Badlands vs. Outer Banks w/Sasquatch

[Brian_B]

Also just saw a member with 250k on the forums with very minimal issues

May want to check the follow up…

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[BLTN]

Zero regrets on the 2.3 for my BL - Plenty of juice for the 2-door, and I added the FPP calibration when I put on 35's to get a bit more - 330hp/385 lb-ft now - Nothing to sniff at IMHO.

 

[HBTFD 2.0]

2.3 is plenty. I trailered my Polaris ranger crew with no issues. 2.7 has more get up. My 2.3 Sasquatch got 19-20 mpg. My new 2.7 badlands non SAS 2.7 is showing 19.6 mpg after 1250 miles.

I don’t think the 2.7 is worth the upcharge but it was hard to find a badlands with a 2.3.

 

[Brian_B]

2.7 is a great motor. Other than the early iteration having the cam phaser issue, it's good. I admit I'd rather have it than the 2.3L -- which is also a great motor.

But 7MT trumps 2 more cylinders for me. If I could have got the 7MT with the 2.7, I would have, I admit. I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything - quite the opposite, in fact.

And yeah, it's easier to off road with an automatic, and you have a clutch to worry about, and it sucks in stop and go traffic. All that is true.

Doesn't matter.

 

[Nc211]

OP: You're not off-roading it heavily if at all. It'll be a daily driver / commuter. In my own opinion, I would focus more on the creature comforts (luxury package) over the off-road capability (lockers, sway bar disconnect, Sas tires, etc). Yes, I'm sure the 35's probably ride a little better due to simnifically more sidewall flex. But, they do get loud as they age. You also have to consider the shocks that each level comes with. They're very different.

A non-sas OBX has the standard Ford suspension. You get into sas and you're into more off-road friendly shocks (which tend to be less on-road friendly without the right tire combo). The non-sas Badlands is "Hoss 2.0", and the non-sas OBX is Hoss 1.0.

My opinion only - I think you want a non-sas OBX with Lux package. You'll greatly enjoy the power seats additional range of adjustment, the heated seats for sure that are very strong, and the heated steering wheel where you live. You'll spend $6k for a Sas for the tires, or you can spend $2k to update the tires on a non-sas OBX if you want. My only complaint with the non-sas OBX tires is their width, not their size. 255 is just a bit too skinny. 275 seems to be the sweet spot for many.

Engine is your preference, they're both good. Ford has built the 2.3 for what, 40+ years? Nobody really seems to complain about it, other than to say the 2.7 has more torque. But considering the 10 gears that it comes with, it's almost too "bucky' sometimes.

I'm OBX non-sas with Lux. Ordered mine with everything possible at the time minus the Sasquatch. Replaced the tires immediately for white letter. Been two years / 25k miles, and have absolutely 0% regret. Love it every single time I get to drive it to this day. Folks are surprised when they realize the ride isn't bad at all. They were expecting a Jeep experience, but instead got a sport car experience in the ride quality department.

 

[Thor_1]

Engine is your preference, they're both good. Ford has built the 2.3 for what, 40+ years?

Ford introduced the 2.3L EcoBoost engine in 2015.

 

[Nc211]

Ford introduced the 2.3L EcoBoost engine in 2015.

The 2.3 has been a staple of Ford's for a long time. Different variants for sure, but recall back in the 80's the Merkur XR4Ti was a 2.3 turbo as well (Cosworth variant I believe?). We had a 2006 Mazda 3 GT sedan back then which was basically a Volvo ride, Ford engine and transmission and Mazda trimmings and handling. That little thing is probably still out there somewhere roaming the earth. Loved that little thing, what a riot of a little car.

 

[Inthenoise]

2025 OBX 2.7 SAS w Lux. >90% pavement. Love it on the highway. The 2.7 zips and the 35 inchers are commanding and as smooth as you could hope for. You will appreciate the elevated Lux features daily. Yet it is still a highly capable off-roader. Even if I one day encounter an off-road feature where I will wish I could disconnect the sway bar, there would not be a micron of buyers remorse given how great the whole package works for daily driving. Just be as realistic as possible when projecting your needs so when the compromise moments come, you will remember why you made your decision.

