Ford Bronco Badlands vs Wildtrak - The Off-Road Beast Comparison for Adventure Lovers

The Ford Bronco is back and its ready to compete in the off-road market. Today we dive deep into the Ford Bronco Badlands vs Wildtrak comparison. If you're thinking about hitting the trails or cruising around town in style one of these models is gonna be your new best friend. But which one? We break down everything you need to know about these off-road warriors – from capabilities to pricing and more.

Understanding the Bronco Lineup: Badlands vs Wildtrak

The Ford Bronco has several trim levels but two of the most talked about are the Badlands and Wildtrak. Both are built for adventure but they have some distinct differences that make them suitable for different types of off-road enthusiasts. Let's get into the nitty-gritty details and help you find out which is better suited for your lifestyle.

What Makes Them Different?

First let's address what separates the Badlands and Wildtrak. While they share the same Bronco DNA both trims have unique features and specs that cater to different kinds of off-roading experiences. Here’s a breakdown:

Badlands Key Features

• Standard 33-inch all-terrain tires for versatile off-roading capabilities
• Disconnecting front stabilizer bar for more articulation on tough trails
• Comes with GOAT (Goes Over Any Terrain) modes including Mud/Ruts and Rock Crawl
• Available with a 7-speed manual transmission for pure driving experience
• Marine-grade vinyl seats and rubberized flooring for easy cleanup after a muddy adventure

Wildtrak Key Features

• 35-inch tires with Sasquatch Package standard for extreme off-roading
• High-speed Baja mode for desert running
• Twin-turbocharged 2.7L EcoBoost V6 engine delivering 330 horsepower for more powerful performance
• Available with the Ford Performance Heavy Duty Modular Bumper
• Standard 10-speed automatic transmission providing a smooth and easy ride

Each model is a beast in its own right but choosing the right one depends on how you plan to use it. Let’s dive deeper into each model's capabilities.

Ford Bronco Badlands: Built for Versatility and Technical Trails

The Bronco Badlands is a dream for those who want to tackle a variety of terrains. Think mud rock trails and anything else the world can throw at you. It's built to be a versatile off-roader while still maintaining comfort for daily driving.

Engine & Performance

The Badlands is available with two engine options. A 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 engine which produces 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque or an upgraded 2.7L EcoBoost V6 with 330 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The option for a 7-speed manual transmission makes it stand out to purists who love having complete control over their vehicle.

Suspension & Off-Roading Gear

One of the biggest selling points for the Badlands is its Bilstein position-sensitive monotube shocks that help the SUV adapt to different terrains. The disconnecting front sway bar allows for greater articulation on rough trails enabling the Bronco to conquer rocks and obstacles more easily.

Interior & Comfort

The interior of the Badlands is designed to be rugged yet functional. The marine-grade vinyl seats and rubberized flooring make cleanup after a messy day easy. There's also the option for a lux package that includes heated seats leather trim and an upgraded sound system.

Pros of the Badlands

• Better handling on technical terrain due to disconnecting sway bar
• Manual transmission option appeals to those who enjoy a more engaged driving experience
• Great balance between off-road prowess and everyday drivability

Cons of the Badlands

• While great on rocks and trails it lacks the high-speed desert running capabilities of the Wildtrak
• The standard tires are smaller (33 inches) compared to the Wildtrak's 35-inch Sasquatch tires

Ford Bronco Wildtrak: The High-Speed Desert Runner

If speed and performance in wide-open terrain are more your thing then the Bronco Wildtrak is your answer. Built for high-speed fun across deserts dunes and sand trails the Wildtrak focuses on power and agility in fast environments.

Engine & Performance

The Wildtrak is exclusively paired with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 engine – there’s no option for the smaller engine here. That means you get 330 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque for a powerful experience. Unlike the Badlands the 10-speed automatic transmission is standard which pairs well with its high-speed capabilities.

Off-Roading Gear

With the Sasquatch Package coming standard the Wildtrak is ready for anything right out of the gate. That means 35-inch tires high-clearance suspension and lockers for both the front and rear axles. The Wildtrak also gets the exclusive Baja mode in the GOAT system which optimizes it for high-speed desert running.

