The best trim for a new buyer

[thomasj2352]

would like to get some recommendations from the group on trim levels to consider. 90 to 95% of my time will be on road, but with the hope of doing some over landing. I’m not into rock crawling if that helps the recommendations but I do expect to be off tarmac a little bit. I would rather not aim for a bare-bones model, some electrical accessories would be appreciated for sure any recommendations would be really appreciated. Thanks.

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[dgorsett]

If you want a 4 door get a Black Diamond, it has a few goodies everyone should have: locker, decent tires and skid plates, If you want a 2 door get a Base and DIY (no factory locker though). If you want either and $$ isn't critical get a non Sasquatch Badlands, it's got it all.

 

[HighVelocity]

Sport.

 

[CalvinT]

My first choice was a Black Diamond. Then before production started I upgraded to a Badlands. They're the only two that came with rock rails and a manual transmission. I can't stand seeing the pinch welds, so if my Bronco hadn't come with rock rails I would have had to buy them.

Second on the list is a rear locker. After those two items I don't think it makes much difference.

If you're ordering one built, add the upfitter switches if the one you're ordering doesn't come with them. They'll make life easier later.

I don't think the transmission makes that much difference in capability. I know this will raise a lot of hackles, but it's the driver that makes the difference, not the transmission. I just like a manual, I've been driving a manual for 50 years. I can do the three pedal dance. I think most people would be better off with an automatic.

Some say skid plates, but they take away from payload you could use if you're overlanding. And you can reduce the need for skid plates by avoiding roads/trails where they might be needed. The weight of skid plates is why you couldn't order a pull out tailgate from the factory for a Black Diamond, Badlands or Everglades. I've never needed them, I like the idea of the protection. YMMV

 

[CalvinT]

Sport.

Bronco Sport Badlands gets very high reviews from the people at Off-Roadeo.

 

[thomasj2352]

Great thanks for the input. I was initially looking at big Bend or Outer Banks in the full size version

 

[Area51BS]

Any trim would work for you. My recommendation is stick to the simplest option packages. The more electrical garbage like dual AC zones, 360 cameras, blinky mirrors and such is more that will eventually go out and is expensive to fix. If you don’t plan on keeping it much past warranty then have at it.
I went Badlands. Has every 4x4 feature available. Buying an off road capable rig so I might as well have all the capabilities. I’ve been known to roll over a few problematic printers or two.

 

[timhood]

would like to get some recommendations from the group on trim levels to consider. 90 to 95% of my time will be on road, but with the hope of doing some over landing. I’m not into rock crawling if that helps the recommendations but I do expect to be off tarmac a little bit. I would rather not aim for a bare-bones model, some electrical accessories would be appreciated for sure any recommendations would be really appreciated. Thanks.

It depends a bit on what overlanding is like for you. I was thinking Black Diamond, but you mentioned Outer Banks. Outer Banks tires aren't as rock-friendly, but if your overlanding doesn't have a lot of sharp rocks to contend with, Outer Banks will let you option more goodies. Ideally, if you go Outer Banks, those tires work for you, because swapping out tires (and pro wheels, because OB wheels have fewer off-road tire choices) isn't cheap.

I think you are in either Black Diamond or Outer Banks territory, depending on what options you want. Badlands is overkill for your needs, and I think Base won't let you get all of the options you might want.

I think a rear locker will give you all the capability you need. I like the Advanced transfer case for heavier rain or snowy on-road driving. The accessory switches are a great option to check--not sure if that option is still $195, but that includes the switch bank and pre-wiring to various points in the vehicle. Even if you use only one, it's worth the savings in effort. If you use nine and ever plan to resell, it's a much-appreciated feature by a lot of buyers.

 

[thomasj2352]

it’s going to be an early retirement to myself…one that i plan to keep 15+ yrs so reliability is paramount

 

[Squatch]

Filson.

 

[timhood]

My recommendation is stick to the simplest option packages. The more electrical garbage like dual AC zones, 360 cameras, blinky mirrors and such is more that will eventually go out and is expensive to fix.

I understand the thought here, and it's certainly true that more things does mean more potential issues, but I've never had any issues with things like dual-zone, cameras, blind-spot mirrors, power mirrors, power seats, memory seats, heated seats, automatic wipers, etc. Some of those things don't likely add any more failure rate, anyway. For example, the climate control is already computer-controlled, so dual zone really just adds a damper to split air flow between sides.

On other vehicles, I've had a stereo amp go out, and various sensors, predominantly under hood, and age/mileage-related, but those weren't difficult to swap-out, and I've happily accepted a DIY $50 or $90 sensor over engine or transmission repair.

 

[HighVelocity]

Bronco Sport Badlands gets very high reviews from the people at Off-Roadeo.

Truth be told, that would be the more practical vehicle for a large portion of full-size Bronco owners, including myself.

But then I'd have to kick my own ass, so 2-door Badlands MT was the only obvious choice!

 

[Snacktime]

it’s going to be an early retirement to myself…one that i plan to keep 15+ yrs so reliability is paramount

2.3 Automatic non-sas with 4.46 gears would be the drivetrain combo. Only issue is you will eventually replace the front differential but you really don't want the 4auto transfer case of the SAS package.

 

[Enginerd]

One more thought, depending on where you live and plan to overland, the more trips you do the more confident / comfortable / adventurous you might get.

And then, down the rabbit hole we go…it can get a little addicting.

Pick a trim that works for your needs, or start simple and build up if you find the need to.

Focus on your off road driving skills, which can do a lot more at times than a different trim.

Most of all, go have fun and enjoy your rig!

 

[Climber]

IMHO, basesquach and decide on 2 vs 4dr and manual vs advanced auto, no bad combos

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