First Bronco — Custom Order Questions Before I Pull the Trigger

[iainm]

Hey everyone!

I'm in the process of purchasing a Bronco, but inventory in my area is moving fast and finding exactly what I want off the lot has been a challenge. I'm strongly considering a custom order at this point, and I'd love some input from people who've been through the process.

My current build on Ford's configurator is a four door Badlands with the Sasquatch and Lux packages — aiming for something that's genuinely capable off-road but still comfortable as a daily driver. Before I pull the trigger, I have a few questions for the community:

• Regrets or removals — Is there anything in your build you wish you'd left out? Any packages or options that sounded great on paper but didn't deliver?
• Additions you wish you'd made — Any stock upgrades or options you skipped at purchase that you later wished you had?
• Manual vs. Automatic — I'm genuinely torn between the 7-speed manual and the automatic. What's the real-world experience with the manual? Are there tradeoffs I should know about for both daily driving and off-road use?
• Interior grab handles — I noticed the Big Bend and some other trims have grab handles on the front A-pillars, but I don't see them listed for the Badlands. Is that something that can be added separately, or is it trim-specific?
• Factory tow package — I'd like the option to tow occasionally, but I'm not sure if the factory package is the best value. Is it worth adding at order, or is it something that can be done more affordably aftermarket?

Thanks in advance — really appreciate any insight from folks who've been down this road.

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[Montana Bronco]

Get the 7MT, it is hands down the absolute best part of my Bronco.

 

[Brian_B]

The manual is more than worth settling for the 2.3. If you go out of your mind and skip the 7MT, then you should at least get the v6 to help compensate for your poor decision-making or being forced to settle.

Other options worth looking at:

Upfitters are not essential but very nice, many aftermarket options though

4A - if you want it get it now. Not essential but can't upgrade to it later. IMO they are nice for set-it-and-forget-it bad weather driving, but definitely not required

Rear locker - if you are even thinking about wanting a locker get it now. It can be added later but pretty pricey

B&O - Folks say the updated system sounds better, but I am still of the opinion that because its very expensive to aftermarket upgrade a B&O but relatively easy and cheap on the standard, I’m not sure the B&O is worth it

Mod bumper - many many aftermarket accessories assume you have a mod bumper. But jf you are looking at replacing it outright with a aftermarket bumper can either save some cash here, or know there is a market and the mod bumpers sell easy

Electric Swaybar Disconnect — can be added after the fact without the nannies if you want it for fairly cheap, but if you get it from factory you can’t bypass the nannies. This one I would not go out of my way for.

Skid plates - many aftermarket options so it isnt a must have, but the factory set is pretty decent.

Signature ligjts are nice but not essential

HOSS 3 suspension and severe duty steering rack are nice but very common to add after the fact so don't feel like you need to chase them from the factory

Many many many aftermarket wheel and tire options so I wouldn’t get hung up on that either

 

[CalvinT]

I bought the manual with no regrets. It was the main reason I looked into the Bronco.

There are some advantages to each. It all depends on the type of driving you have in mind. Some just like shifting, others would prefer to remain shiftless . The automatic gives you some features the manual doesn't have.

I bought the factory tow package even though it required me to wait longer. I have no immediate need, but like having options. I was going to get the factory rack then discovered not a lot fits it. Again, I like having options.

I bought a Badlands with the High Package, so it was pretty well loaded other than power seats. I have no regrets. I would have ordered upfitter switches if they hadn't been included. I ordered the combination bumper because I wanted factory foglight wiring. I've since replaced the foglights.

Unlike many on here, I'm happy with the standard sound system. And I have a very good home system (Golden Ear Triton One.R speakers). Does my home system sound better? Definitely. But I didn't buy my Bronco to listen to music. I usually listen to classical music and the instruments sound the way they should. If I'm paying that much attention to the Bronco sound system, how much attention am I paying to my driving?

 

[Brian_B]

Regarding tow package:

I dont have a strong opinion about factory vs aftermarket, just a caution to state the Bronco is not a pickup truck and, while you have plebty of power, the towing limitations are very real due to the soft coilover suspension. Make sure you get a 7pin with brake controller if you are getting anywhere close to the weight limit

 

[EvilJim1971]

Since you are considering the Badlands, get the 7mt and skip the Sasquatch package.
You still get the 4.70 gears and have clearance for the 35s.
Towing is an easy add after the fact.
Get the hardtop, the soft tops are cheap and everywhere.

