Badlands.... Do I need the Sasquatch Upgrade (Newbie)

[gbub]

You probably do not need SAS. I specifically did not want SAS for my 24 Badlands and I do some pretty rough areas in the deep wilderness. I have been running 33" tires on my Ranger for many years with no problems. Yes, I have scrapes on my skid plates but vehicles with 35" usually have scrapes on their skid plates too. I did not want the wider 35" tires because I go long distances to get to the areas I want to explore. I wanted the better gas mileage achievable with narrower 33" tires.

I also did not want Fox shocks. They are very good shocks but need to be rebuilt around every 50K miles to keep the good performance. I have used Bilstein shocks on my last 2 Rangers with a total of 500K miles. I have been very happy with them. They go 100 to 150 K miles before needing replacement.

I did buy Eibach 2.0 Pro Coilovers to be able to lift my Bronco. I also wanted adjustability because I carry a lot of weight in the rear for my long off-road adventures. I don't want the rear dragging around. When my original tires wear out, I may go to 34" tires. Lifting doesn't give more clearance to the axle components and another 1/2" there would be nice. I will still stay with the narrower tires though.

I have been very happy with my choice on the non-SAS Badlands so far. I have made modifications for my needs but it is still not SAS.

Sponsored

 

[TrailDamage]

Right. So here’s a factor. SAS gives you the additional option of the Hoss 3.0 Fox suspension, all from the factory, all warrantied.

Funny enough this isn’t even true anymore for 2026. It’s only on the $12k Wildtrak package now. So for far less you can just add the Fox shocks, and even installed and still for less than the Sasquatch package.

 

[HalfmuleFarmer]

Yes, if one doesn't want to buy the OEM Fox shocks kit for $2300.... you can pay $6345 for the Sas package, then option the shocks for an additional $2355 ($8700 total).

SAS package on my MY25 sticker was $3045.

 

[MNBigfoot]

SAS package on my MY25 sticker was $3045.

Just going off the 2026 Price and Build:

 

[96GreenBronco]

Take this FWIW.

I bought a 2021 badlands non-squatch and have owned it for 5 years. I still don't regret not getting sasquatch because at the time you could not get Sasquatch with the Manual Transmission. I don't do a lot of high speed off roading, more crawling. I bought a set of sasquatch takeoff tires and rims on the marketplace and swapped them out, just had to remove crash bars and put on the sasquatch flares (pretty sure I heard that the new Badlands gets these regardless). With this setup it sits maybe 1/2 to 3/4" lower than other sasquatch broncos and you basically have to park next to them to even tell. I have not had any rubbing or any other issues so far, have had it this way for about 20K miles/3 years.

Other thoughts:

-To go to 37s or larger I think you may need to do the same modifications regardless of sasquatch or non sasquatch

-Looking at the price to add the Hoss 3.0 package and sasquatch package, it seems like it is way overpriced upgrade vs what you get on the badlands.

-The upgraded steering rack I believe comes on all badlands trims regardless of sasquatch

-I have used the sta-bar disconnect a fair amount so that option is worth the add in my opinion moreso than the sasquatch package.

-Recommend stay away from MIC top

 

[crzyhawk]

It probably comes down to if you think you would ever want to go taller on the tires (35's or 37's and you will most likely think about it at some point) then going with Sas is a good idea. Adding Sas to a Badlands isn't as much of an increase in price compared to the other models if you plan on getting the AT anyway since it's included with Sas. If you can, go and test drive a Sas Bronco vs a non Sas and see how you like the ride/drive, that might convince you. I went base Sas and I'm really glad I got the Sas vs just adding lift/tires later on. I ended up going with some lift and 37's and it still drives great, tows the boat easily and gets 18-20 mpg. I think the biggest option you might want is the Hoss 3.0 shocks which looks like is only available with Sas.

I don't think it matters. IIRC (and I am certain someone will correct me if I am wrong) but the only difference between the shocks on the SASlands and the non-SASlands are the bumpstops. They have like an extra .5 inches of lift(which I believe is due to the different bumpstops), which is likely going to be irrelevant.

I'm certain that he can go 35s without SAS, and he'd need the same mods for 37s that a SAS would need.

 

[HalfmuleFarmer]

Just going off the 2026 Price and Build:

Yeeouch! I noticed the lux ‘334A’ equipment package, which I believe has been degraded, also went from $2825 in 25 to $4500 in 26.

 

[BroncocnorB]

If it's an auto the gearing is slightly different 4.46 vs 4.7, and a Sas BL's will have an extra .5" of suspension lift, basicly Sasquatch on a Badlands is a waste.

just bolt on takeoff Sasquatch wheels/tires. GTG. Honestly my non SAS 2.7 with auto is pretty good driver. Tight fit on CHMRBL? But the spare fits

 

[BroncoBobArea51]

Love my 2 door, badlands, 2.7, Sasquatch……. Sorry no longer available.
More fun to get what you want, then to get what you need. I will leave it at that.

 

[JL8jeff]

Just going off the 2026 Price and Build:

The automatic trans is included in the Sas package and if you were getting the 2.7 which forces the automatic, the Sas drops by that amount. If you want a manual trans 2.3, then Sas is a waste of money because you still pay for the AT.

 

[crzyhawk]

Love my 2 door, badlands, 2.7, Sasquatch……. Sorry no longer available.
More fun to get what you want, then to get what you need. I will leave it at that.

The question is, is there a reason to WANT SAS on a Badlands. I think the answer is no. You're not getting much for the value.

 

[CarmeloS]

hijacking for a quick minute; got eibach coils on my badlands and Kenda Klevers 35's, but need new tires. I don't need anything special to gain 30mm to go from 285 to 315's right? Just order a set of K03's and call it a day?

 

[SoDak1623]

My badlands is a manual, so the only difference between mine and a sasquatch is the 35s and about .5" lift for less articulation. In all my trips to the San Juans and my BDR trip across Idaho I have yet to come to an obstacle where <1" more ground clearance from the 35s would have been a deciding factor.

 

[crzyhawk]

My badlands is a manual, so the only difference between mine and a sasquatch is the 35s and about .5" lift for less articulation. In all my trips to the San Juans and my BDR trip across Idaho I have yet to come to an obstacle where <1" more ground clearance from the 35s would have been a deciding factor.

the non sas version actually has better articulation than the sas version from what I have been told.

 

[ThunderFlash]

First, you don't "NEED" Sasquatch...but need has little to do with my own car buying choices.

Second, be cautious with certain dealers. Not naming names, I've had some poor experiences with some So. King Co. dealers. I've actually had decent luck with Autonation Ford in Bellevue, though. I expected them to try to rip me off a couple of times, but they didn't! I believe George was our sales man there for our used 2022 WT. He actually owned a Bronco and knew them pretty well. We bought our left over 2024 WT from Woody Johnson at Korum Ford. Woody was a nice guy to deal with, he scored VERY low on my slime ball scale.

The Bronco option list gets pretty complicated and I would not trust a sales guy to actually know what is and isn't possible to get. So your best doing a whole lotta research, dialing it all in yourself, then make them prove it to you if they say you can't get what you want. If you want something super special, I wouldn't hesitate to buy a new vehicle on-line from a reputable dealer, either. It tends to be more of a transaction than a "car deal"...."deals" which are often unpleasant experiences.

Good luck! Let me know if you want to take it out on some trails!

Sponsored