@Benn
I might be odd, but I set my climate to Auto High 72 degrees from day one and haven’t changed it for two years. Glad they kept media controls on the wheel.
@Benn
Physical buttons, dials, and knobs give character to the car’s interior that screens lack. I appreciate a screen for information, but the sizes are getting outrageous.
@Benn
I just traded a Kia Sportage for my Bronco and it only had digital controls. Enjoyed the big screen view but hated the lack of buttons. I’m glad I went for the 24 instead of waiting for the 25.
The look of the digital gauge is nice, even if I prefer buttons. I like many of the small off-road details. Those tie-down points that fold out are great, and they show why I’m a fan of Ford’s design. I really wish the adaptive cruise control with stop-go had been available on my '24; it was the one feature I wanted but gave up when I picked the Bronco Sport.
To me, the Bronco Sport is best in its base model. I got my Big Bend with zero options for under $25k this year, and it can handle most places the Sasquatch can, providing a similar overall experience. But I think having more capable options available is obviously a plus.
My Big Bend is under $25k and it can go most places the Sasquatch can, giving me a similar experience
That’s exactly where I’m at too. I’d enjoy a skid plate or better turning radius, but honestly, I’m not looking for rock climbing or tough trail riding. I’m just going to the deer lease and some desert roads in TX/AZ.
@Weston
That’s not right. The Badlands has a ton more features that yours doesn’t.
Kim said:
@Weston
That’s not right. The Badlands has a ton more features that yours doesn’t.
Haha, you own a Badlands, don’t you?
Sure, it’s packed with features mine lacks, but mine gets to 99.9% of the spots a Badlands can go. The experience feels similar aside from the engine, and it cost $15,000 less. I’m pleased with my pick; it’s a great base model.
Bigger tires, better shocks, and more robust protection are nice, but the car needed more lift than provided. So for me, these updates seem underwhelming. The shock upgrade is a plus, though.
Losing button controls for the HVAC is definitely a downside and affects how I use my car daily. That’s a big loss.
The improved ACC is a positive.
More ‘meh’ than I was expecting, but the swing-out fender tie-downs look cool. I was thinking there might be a Bronco Sport Raptor for some reason.
Vale said:
More ‘meh’ than I was expecting, but the swing-out fender tie-downs look cool. I was thinking there might be a Bronco Sport Raptor for some reason.
in a year or so
Vale said:
More ‘meh’ than I was expecting, but the swing-out fender tie-downs look cool. I was thinking there might be a Bronco Sport Raptor for some reason.
For sure, those are really neat.
Sky said:
No extra lift?
So, just a fancier bumper and different wheels? The car needed more lift, but I guess Ford couldn’t manage that?
Wait, it got a half inch lift, and the new shocks should be a nice upgrade.
@Jaden
The Sasquatch package adds an inch of ground clearance for the Outer Banks and half an inch for the Badlands trim.
@Jaden
Thanks! I searched and didn’t find anything. I was hoping for 9.9 inches. Still not as much as the Outback Wilderness.
The Badlands Sasquatch has a HOSS 3.0 suspension with Bilstein dampers—has this setup been on any previous vehicles?
Digital climate controls annoy me. Isn’t there research indicating tactile feedback is more effective?
I also dislike the redesign of the front bumper.
I definitely bought mine a year too early since I would love the new Outer Banks Sasquatch. We had to get a replacement quickly since our previous vehicle was totaled. I really enjoy our ’24 model, but features here make me wish for more options.
It’s remarkable that you can now get the Advanced 4x4 with a 1.5L engine. It seems to offer a balance for most people, giving better fuel efficiency for city driving along with off-road capabilities. My son and I had a blast at the Off-Roadeo, and I sometimes miss having those features, but I know we drive mainly on pavement and only go off-road occasionally.
Not every Bronco Sport goes off-road, and they’ve added useful features even without the Sasquatch. Adaptive Cruise Control is standard now, and while Sync 4 is nice, I agree like many others that physical buttons would be preferable. I appreciate the increase in towing capabilities for more options.
Pricing appears similar to the ’24 models. Even with the Sasquatch package, the price wasn’t drastically different from the ‘24 Outer Banks. However, many dealers might add a “market adjustment” for the popular Sasquatch models.
These updates bring a lot of what I hoped for. It’s disappointing to see the physical AC controls replaced with a screen, but the improved off-road capability and technology is fantastic. A 360 camera, more tech in the gauge cluster, increased capability for accessories, and the auxiliary switches for light bars are exciting features I’ve been looking forward to.
I think you can argue that a '25 BS Badlands has more value than a standard Bronco Badlands. Waiting for the '26 model year might be wise to get the market adjustments sorted, unless you find a good deal.
@August
Definitely, the aux switches might be the best part of this update. I find the steel bumpers appealing, but the design makes it look a bit like a Toyota FJ, almost comical.
A few thoughts…
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Why reduce ground clearance? Shouldn’t the Sasquatch offer a higher suspension than the outgoing Badlands?
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Why are automakers moving essential controls to screens? I don’t want to navigate through six screens for basic fan adjustments.
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I like how they added more support for accessories like AUX switches.
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I’m not convinced it’s worth nearly $50k. I think the price should be high $30k to low $40k.