driving tho, unless you have mud flaps which I don’t like at all myself you’re still gonna get kick up between the flare and the tire onto the body.

For me, it’s just the look of the wider fender flare that I don’t like if I were to choose the 33.

 

[FoCoBronc]

Thanks @FoCoBronc. Yes absolutely it went to 55 from 40mm. Which gives it a little bit more aggressive stance. Not super out there, but it is noticeable. And I’m guessing that that’s why they did the larger fender flares. And it’s on all badlands regardless if it’s a 2 door or 4 door. So going for a 35 inch tire would look better than a 33. In my opinion. And having larger fender flares are going to help with debris as you said.

Day to day driving tho, unless you have mud flaps which I don’t like at all myself you’re still gonna get kick up between the flare and the tire onto the body.

For me, it’s just the look of the wider fender flare that I don’t like if I were to choose the 33.

agree-it still looks like its fender heavy. I will either change flares to standard or perhaps go to a 34" tire. Not really interested in doing a lift, etc.

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