Base vs Big Bend, what am I really missing?

[moose05]

My first post was hugely helpful, thanks to everyone for convincing me to go hardtop vs soft top.

Now I need to decide between Base vs Big Bend (or other package if someone thinks it makes more sense)

The bronco will be garaged and live half of its life with the top off and a Bimini top on. I plan to get the Sasquatch package but I’ll be going aftermarket on wheels because I don’t care for the stock ones.

I like the idea of cloth seats to not burn myself with the sun. Unless somehow the vinyl doesn’t get scorching hot?

I know with the base I’ll miss the proximity sensor for unlocking the doors. Are there other features of the big bend that I won’t be able to live without?

My main use case is road based, I’m not sure that I’ll ever go off-road but I love the look of the lift and bigger tires. Does it make more sense to go OBX and drop Sasquatch to save cost and go with aftermarket wheels, leveling kit, and 33’s (275/70r17)?

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[ABorges]

My first post was hugely helpful, thanks to everyone for convincing me to go hardtop vs soft top.

Now I need to decide between Base vs Big Bend (or other package if someone thinks it makes more sense)

The bronco will be garaged and live half of its life with the top off and a Bimini top on. I plan to get the Sasquatch package but I’ll be going aftermarket on wheels because I don’t care for the stock ones.

I like the idea of cloth seats to not burn myself with the sun. Unless somehow the vinyl doesn’t get scorching hot?

I know with the base I’ll miss the proximity sensor for unlocking the doors. Are there other features of the big bend that I won’t be able to live without?

My main use case is road based, I’m not sure that I’ll ever go off-road but I love the look of the lift and bigger tires. Does it make more sense to go OBX and drop Sasquatch to save cost and go with aftermarket wheels, leveling kit, and 33’s (275/70r17)?

Depends on how much money you want to save. I went Base and I'm really happy with it. If you aren't using it for off-roading, don't waste your money on the Sas package. An aftermarket lift will be a lot cheaper, especially since you want to go aftermarket on your rims.

 

[VirginiaHeritage]

If budget was a concern, I personally would go Base Squatch before going for a higher trim without. There is much more to squatch than bigger tires, and for me the satisfaction of having the capability would far outlast that of the bells and whistles.

 

[Brian_B]

Lots of stuff changed in MY25 on Big Bend - there are a lot of available options on Big Bend now

But as far as stuff you'd miss -there's nothing essential there, especially with Sasquatch. Lots of convenience/up-sell trim things. Most folks would say upfitter switches are nice, and I agree, but they are also easy and cheap to add aftermarket.

 

[mpeugeot]

As much as I like the OBX with the 2.7 and high lux package, I don't see that as the right move without the Sasquatch package.

I see the best values being the following choices based on your use case.

Non-Sasquatch:
1. Big Bend with Black Diamond package
2. Badlands with high/lux package
3. Base

Sasquatch:
4. Heritage Edition
5. Base Sasquatch
6. OBX Sasquatch with high/lux package.

If you don't want to get burned by the seats and you are stuck with a model with MGV or Leather, just buy some cloth seat covers.

If you don't like the Sasquatch rims/tires (I didn't), then don't get the Sasquatch package. You are better off with the Badlands non-sasquatch (gets you essentially the same setup - except for the 4.7 gears on the automatic equipped vehicles, but there is only a 5% difference in the gearing 4.46 vs 4.7).

You really don't need the Badlands, but it's the only way to get a high/lux package and 4A without the Sasquatch package. The Big Bend with the Black Diamond package will get you 4A, but you are limited to the mid-package. In my personal opinion, you give up way too much going with the Base over the Big Bend because of the significant difference between standard equipment and the mid package.

This reflects my personal biases because I see 4A and rear locker as must haves for a Bronco. Otherwise, why get a Bronco...

If you ONLY care about the looks, then I would consider a non-Sasquatch base if creature comforts don't matter or the non-Sasquatch OBX if you want any creature comforts.

 

[mpeugeot]

One more thing, if it is between the Base and Big Bend - living with the Big Bend will be much nicer for a variety of reasons.

A/C - dual zone in Big Bend
Steering Wheel - nicer in the Big Bend
Windows - Already tinted in the Big Bend
Proximity Sensor - Door unlocking
Keyfob Remote Start - nice in winter
Longer range Keyfob - also nice to have

There are other differences, but those are just a few off the top of my head. I have an F-150 with the standard A/C and I am always messing with it to get the temperature right, but in my Bronco, I just dial the temperature I want and leave it.

 

[Area51BS]

I would go base with aftermarket lift and wheels/mods if you only care about looks.

