Everglades Or Badlands?

[TXBronco1313]

People keep saying that about the 2.3 that it will perform like the 2.7 when it has the Ford performance tune. However, I wonder how many people were driving the 2.7, switched to the 2.3 and tuned it to really give a fair comparison. I feel like most people who say just that have only had experience with the 2.3, and based on the numbers on paper say it performs the same as the 2.7. But I agree, if this was for me only, the 2.7 would mandatory. But this will be my wifes daily and weekend offroad toy.

I drove both and I’m telling ya, the 2.3 is for city/highway driving but won’t perform as good on the trail due to the considerably less torque. You can tune a 2.3 all you want but it’ll always be missing 2 cylinders and the twin turbo. I say go with the 2.7. Try to build a badlands with no lux package and see how much difference the price will be

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[MayhemMike]

The only two negatives for me on the Everglades is no two door model, and the hideous decal on the fenders. I drove both 2.3 and 2.7. Never noticed a difference that made me spend the extra cash . It is a street legal off road rig, not a quarter mile asphalt eater. Save the money.

 

[BricknoseBronco]

The Everglades will come with the things you want and the winch and slide-out tailgate to boot. The only difference in this is the 2.3 vs the 2.7. As some have said, you can get the Ford Performance tune for the 2.3, so it will perform like a 2.7.

When I came across this choice, I bought my Badlands with the 2.7 and started my mod journey. I wanted the disco and I did not want to try to do that aftermarket. I also wanted the 2.7. In 21 the Badlands LUX package had all of the things I wanted, power seats, leather, dual air, etc, so that was another choice.

In the end, I guess it really comes down to 2.3 v 2.7 plus a few extras on the different models. Disco vs snorkel, winch, and slide out.

We can live without all the luxury items even if they are nice to have. Afterall it is an offroad vehicle. To be honest, the sway bar disconnect I believe gets blown out of proportion as far as why to only get the Badlands. After owning one myself, once I got to a trail, I would disconnect it, and never turn it back on until I was done for the day. So for me, I feel like sometimes the electronic disconnect may be a little expensive for what it does and down the road could be a costly repair. There a lot of cheap and easy quick disconnect kits out there now that could accomplish same thing and have your disconnect in 10 seconds at the trail head.

Either way, both vehicles would be getting a winch regardless so its nice the Everglades you dont have to add anything. I like the slide out tailgate so could see me adding one down the road anyways. The snorkel, I personally dont feel I need at all. But the 2.7, thats one thing that you really cant replace. I really just need to find a way to drive one with sasquatch, 4 door and 2.3 auto. Cause Ive only driven the manual sasquatch which I honestly thought felt so underpowered it was ridiculous. Even though the manual transmission would be my first preference.

 

[BricknoseBronco]

I have a 2024 Eruption Green Everglades. I test drove both engines in other broncos (the two were similarly equipped other than engine), I didn’t feel enough difference to worry about. The only thing other than the 2.7 you give up is the electronically disconnectable sway bar, but you gain much more like the factory installed and warranted winch.

I’ve had it four months and have no regrets so far. It does get noticed (commented on) for being the version people have never seen before, so that’s kind of cool I guess.

I agree here. I have yet to see an actual Everglades on the road. And to be honest, one of the best looking Bronco versions available overall (for a 4 door). And sway bar disconnect can be fixed pretty easy these days with different quick disconnect kits out there. So thats no issue on my part to add that after the fact. The 2.7 I would say is my major hang up as I agree, the Everglades is one bad ass looking vehicle compared to a Badlands. Those squared off fenders should just be the normal on all of them. I do not care for the rounded fenders and never have.

 

[userdude]

People keep saying that about the 2.3 that it will perform like the 2.7 when it has the Ford performance tune. However, I wonder how many people were driving the 2.7, switched to the 2.3 and tuned it to really give a fair comparison. I feel like most people who say just that have only had experience with the 2.3, and based on the numbers on paper say it performs the same as the 2.7. But I agree, if this was for me only, the 2.7 would mandatory. But this will be my wifes daily and weekend offroad toy.