Interior & Comfort

The interior of the Wildtrak is comparable to the Badlands but leans more toward style and comfort over utility. Standard cloth seats with the option for leather trim and upgraded tech features make it a more comfortable ride for those longer trips across open terrain.

Pros of the Wildtrak

• More powerful engine standard for high-speed adventures
• Comes Sasquatch-equipped right out of the factory – no need to add the package
• Baja mode allows for more spirited driving in deserts and dunes

Cons of the Wildtrak

• No manual transmission option limits the appeal to driving purists who prefer full control
• Geared more towards desert and high-speed running – not as versatile for technical rock-crawling
• Higher price point because of the added performance features

Bronco Badlands vs Wildtrak: Side-by-Side Comparison

To help make things easier let’s do a quick comparison of key specs between the Ford Bronco Badlands and Ford Bronco Wildtrak.

Driving Impressions: Badlands vs Wildtrak

So how do they actually feel on the road and trail? Let’s break down what it's like to drive each of these off-roaders.

On-Road Comfort

When it comes to on-road driving both the Badlands and Wildtrak handle exceptionally well for vehicles designed to go off-road. The independent front suspension gives them a smoother ride over bumps and rough patches.

• The Badlands is slightly more versatile thanks to its smaller tires and option for manual transmission. The road noise is less pronounced compared to the Wildtrak but it can feel a bit more rugged due to its more off-road-focused suspension.
• The Wildtrak with its 35-inch tires and Sasquatch Package makes a bold statement on the road. However the larger tires do lead to more road noise and slightly stiffer handling.

Off-Road Performance

This is where both models truly shine.

• The Badlands is a technical trail king. If you’re doing any kind of rock crawling steep hill climbing or mud trekking this is your Bronco. The disconnecting sway bar allows for much better wheel articulation and the GOAT modes help dial in settings for tricky terrains.
• The Wildtrak is built for speed and open terrain. The Baja mode is a blast in deserts and dunes. You can feel the power of the twin-turbo V6 as you glide over sand and take on wide-open spaces at high speed.

Pricing and Availability

Pricing varies depending on packages and optional upgrades but here’s a general breakdown:

• Ford Bronco Badlands starts at around $46,000 but can go up to about $51,000 with options like the lux package or 2.7L V6 upgrade.
• Ford Bronco Wildtrak starts slightly higher at around $49,000 and can climb up to $54,000 when fully optioned.

What the Experts Say

To get a more personal perspective we talked to Alex Collantes an off-road enthusiast who has driven both the Badlands and Wildtrak extensively. Here’s what he had to say:

"The Badlands is definitely the way to go if you're someone who likes to have total control over your vehicle. The manual transmission is a blast and you feel every bit of the trail. But the Wildtrak – man it’s just a beast on open terrain. You can just gun it and let loose. Personally I'd go for the Badlands because I like the technical driving aspect but the Wildtrak is a whole different experience if you love speed."

Which Bronco Is Right For You?

When it comes down to it both the Badlands and Wildtrak have their own unique strengths and drawbacks.

Choose the Badlands if:

• You love technical off-roading and need a versatile vehicle for all terrains.
• A manual transmission is a must-have for you.
• You prefer a rugged utilitarian interior that’s easy to clean.

Choose the Wildtrak if:

• You’re all about speed and want to conquer open terrain at high speeds.
• You don’t mind the automatic transmission.
• You want a more refined and comfortable interior for long drives.

Conclusion

At the end of the day both the Ford Bronco Badlands and Ford Bronco Wildtrak are fantastic off-road vehicles but they cater to different types of drivers. If you’re looking for an all-around trail master that’s equally happy rock crawling as it is on your daily commute then the Badlands is your pick. However if you’re dreaming of Baja-style desert runs and high-speed thrills then you’re gonna want the Wildtrak.

Make sure to test drive both models and see which one speaks to your adventurer spirit. Either way you'll be getting one heck of a Bronco.

References:

• Ford Bronco Official Website: Ford.com
• Personal interviews with off-road expert Alex Collantes

Feel free to ask questions or share your thoughts on which Bronco you're eyeing!