 

[Smocaine]

I absolutely hated the dual-zone climate control and other tech from teh Lux package in my loaner, so personally I would skip any interior package at all.
7MT has much less ambiguity - just do it. It's a great 5-speed for around town, except then they gave you an extra OD and a gear under first. I would have long since become bored of the Bronco if it had an automatic.

 

[Tananburns]

Just took delivery of a '26 Badlands...it has the APLR grab handles. Mid-level interior with sasquatch.
I ordered the factory hitch but it's backordered so it has not been installed yet. Wiring installation is a little invasive. Requiring removal of interior panels and wheel well liners. Not impossible for DIY it's nice to have it integrated prior to receiving your vehicle. The cost is competitive as a dealer installed option to a local trailer shop, in my area anyway.

 

[michelle227]

The A-pillar handles are new this year. My '26 2dr was delivered less than three months after order. 7spd and tow package clearly weren't a limiting factor.

I did not get a full soft-top as an option but did add the half-top twill to go with the painted hard top. BTW, painted hard top has, at least on 2dr, the turret portal...

I miss the auto-dimming mirror and loss of HomeLink and I still dont understand why FoMoCo wont put power seats in a 2dr...somewhere down the road, I'll get powered frames and add them.

 

[timn]

I found a killer deal on a 25 base with the sq package I don't feel like I settled at all. 39k out the door.

 

[Oldhippie]

there are a many folks recommending the manual trans and that is fine if you are serous manual guy or don’t do much real off roading (I still prefer manuals in my road vehicles knowing they are slower and get worse mpg) but I along with most my “wheeling” friends went automatic for off-roading and towing back in the ‘80s for better control and less parts breakage (race off roaders have autos). The auto in the bronco is a very good unit plus ya can get the 2.7 with it...I will add since the tow package is now a dealer option it has Little/no advantage over aftermarket…the aux switches are a bargain and very useful…

 

[Loeb]

I got a '25 non-Sasquatch 7 MT Badlands. If you don't really need 35" tire clearance, the 32" that come on the badlands will save you a little in gas and replacement tire cost. The 7MT is awesome, easy on the knees, and not a PITA in stop & go traffic. Seriously consider what bumpers you are going to end up with. I got the modular bumper. It's cool looking, but I don't feel that it's that strong. It also deletes the otherwise stock fog lights that are stock on some trim packages. Quality fogs that fit the modular bumper can be pricey.

 

[Sunthank]

I have a 2024 Badlands 2 dr sasquatch.

I havent seen anyone else comment, so (people will groan), I won't order without adaptive cruise. Its a pig or a brick, so there's something nice about riding the speed limit and looking out the windows, and not looking at the speedo. [I split time between it and my 775hp Saleen F150, and I always feel like I need to stretch it's legs in the left lane]. Most of the miles will be highway to events or to the folks house or to work and with the tire size, some tramlining, average power, and weight, the adaptive cruise is nice. I'm in SC with a ton of winding 2 lane roads with no shoulder and a deep dish, so Ill turn on the lane keeping too.

The interior noise is significant and I have the B&O, so it has the power to overcome the noise: but with occasional rattles of equipment, the audio quality isn't really something youll appreciate except parked.

I have the black vinyl seats and they are stupid burn your ass hot in the summer, so much you can't sit on them without something between for 30 min. Id highly suggest a lighter color or cloth or expect to add seat covers for summer use. I was shocked how bad they do this, even with windows down.

Aux switches are fantastic to add your lighting and other. I like the roof rack bars look, but they must be removed to take off the top, so consider that. On the 2 door, at least, I can get the 2 roof panels off while they are in place, so Im OK with it.

Anything factory installed is better for resale than aftermarket as the buyer will be more confident in the job. Aux switches (versus goober using electrical tape and drilling dip switch holes in the dash) and tow hitch and wiring is better ordered, IMHO.

 

[Brian_B]

there are a many folks recommending the manual trans and that is fine if you are serous manual guy or don’t do much real off roading

I will freely admit off roading in an auto is a lot easier - one less thing to worry about. But not nearly as much fun, imo.

Having a torque converter do all the heavy lifting for you almost feels like cheating. Almost.

 

[SHANUT]

I have a 2023 Badlands Sasquatch with all the bells and whistles and I love it. It’s a 2.7 with the automatic. It’s a monster. I also have a 7 speed 2025 Badlands without Sasquatch that I installed the Eibach suspension system on. I love that as well. I have it raised up about an inch higher than my 2023 and I have 35s on both of them. The 2.3 is a slug compared to the 2.7 but I wanted the manual transmission and that still makes it fairly fun to drive, as well. I’m old so I liked having all the cameras and I wouldn’t think of having one without them.

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