The Ford Bronco lineup offers a range of trims to suit various off-road enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike. This comparison will explore the differences between the top-tier Badlands trim and the entry-level Big Bend trim, focusing on interior features and capabilities.
Overview of Trims
The Ford Bronco has made a triumphant return to the automotive scene, capturing the hearts of adventure seekers and off-road enthusiasts. The Badlands and Big Bend trims represent two distinct points in the range. While both trims share the iconic design and off-road DNA of the Ford Bronco, they differ significantly in terms of features, capabilities, and interior amenities.
Exterior Differences
Before delving into the interior, it’s worth noting some key exterior differences:
Big Bend
- 17-inch Carbonized Gray aluminum wheels
- All-terrain tires
- Standard LED headlamps and fog lamps
- Heated, power exterior mirrors
- Soft-top or hard-top options
Badlands
- 17-inch machined Carbonized Gray aluminum wheels
- 33-inch all-terrain tires (with optional 35-inch mud-terrain tires)
- LED signature lighting
- Heavy-duty modular front bumper
- Rock rails and bash plates for enhanced protection
Interior Comparison
The interior is where the Badlands and Big Bend trims show the most significant differences. Let’s break down the key areas:
Seating and Upholstery
Big Bend
- Cloth seat upholstery
- Six-way manual front seats
- Split-folding rear bench seat
Badlands
- Marine-grade vinyl seat upholstery (standard)
- Optional leather-trimmed seats
- Heated front seats (optional)
- Six-way power driver’s seat (optional)
The Badlands trim offers more premium seating options, with the marine-grade vinyl handy for those who frequently engage in muddy or wet activities. The optional leather seats and heating function provide a touch of luxury for those who want to combine off-road capability with comfort.
Dashboard and Instrumentation
Big Bend
- 8-inch digital instrument cluster
- SYNC® 4 infotainment system with 12-inch touchscreen
- Single-zone manual climate control
Badlands
- 12-inch digital instrument cluster (optional)
- SYNC® 4 infotainment system with 12-inch touchscreen
- Available dual-zone automatic climate control
Both trims now feature the 12-inch touchscreen as standard, which is a significant upgrade. However, the Badlands offers a larger digital instrument cluster and more advanced climate control options, enhancing functionality and comfort.
Interior Features and Technology
Big Bend
- Seven-speaker audio system with subwoofer
- Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
- SiriusXM® with 360L
- FordPass Connect™
- Remote keyless access with push-button start
Badlands
- Available 10-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen
- Wireless charging pad (optional)
- 360-degree camera system (optional)
- Additional USB ports
- Trail One-Pedal Drive
- Trail Turn Assist
The Badlands trim offers a more comprehensive suite of technology features, particularly those that enhance the off-road experience. The available premium sound system and wireless charging pad add a touch of luxury, while the 360-degree camera system is invaluable for navigating tight trails.
Interior Storage and Versatility
Big Bend
- Standard cargo area
- Basic interior storage compartments
Badlands
- MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) system on seatbacks
- Additional grab handles
- Rubberized flooring with drain plugs
- Enhanced storage solutions
The Badlands trim is designed with the serious off-roader in mind, offering more robust and versatile storage solutions. The MOLLE system allows for customizable attachment of gear, while the rubberized flooring makes cleanup after muddy adventures a breeze.
Off-Road Features Accessible from the Interior
Big Bend
- Terrain Management System™ with six G.O.A.T. Modes®
- Standard 4×4 with part-time selectable engagement
- Hill descent control
- Hill start assist
Badlands
- Advanced 4×4 with automatic on-demand engagement
- Terrain Management System™ with seven G.O.A.T. Modes (including Rock Crawl)
- Front and rear electronic locking differentials
- Stabilizer bar disconnect
- Trail Control™ (cruise control for off-road driving)
While both trims offer capable off-road systems, the Badlands provides a more comprehensive suite of features that can be controlled from the interior. The additional G.O.A.T. Mode, electronic locking differentials, and stabilizer bar disconnect give drivers more control over their off-road experience.
Performance and Capability
Engines and Transmission
Big Bend
- Standard 2.3L EcoBoost® I4 engine (275 HP and 427 Nm of torque)
- Seven-speed manual transmission or available ten-speed automatic transmission
Badlands
- Standard 2.3L EcoBoost® I4 engine (275 HP and 427 Nm of torque)
- Optional 2.7L EcoBoost® V6 engine (330 HP and 563 Nm of torque)
- Seven-speed manual transmission (2.3L only) or ten-speed automatic transmission
The Badlands trim offers more power with its optional V6 engine, significantly boosting torque for more challenging off-road situations.
Suspension and Off-Road Hardware
Big Bend
- HOSS (High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension) 1.0 system
- Standard skid plates
Badlands
- HOSS 2.0 system with Bilstein® position-sensitive dampers
- Heavy-duty skid plates
- Front and rear tow hooks
- Higher ground clearance
The Badlands trim has a more advanced suspension system and additional off-road hardware, making it better suited for tackling extreme terrain.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Both trims come with Ford Co-Pilot360™ technology, but the Badlands offers some additional features:
Big Bend
- Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
- Lane-Keeping System
- Rear View Camera
- Auto High-Beam Headlamps
Badlands
- All Big Bend features, plus:
- Available Adaptive Cruise Control
- Available BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert
- Available 360-degree camera system
The Badlands trim provides more advanced driver assistance features, enhancing safety and convenience, especially when navigating tight trails or busy highways.
Customization and Accessories
Both trims offer a wide range of Ford accessories, but the Badlands has some unique options:
Big Bend
- Standard range of Bronco accessories
- Roof rack options
- Various exterior styling packages
Badlands
- Expanded range of off-road focused accessories
- Winch-capable modular front bumper
- High-clearance fender flares
- Additional lighting options
The Badlands trim is designed to be more easily customizable for serious off-road enthusiasts, with a broader range of factory-backed accessories available.
2024 Ford Bronco: Big Bend vs Badlands
The Ford Bronco offers two distinctly different experiences with its Big Bend and Badlands trims. The Big Bend is a capable entry point into the Bronco lineup, offering a blend of everyday usability and off-road potential. It’s well-suited for those who want the Bronco experience without all the bells and whistles.
The Badlands, on the other hand, is aimed at the hardcore off-road enthusiast. With its advanced 4×4 system, more powerful engine options, and interior features designed for extreme adventures, it’s the go-to choice for those who plan to push their vehicle to the limits.
The interior differences between the two trims are particularly noteworthy. While the Big Bend offers a comfortable and functional interior, the Badlands elevates the experience with more premium materials, advanced technology, and off-road-specific features. From the marine-grade vinyl seats to the additional G.O.A.T. modes accessible from the cockpit, every aspect of the Badlands interior enhances the off-road experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Big Bend and Badlands trims will come down to the buyer’s intended use for the vehicle. The Big Bend offers an excellent balance for those who want a capable daily driver with weekend adventure potential. But for the true off-road enthusiasts who demand the utmost in capability and features, the Badlands trim stands out as the pinnacle of the Bronco lineup.
