The Ford Bronco Badlands and Outer Banks are two of the most popular off-road vehicles on the market today. With their rugged good looks and advanced off-road technology, they are both great choices for those looking to explore the outdoors. But what’s the difference between the two?
The Bronco Badlands is the higher trim of the two, offering more off-road capability. It has a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that produces 310 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. It also has a 7-speed manual transmission, a heavy-duty Dana 44 front axle, an electronically locking rear differential, and a sway bar disconnect system. In addition, it has 33-inch all-terrain tires, an off-road suspension, and an upgraded front skid plate. The Bronco Badlands also has additional tech features such as Ford SYNC 4A with an 8-inch touchscreen, a B&O sound system, and an off-road dashboard with an inclinometer and trail control.
The Ford Bronco Outer Banks, on the other hand, is the base trim of the two. It has the same 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine as the Bronco Badlands but produces a slightly less amount of horsepower and torque at 270 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. It has a 7-speed automatic transmission, a Dana 44 front axle, and an open rear differential. It also has 32-inch all-terrain tires and an off-road suspension, but no skid plate. The Bronco Outer Banks has tech features such as Ford SYNC 3 with an 8-inch touchscreen, a 6-speaker audio system, and an off-road dashboard with an inclinometer.
The price difference between the two is significant, with the Bronco Badlands starting at $44,485 and the Bronco Outer Banks starting at $34,095. The Bronco Badlands also has a more powerful engine, more off-road capability, and more tech features, making it the more capable and higher-end option.
The Ford Bronco Badlands and Outer Banks are both great off-roading vehicles, but they offer different features and capabilities. The Bronco Badlands is the higher trim of the two, offering more off-road capability, a more powerful engine, and more tech features. However, the Bronco Outer Banks is the more affordable option, offering a slightly less powerful engine and fewer tech features. Depending on your needs and budget, either one of these vehicles could be a great choice for your next off-road adventure.
Examining The Off-Road Aptitude Of The Bronco Badlands And The Outer Banks
The Ford Bronco is an off-road legend. With the reintroduction of the Bronco line, two trim levels stand out for their off-road capability: the Bronco Badlands and the Outer Banks. Both trims are equipped with the same engine and transmission options, so the differences lie in their off-road features and amenities.
The Bronco Badlands is equipped with 32 tires, an advanced 4-wheel drive system with an advanced torque-on-demand transfer case, an electronic locking rear differential, and an electronic hill descent control system. It also has advance suspension with FOX Live Valve shocks, semi-active suspension, and active sway bar. Finally, the Badlands comes with a heavy-duty front skid plate, rock rails, and an off-road drive assist system.
The Outer Banks moves up a notch with 33 tires, a terrain management system with seven G.O.A.T modes (Go Over Any Terrain), Trail Control, and an advanced 4-wheel drive system with an electronic-locking rear differential. It also comes with a heavy-duty front skid plate, rock sliders, and an off-road drive assist system. The Outer Banks also has the same advance suspension with FOX Live Valve shocks, semi-active suspension, and active sway bar.
In terms of price, the Bronco Badlands starts at $42,095 while the Outer Banks starts at $43,595. Both trims include the Ford Co-Pilot360™ driver-assist technologies. They also come with a two-year/unlimited-mileage warranty for parts and labor.
When it comes to off-road capability, the Badlands and Outer Banks are both well-equipped and have many features that make them great off-roading vehicles. The Badlands is great for those who want a capable off-roader without all the bells and whistles. The Outer Banks is perfect for those who want all the bells and whistles, including the ability to tackle more rugged terrain.
| Features | Bronco Badlands | Outer Banks |
|---|---|---|
| Tires | 32 | 33 |
| 4-Wheel Drive | Advanced 4-Wheel Drive System with Torque-On-Demand Transfer Case | Terrain Management System with Seven G.O.A.T. Modes and Trail Control |
| Suspension | FOX Live Valve Shocks, Semi-Active Suspension, Active Sway Bar | FOX Live Valve Shocks, Semi-Active Suspension, Active Sway Bar |
| Skid Plates & Rock Rails | Heavy-Duty Front Skid Plate, Rock Rails | Heavy-Duty Front Skid Plate, Rock Sliders |
| Price | $42,095 | $43,595 |
In conclusion, both the Bronco Badlands and the Outer Banks are great off-road vehicles. The Badlands is more affordable and offers plenty of off-road features, while the Outer Banks is for those who want the added off-road capability. Regardless of which trim level you choose, you’ll be getting a great off-road vehicle from Ford.
Exploring The Exterior Design Features Of The Bronco Badlands And The Outer Banks
The 2021 Ford Bronco Badlands and the Outer Banks are two midsize SUVs that offer an impressive combination of off-road capability and cutting-edge exterior design features. When it comes to exterior design, the two SUVs have distinct characteristics. Both models are rugged and stylish, but the Bronco Badlands has a more aggressive look and is designed for maximum off-road capability. Meanwhile, the Outer Banks is more refined and is designed for more on-road driving. Let’s take a closer look at the exterior design features of the Bronco Badlands and the Outer Banks.
The Bronco Badlands has a bold and aggressive front fascia that is designed to be able to tackle the toughest off-road trails. It features a high-strength steel front bumper with a winch mount, LED fog lamps, and plenty of ground clearance. The SUV also has a heavy-duty 2.3-inch black powder-coated steel brush guard and rock rails that offer superior protection on the trail. The 17-inch wheels are wrapped in all-terrain tires that are designed for optimal traction on rough trails.
The Outer Banks takes a more refined approach to exterior design. The SUV features a sleek and modern look with sharp lines and an aerodynamic shape. The front fascia is designed for maximum visibility on the road with LED headlights and fog lamps. The 17-inch wheels are wrapped in all-season tires that are designed for maximum grip on wet or dry roads. The Outer Banks also has plenty of ground clearance to handle light off-road adventures.
When it comes to exterior design features, the two SUVs offer distinct advantages for different types of drivers. The Bronco Badlands is designed for those who are looking for maximum off-road capability and a rugged look, while the Outer Banks is designed for those who are more focused on on-road driving and a more refined design.
Exterior Design Features Comparison
| Exterior Design Feature | Bronco Badlands | Outer Banks |
|---|---|---|
| Front Fascia | High-strength steel, winch mount, LED fog lamps | Sleek and modern, LED headlights and fog lamps |
| Wheels | 17-inch all-terrain | 17-inch all-season |
| Ground Clearance | High | High |
The Bronco Badlands is a 4-door, off-road vehicle, while the Outer Banks is a 2-door, convertible sports car.
The Bronco Badlands starts at $34,205, while the Outer Banks starts at $56,205.
The Bronco Badlands has a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine.
Yes, the Bronco Badlands comes with four-wheel drive as standard.
The Outer Banks is available with a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed automatic transmission.
The Bronco Badlands offers up to 72.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded.
The Outer Banks is available with a 10-speaker Shaker audio system.
No, the Bronco Badlands does not come with a sunroof.
The Outer Banks uses a MacPherson strut suspension with a stabilizer bar.
The Bronco Badlands has a towing capacity of up to 3500 lbs.