The big selling points of the 2.7 are the twin turbos and slightly denser engine block. So you can upgrade it, whereas the 2.3 is a lot more limited. Looking at HP and torque, they're within what 15HP (I forget the torque)? I've driven both (my neighbor has a 23 WT I've driven a few times, both 2drs) and the difference I recalled was the suspension and Sport mode. You can turn on Sport mode with Forscan.

If you decide on the 2.7, that's fine; I get it. I just think give the 2.3 a fair shake, cuz it's good enough to be competitive as a DD.

 

[BricknoseBronco]

If you're just comparing engines, that's one thing. There's 2 camps, 1 says the difference is minimal, the other will always pic the V6. Drive both and decide, only you can make the call if it matters.

But, you listed, lux, dual tops, running boards, and hitch - you didn't mention ( and I suspect not) if you'd get that on the Everglades. So you're not comparing apples to apples - so to speak.

You could build and price a Badlands with the same options ( or lack there of) as the Everglades and then see what the real price difference is.

Also, I would think the Everglades is modeled from the Black Diamond not the Badlands, no disco and less options I'm betting they're more comparable, but I could be wrong.
Price compare those two also.

Also do you want/like/need a winch and a snorkel? You are paying for those items.

I listed those items because that was what we ordered cause you can build whatever you want. We definitely can live without those items if they werent on the build. The Everglades does also have the hitch. But I agree, I havent built a mid package Badlands hardtop to compare, but just found one at my local dealer. $64800 MSRP for a silver, badlands mid package 2.7 without the tow package. Just tried to build a Badlands sasquatch with 2.3 auto, and it wont let you order that anymore. When you add the sasquatch it makes you select the 2.7L which I believe is something new for the badlands in 24? So doesnt look like I can get a true apples to apples mid package comparison between the two.

 

[615_Bronco]

It will be used both on and offroad. That was my biggest concern was when say rock crawling around or climbing hills in East Tennessee, the 2.3 just wont be enough. Even though its only 30 hp on premium difference, I can tell you for certain there is a huge performance feel/acceleration difference with the almost 100 lb ft torque difference. And if you ever take the 2.3L to any sand dunes, I bet it would do way worse than a 2.7L.

In the words of the great Lee Corso, “not so fast my friend!”
I haven’t found anything in East TN or Middle that the 2.3 has had an issue with but I also haven’t done any crazy trails at Windrock.

I’d probably go with the Glades for the price point but if she has to commute on 24 I’d go Badlands with the 2.7

GL with whatever yall decide, both are beauties.

 

[BricknoseBronco]

The only two negatives for me on the Everglades is no two door model, and the hideous decal on the fenders. I drove both 2.3 and 2.7. Never noticed a difference that made me spend the extra cash . It is a street legal off road rig, not a quarter mile asphalt eater. Save the money.

While I agree on the saving money part, HP/Torque do make a difference offroad in a 5000 lb vehicle. Im not worried about a 1/4 mile time. But I also dont want to feel like a fat underpowered rig climbing hills, rocks or dunes. So thats been my major hang up. Also, 100% agree on the 2 door and graphics take. Couldnt agree more! But we have a new born, so two doors are a struggle right now for my wife.

 

[userdude]

I drove both and I’m telling ya, the 2.3 is for city/highway driving but won’t perform as good on the trail due to the considerably less torque. You can tune a 2.3 all you want but it’ll always be missing 2 cylinders and the twin turbo. I say go with the 2.7. Try to build a badlands with no lux package and see how much difference the price will be

We're both in Texas, so I assume we've both been to spots around here. So, I've done Merus (three times, blues and blacks), Hidden Falls twice, Bridgeport (too many times to count), Cross Bar, Barnwell, tried to do Wolf Caves (wouldn't let me in without a partner). Also Colorado and some not so difficult eastern OK (lot of gnarly out there).

