I’m going to check out 2024 Bronco Sports tomorrow and wanted some input from others who’ve bought one before.
I’ll mostly be using this for highway commuting and don’t plan on much off-roading. I was leaning toward the Big Bend or Outer Banks, but I’ve seen reviews saying the Badlands 2.0L engine is a big improvement, even for everyday use. I could probably stretch my budget if the extra power is worth it.
Also, for anyone who went with the Outer Banks, do you think the upgrades are worth it compared to the Big Bend? Or was it too much, and do you regret not sticking with a Big Bend? For reference, I’ve been driving a base 2016 Subaru Impreza, which has been reliable, but I can’t help feeling a little envious when I ride in friends’ upgraded Subarus.
When I bought my Big Bend, I had similar thoughts. I mostly needed a commuter vehicle that could carry bikes on the back. I looked at the bigger Broncos but couldn’t justify the price since I don’t plan on off-roading, and it’s usually just me in the car. I also considered the Badlands Sport but didn’t see much value in the upgrades for my needs.
The 1.5L engine is enough for me and still fun to drive. Between the Outer Banks and Big Bend, I chose Big Bend because I’m not a fan of the black roofs. I liked the color-matched roof better, and leather seats didn’t feel practical with my 7-year-old—she’d ruin them!
I ended up with an Oxford White Big Bend with copilot 360+, fog lights, and heated seats. The dealer added a trailer hitch for my bike rack, and I’m super happy with it. I drove an Outer Banks loaner while waiting for the hitch, and the only thing I liked more was the heated steering wheel.
If most of your driving is commuting, go for the Outer Banks. It has better fuel economy and rides smoother. The Badlands is cool, but do you really want to pay extra for off-road features you might never use?
Make sure to test drive the exact vehicle you’re thinking of buying. Some of the 1.5L engines run rough and noisy. I bought a 2023 Outer Banks last year and hated it. The engine was noisy, and at times it idled so rough the steering wheel vibrated. I only kept it for five weeks before trading it in for a Badlands, which cost me a few thousand dollars.
The Badlands is amazing—it feels like a completely different car. The copilot 360+ is also a great feature to have.
Test the seats in both before you decide. Mine is a 2021, and the seats felt completely different between the Outer Banks and Big Bend. It made a big difference for me when driving.
I have an Outer Banks and really like the extra features. A Big Bend isn’t lacking, but the dual power seats, B&O sound system, leatherette, seat memory, and better gauge cluster were worth it for me. I also added a moonroof and copilot 360. If the price difference to the Badlands had been less than $7k, I might’ve gone for it, but it was too much for my limited off-road plans. The 1.5L engine isn’t bad and gets great highway mileage—around 29-32 mpg.
Badlands is fantastic! I didn’t plan to do heavy off-roading, but I wanted a stronger engine for that quick boost. It’s been a lot of fun, and I love it!
I love my Outer Banks. The heated seats and steering wheel have been so handy, and the sunroof and brown interior are awesome. I was worried the smaller engine wouldn’t be enough, but I get great mileage—24 in the city and 31 on the highway. The tank is also big, so I can drive for hours without refueling. Super happy with my choice.
I’m happy with my Outer Banks. The 1.5L engine is powerful enough and gets good mileage. I’ve driven it in the mountains near Denver, and it handled steep grades fine. The upgrades like heated seats and steering wheel make it feel more comfortable. We also got the Black Diamond package for the hitch and extra protection. Overall, it’s a nice step up from the Big Bend.
I bought a used Badlands almost a year ago and love it. I didn’t get the tow hitch or 360+ because I’ve never towed anything, and I found ACC annoying on other cars I’ve driven. But I have to say, the heated steering wheel is amazing—I didn’t know I needed it until I had it!
I have a 2023 Outer Banks. At first, the 1.5L engine didn’t sound great to me, but after a test drive, I was really impressed. It’s peppy, and in sport mode, it feels more powerful. I drove it in the snow recently, and it handled great. I’ve had it since August and couldn’t be happier.
I got my Big Bend before Thanksgiving, and it’s been perfect for highway driving. It’s fun to drive, and sport mode gives it enough power. Unless you need more power or plan to off-road, you don’t really need the upgrade.