 

[MayhemMike]

You buy what you want. For me if you go OBX you must option the Sasquatch package. Of course once you do that you are now in the Badlands non Sasquatch arena. Today you can get the BL without the disconnect bar and use the money for a painted black hard top. I have driven both.2.7 and 2.3 . I didn’t feel there was a difference that justified the extra cost. When I ordered my BL the 2.7 motors were dropping valves. You are correct in believing the Sasquatch option has a smoother street ride. I base this on the larger tires. What it really comes down to is do you want a Bronco, or do you want the Bronco with the coolest name? Badlands for the win.

 

[Brian_B]

Badlands has the vagina badge

Not that this should sway your decision - just putting it out there

 

[Sitruc_btb]

You pretty much nailed the differences between the two options. Badlands has most of the Sasquatch equipment, aside from the wheels and 315's. Badlands has the extra body armor, extra armor under the lower trailing arm mounts. I think the new Squatches can be optioned with the sway bar disconnect. Don't quote me on that. The larger tires on the OBX may provide more cushion, though Ford's recommended tire pressure is kinda high at 39psi.

If you aren't wheeling it, it's preference at this point. We all can bench wheel these things till our fingers are tired of typing. The 7mt is a blast, no matter where you're going. It's very easy to live with. I feel the 2.3 has plenty of power to move these fat pigs, but I came up from a 98 Expedition that weighed just as much and had less power and 3.55 rear end. The 2.3 with 7mt and 4.7 rear end can boogie, especially if you dump some premium in it.

 

[ThunderFlash]

Just a thought, but a 2023 or 2024 Wildtrak might suit you well, if your OK buying used. They are all V6 and SAS with the Fox shocks (HOSS 3.0). Most have all the options (Lux package). The interior color scheme is not for everyone, though. Maybe look for something low miles and Ford certified? Look underneath it and in the engine bay. If it's clean and nothing is scraped or dented, it wasn't off roaded, or at least not hard. Evidence that the maintenance has been performed would be key.

 

[chopperbobby]

It might have been the air pressure in the tires. When I got my Heritage the tires were at 44 pounds. I have since lowered them to 35 cold and it rides really nice.

The badlands comes stock with 4A and better gears unless you get the MT. I would recommend the 2.7L. Much better engine.

My 25 outerbanks sas off the lot had 46 psi. Rough. Adjusted to 39-40 as per door sticker much better ride

I think your impressions of the ride quality came pretty close to mine as well, but that also kind of puzzles me because it really should not be so. Agree with the previous comment that perhaps the tires on the
Outer Banks were aired down a bit at the time you drove it. Anyway, for me cost was a major factor and I went with the Outer Banks Sas over the Badlands Sas mainly due to the pricing structure that Ford has on these. But I was all in on the Sasquatch package, so a non Sas Badlands just wasn’t on my radar.

sas gives it a bad ass look well worth it.

 

[chopperbobby]

Outer banks has caroed not wash down floor. I would think helps with noise may be a little. Live mine. Sas. Sas just adds cool stuff and gives it a bad ass look. I love my mall crawler. Lock the rear locker and go right over the parking stop

 

[userdude]

Outer Banks is more the looker Bronco, hence all the niceties including painted fenders and handles. The Badlands is the crawler. The latter is going to have a lot of stuff you may not want/need, like bash plates and steel bumpers. I don't think it's that a big a deal, but it does have a front locker, which is more mechanical complexity that can cost you later (if it fails out of warranty, mine did right at the end of my 36m warranty).

As some have mentioned, the Sas is a big tire package (which includes lift). I personally think it looks better, but that's all relative. The BL non-sas and Sas are very similar save for a little of lift and slightly bigger tires (and a few other things you won't care about).

The noise you heard on the BL was from the tires, so if you got quieter tires (like maybe road tires and not A/T's), you'll be happier. I assume the OBX comes with road tires. I think bigger tires aired down more will likely give a nicer ride, but the Wildtrak Fox suspension gives the "nicest" ride I know of (maybe the Braptor but I've never been in a Braptor). The Wildtrak is a Sas by another name with a different shock package for driving faster in desert-llike conditions.

I'm wondering if you'd be happier with a Big Bend, though. Maybe gussied up a little bit, order to your liking. I think Ford has tried to push niceties and want to haves out of the Big Bend's options so you get another model, but you might try some build and price to see what you can do. Honestly, I think you'd be happy with just about any Bronco, so if you find a great deal, don't let loud tires sway you; you can replace them.

Oh yeah, I've driven a 2.3 and 2.7 in 2drs and the 2.7 is a vroomier engine, but the 2.3 is no slouch.

Good luck!

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