Now if you want to talk 4x4 with the guy looking at your Bronco while in the mall parking lot. Get a Non SAS Badlands. As it has the looks and all the 4x4 goods to talk about without handing Ford big dollars for SAS.

 

[VirginiaHeritage]

Proximity Sensor - Door unlocking

This has unexpectedly turned out to be one of my favorite features. Very handy at times.

 

[OverBudget]

I believe washout floors are another difference between the two. Don't believe base has that. If you care about that.

 

[Scott R Nelson]

You didn't mention whether you want 2-door or 4-door, so I assume 4-door.

I went with a 2-door Base Sasquatch because I wanted all of the 4-wheel-drive stuff I could get and nothing else. I've been happy with mine. But it frequently is driven off road up in the hills.

I purchased the keypad with mine and often leave the key inside, so the proximity sensor means nothing to me. I have to use the keypad to both unlock and to lock it.

 

[moose05]

Yes, I would like the washout floors and the proximity sensor. 4 door is the only option due to the kiddos.

Looking at the heritage it seems to have a lot of what I want! I had glossed over it before because I didn’t love the white top and wheels but I may explore it more.

 

[Danielsand]

I am sorry that some mean people convinced you to go for the hard top. Hard top needs storage (you will go Bimini, right?), it's heavy, it cracks (the infamous "MIC" top), and it's NOT any quieter than the soft one (regardless how much the mean people would want you to believe that it is). Not only that, but Bronco with a hard top looks like any other "SUV" but uglier and noisier on the inside. It looks like haphazardly put together "camper shell" on some pickups on the inside. It echos inside for God's sake (unless you "invest" in insulation). Even with insulation, it has exposed plugs, wires, bolts.......crap. Kids can get scratched/HURT on all that shit, you know? IF you want a safe, comfortable, quiet SUV, buy a Landcruiser (it has a well-insulated, safe "hard top"). Bronco doesn't. Soft top allows "open air" experience in minutes, it looks way nicer (not like any other "SUV"), doesn't require storage (unless you go totally naked!), and makes you look tough on the road.

Ragtop man. That's what makes Bronco different.

 

[moose05]

I am sorry that some mean people convinced you to go for the hard top. Hard top needs storage (you will go Bimini, right?), it's heavy, it cracks (the infamous "MIC" top), and it's NOT any quieter than the soft one (regardless how much the mean people would want you to believe that it is). Not only that, but Bronco with a hard top looks like any other "SUV" but uglier and noisier on the inside. It looks like haphazardly put together "camper shell" on some pickups on the inside. It echos inside for God's sake (unless you "invest" in insulation). Even with insulation, it has exposed plugs, wires, bolts.......crap. Kids can get scratched/HURT on all that shit, you know? IF you want a safe, comfortable, quiet SUV, buy a Landcruiser (it has a well-insulated, safe "hard top"). Bronco doesn't. Soft top allows "open air" experience in minutes, it looks way nicer (not like any other "SUV"), doesn't require storage (unless you go totally naked!), and makes you look tough on the road.

Ragtop man. That's what makes Bronco different.

This is where I was at but the kind folks convinced me to buy a hardtop so that I can get the bronco I want now instead of waiting on a retail order. Then I can immediately sell the top on the used market and swap in a bestop instead. Save a few bucks and not have to wait on a retail order.

What say you on the bestop vs the stock soft top???

 

[OverBudget]

I am sorry that some mean people convinced you to go for the hard top. Hard top needs storage (you will go Bimini, right?), it's heavy, it cracks (the infamous "MIC" top), and it's NOT any quieter than the soft one (regardless how much the mean people would want you to believe that it is). Not only that, but Bronco with a hard top looks like any other "SUV" but uglier and noisier on the inside. It looks like haphazardly put together "camper shell" on some pickups on the inside. It echos inside for God's sake (unless you "invest" in insulation). Even with insulation, it has exposed plugs, wires, bolts.......crap. Kids can get scratched/HURT on all that shit, you know? IF you want a safe, comfortable, quiet SUV, buy a Landcruiser (it has a well-insulated, safe "hard top"). Bronco doesn't. Soft top allows "open air" experience in minutes, it looks way nicer (not like any other "SUV"), doesn't require storage (unless you go totally naked!), and makes you look tough on the road.

Ragtop man. That's what makes Bronco different.

Dang man, show us on the doll where the hard top hurt you

 

[BigFootie]

I haven’t looked at the comparisons recently but the Heritage Edition gave you more bang for the buck than the Big Bend it was based on but for less money. The mod top does not have the issues the mic top has. Mine still has carpet but it came with Heritage Edition liners so not an issue for me. I wanted cloth seats as I’ve done the vinyl thing in years past. My top hangs above my Bronco until it’s time to wash it which seems to be a lot.

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