I haven't come across anything the 2.3 struggled on? Maybe I'll change my tune somewhat with these 73lbs tires I just got, but with stock and 4.7 gearing, I just can't agree it's a limitation.

 

[userdude]

While I agree on the saving money part, HP/Torque do make a difference offroad in a 5000 lb vehicle. Im not worried about a 1/4 mile time. But I also dont want to feel like a fat underpowered rig climbing hills, rocks or dunes. So thats been my major hang up. Also, 100% agree on the 2 door and graphics take. Couldnt agree more! But we have a new born, so two doors are a struggle right now for my wife.

Just ask yourself this: If you won't be happy without the bigger engine, I don't think any of us can convince you. Maybe go out with a group and ride in a 2.3? I've done a lot in my 2dr 2.3 Sas and never once did I miss any power. But if you feel you have once you get it, you'll be unhappy, so it seems like a 2.7 is what will make you happier.

To wit: I've had mostly V8's and larger V6's, so I was disappointed when I saw these puny engines. Now I don't care. They're both good engines. I think the benefit of one over the other, they're just too close to say ones clearly better than the other. If only a V6 suits you, get what will make you happy.

 

[Ninjak]

@userdude : You are running a 2 door correct? Those are a bit lighter than the 4-door.

I did drive a 2.3 and the 2.7 back to back, as I looked at a Everglades. For the street, it did not seem to be a big difference, but I have never wheeled or off-roaded the 2.3. I would believe it would not have an issue, but as I said, I wanted the 2.7.

As for my RIG, yes, I did non-SAS, and I added well..... a lot. Lol. But I will say I have never worried about power, even with all the things I have added. The tune and extra bits I have done made my RIG sit in BRapto territory so it's a blast when I let her loose.

I have said plenty of times though, I think the Everglades, now, is the best bang for the buck. If cost is a factor, I feel it's the best trim to go with. If not, then I say build out a Badlands, NoN-SAS, and then add your suspension and tires. That's the route I went.

 

[BricknoseBronco]

In the words of the great Lee Corso, “not so fast my friend!”
I haven’t found anything in East TN or Middle that the 2.3 has had an issue with but I also haven’t done any crazy trails at Windrock.

I’d probably go with the Glades for the price point but if she has to commute on 24 I’d go Badlands with the 2.7

GL with whatever yall decide, both are beauties.

I would be taking it to Windrock thats for sure. Just wonder how it does there. If it passes the Windrock test, it can pass anywhere

We do live by and use 24 quite often. Words can not express how much I hate that interstate!! And definitely need to drive with a heavy foot.

 

[BricknoseBronco]

The big selling points of the 2.7 are the twin turbos and slightly denser engine block. So you can upgrade it, whereas the 2.3 is a lot more limited. Looking at HP and torque, they're within what 15HP (I forget the torque)? I've driven both (my neighbor has a 23 WT I've driven a few times, both 2drs) and the difference I recalled was the suspension and Sport mode. You can turn on Sport mode with Forscan.

If you decide on the 2.7, that's fine; I get it. I just think give the 2.3 a fair shake, cuz it's good enough to be competitive as a DD.

30 HP and almost 100 lb ft torque difference which can be a lot even just for offroading. Also, Everglades has sport. The only mode it doesnt have is Baja mode which I never liked in my Badlands anyways.

 

[DriveAllNight]

If the swaybar disconnect doesn't matter and lux features don't matter, why compare a Badlands? Check out the Black Diamond with the 2.7 and get what you want.

 

[615_Bronco]

I would be taking it to Windrock thats for sure. Just wonder how it does there. If it passes the Windrock test, it can pass anywhere

We do live by and use 24 quite often. Words can not express how much I hate that interstate!! And definitely need to drive with a heavy foot.

24 is horrible from Kentucky to GA lol

I’ve took mine up some pretty steep hills at LBL and never once thought I needed more power.
Have yet to make it to Windrock as I’ve never been there and don’t wanna try it solo.

No issues with any of the trails over in the mountains if that helps ya.

I’m kinda with @userdude tho, and it sounds like you should just go with the 2.7

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