
Ford Bronco Sport: Which Trim Reigns Supreme?
The Ford Bronco Sport Badlands® and Outer Banks® trims are among the most sought-after choices in its lineup. Both trims offer a unique set of features, making them ideal for different lifestyles and driving preferences. Whether you’re looking for advanced off-road capabilities or a stylish and comfortable ride, the choice between the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands vs. Ford Bronco Sport Outer Banks ultimately depends on your needs. In this comparison, the experts at Crossroads Ford of Kernersville will break down the key differences between the two trims to help you make an informed decision.
Engine & Performance
When it comes to performance, the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands vs. Outer Banks have distinct personalities. The Ford Bronco Sport Badlands offers a more powerful engine. It’s equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost® engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, making it a great option for those who need a little extra power for tougher driving conditions. On the other hand, the Ford Bronco Sport Outer Banks comes with a 1.5L EcoBoost® engine, which produces 180 horsepower and 200 lb.-ft. of torque, providing plenty of power for everyday driving. The Ford Bronco Sport Badlands features SelectShift with paddle shifters, allowing for a more engaging driving experience, and it has a maximum tow capacity of 2,700 lbs. with the available Class II Trailer Tow Package. Meanwhile, the Ford Bronco Sport Outer Banks only has a max trailer weight of 2,200 lbs., making it slightly less capable in terms of towing. Fuel efficiency also varies between the two trims. When it comes to gas mileage, the Ford Bronco Sport Outer Banks offers an EPA-estimated combined 26 MPG, making it a more fuel-efficient choice for those who do a lot of highway driving. The Ford Bronco Sport Badlands has an EPA-estimated combined 23 MPG, which is still impressive considering its enhanced off-road capabilities.
Off-road enthusiasts will appreciate the advanced features in the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands vs. Outer Banks. Both are equipped with the Terrain Management System™ featuring G.O.A.T. Modes® (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain), five modes on the Outer Banks and seven on the Badlands, but the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands takes off-roading to the next level. It boasts an advanced 4×4 system with a twin-clutch rear drive unit and rear differential lock, offering better traction and stability in more challenging conditions. Additionally, the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands trim features specialized off-road suspension systems like the standard HOSS 2.0 and optional HOSS 3.0, enhancing vehicle performance for off-roading enthusiasts.
While the Ford Bronco Sport Outer Banks still offers five G.O.A.T. Modes®, it doesn’t come with the advanced 4×4 system, making it less suited for extreme off-road adventures. However, it still provides impressive 4×4 capability for most off-road scenarios. The Ford Bronco Sport Badlands also offers two additional G.O.A.T. Modes®: Rally and Rock Crawl, giving it an edge when tackling rough terrain. Furthermore, the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands trim includes steel-plated front bumper and underbody, contributing to the vehicle’s resilience and durability in challenging terrains.
A Cabin Designed For You
Enter the cabin to see how the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands vs. Outer Banks perform against each other. The Ford Bronco Sport Outer Banks focuses on premium features to enhance comfort. It comes with Premium-Trimmed Seating, a heated and power-adjustable driver’s seat, a heated front passenger seat, and a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. This trim also includes an available universal garage door opener, a wireless charging pad, and additional luxury features to make every drive more enjoyable. On the other hand, the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands is equipped with Leather-Trimmed upholstery with Mini Perforation, a steering wheel covered in leather, and a heated steering wheel to enhance comfort and luxury. While it may not offer the same level of luxury as the Ford Bronco Sport Outer Banks in terms of seat materials, it’s designed for those who prioritize durability and function. Both trims also feature an available 10-speaker B&O® audio system, providing great sound quality for music lovers.
Both the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands vs. Outer Banks utilize SYNC® 4 technology, giving you access to numerous convenience features like a navigation system, rear view camera, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and more.
When it comes to cargo space, the Ford Bronco Sport trims provide plenty, including additional under-seat storage compartments in the second-row seats of the Badlands trim, giving you more options for organizing your gear. No matter which one you choose, the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands vs. Outer Banks allow you to achieve optimal space for all of your adventures. Additionally, the rear parking sensors are one of the key features of the Ford Co-Pilot360® suite. This enhances safety and ease of use for daily driving, featuring Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Pre-Collision Assist, a Lane Keeping System, and more.
Choosing Your Ideal Adventure
Both the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands vs. Outer Banks trim levels have their distinct advantages, making them ideal choices for different drivers. Whether you’re seeking extreme off-road capability or a luxurious, fuel-efficient ride, there’s a trim that suits your needs. At Crossroads Ford of Kernersville, we invite you to explore these trims in person and take one for a test drive. Our team is ready to help you further compare the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands vs. Outer Banks for your lifestyle. Visit us today for a test drive!

