Long-Term Review: Bronco Sport Badlands - Why It's Not Just a Ford Escape

Join Devin and Erica from Auto Journey as they share their long-term review of the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands in this video. They discuss why this SUV is not just another Ford Escape with a different body and explain the differences from their first-hand experience.
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[@pirateradio8420]

I bought my wife the Badlands for valentines day in 2022... it arrived 6mo later. Best gift ever! We love it!

[@76629online]

I just bought a 2023 Badlands last week. I love it!

[@kevinvandevuss5140]

Just got 2023 Big Bend and I love it too

[@phantomdiesel8032]

Is the badlands worth it?

[@robertoruizantonetti6385]

I started with the Maverick AWD and traded that in for a Bronco Sport Big Bend. I traded up to the Badlands Edition in Chili pepper red and don't feel like I'm missing out on anything. I modded it with a Green Filter, 😂redline hood strut kit, turbosmart bov and a Steeda strut tower brace. It's perfect for Puerto Rico. I also have a modded and refurbished 2004 Honda Element to bring my 5 dogs along for an adventure.

[@titoperez1327]

Tenemos que hablar, soy de PR. Estoy usando una sport alquilada y estoy súper impresionado. Me venden una Badlands wn $35k. Valen la pena

[@popculturedon]

I lucked out and in December got to drive a 2022 Bronco Sport Badlands in Hot Pepper Red off the lot, because the person who ordered it didn’t take possession. Am I going to off-road? No. It is my daily driver. But it had everything I wanted and it had the bigger engine. I couldn’t walk away from it. Best vehicle I’ve ever owned.

[@ArcadeTom]

Nice job on a great video! I just purchased a '23 Bronco Sport Badlands in Carbonized Gray with black accents and love it. I was also looking at the full size Bronco-but the main reason I went with the smaller Sport Badlands is as a daily driver of 65 miles round trip, I could not justify the difference in gas costs between the 2.0 Ecoboost and the bigger Bronco and 2.3 Ecoboost. Even here in Georgia with the cheaper gas costs versus California, the MPG is the deciding factor.

[@rodjbosch]

Over a year of wife owning a Badlands Sport in bronze smoke,with the retro wheels and bigger optioned tires(Falken wildpeaks....which are great). Its been very good to us....and is fun to drive. More than adequate for any 4x4ing we plan to do with it and excellent in winter. About the only thing i wish it had was memory seats(23 has them). Overall its very good.

[@MikeleSalaud]

I must have lucked the heck out when I got mine. I went in to my local dealership in Topeka, and checked one out on a Tuesday. I test drove it on a Saturday and bought it the same day. Mine's a Big Bend, but I like it a lot. They also had a big boy Black Diamond edition and a Badlands sport.....

[@tolson57]

If you get the premium package on the Badlands, it includes the memory seats and mirrors.

[@kosanglayasbyhil1072]

YOUR RIGHT I'M REALLY OBSESSED WITH MY BADLANDS CYBER ORANGE

[@AmericanSCPO]

I dont have the Bronco, but I have a 2022 Edge ST. I have taken it pretty far up in the mountains here in Washington St off road to some remote places that I like to go shooting and some good trails I take my dogs and hike. Even with extreme summer tires that it came with, it gets me to places my 4Runner took me and my dogs. I think Ford did well with their AWD and 4WD systems.

[@Andrew-pv8oz]

Those ford edge cars are great

[@AmericanSCPO]

@@Andrew-pv8oz I enjoy mine.

[@concentricvoid]

I've been thinking about getting the Subaru Forester Wilderness when they come out with the new version in a year or two. Now, I have just seen videos on the 2025 Bronco Sport Badlands Sasqautch. I think that vehicle might be perfect for me and my off roading and camping needs.

[@DougVandegrift]

She's a beauty! ...Also the Bronco Sport is nice too!

[@CC-gt3ro]

i have the same for 19 months now. i love it a lot. perfect for me. i am 6'2 tall and i can still put my cowboy hat. there is a lot of room. and i have the moonroof and all options..

[@thejagfamily08]

We have almost the same story as you guys, my wife found a color she liked. There was only 3 in the state of AZ, she's 4'11, and we own an electric vehicle. I wanted the badlands for the same reason as you guys!

[@leoesposito8762]

can.t wait to see these here in Australia i know its just a matter of time till they arrive here hopefully 2024 great vid..

[@canadiansnowplowguy2852]

Picking up our 2024 Badlands tomorrow! 2 Lit

[@bjmcfarland1]

Just watched your video on the bronco sport; yes I too thought it was just a rebadged escape. Thank you for setting me straight. I had a Toyota 4 runner rwd and loved it. Unfortunately I live in Minnesota and hit black ice ; then totaled it. So I have also thought about the ranger. I'm now more interested in the bronco sport badlands because of the features it can come with. The 2.0 L engine tows more and we have an ATV ; planning to get another one and need the power. Thank you for your honest opinion.

[@AutoJourney]

Thanks for watching! If you're looking at the Bronco Sport, the Badlands is definitely the way to go.

[@bjmcfarland1]

Today 5/26/23 I test drove the same bronco sport that you have in the video. I loved it and wanted it; but my budget wasn't there. So I will be getting this model in the future. Just an update

[@Musictroper76]

Bronco Sport Badlands is the way to go. If you get any of lower trims, you will regret. I previously had an outerbanks and there is enough differences between the outerbanks and the badlands to make the higher price tag worth it.

[@goochma]

Traded my 2021 Big Bend for a 2023 Badlands. No comparison. The Badlands is a whole different animal. Definitely worth the price difference.

[@bdawg8907]

I’d say the engine alone is worth the cost difference.

[@ofcbob6391]

@@goochma And isn't it lifted one inch above the other lesser trims?

[@goochma]

@@ofcbob6391 From what I understand yes, it has about an inch more ground clearance. To cope with the additional weight of the four-cylinder, taller and slightly stiffer springs are fitted, as are front dampers with hydraulic rebound stops for soaking up harsh, full-jounce impacts.

[@davidtennien39]

Agreed, just for the 2.0l by itself.

[@sock979]

I have a heritage limited cuz I couldn't find a badlands with the options I wanted and yes it's amazing and it does everything well: it's comfortable but fast for it's class, great off-road far more than you'd think, I average 24-26 mpg, and most of this stuff on it besides the new four-wheel drive system is proven already: the engine, transmission, parts of the AWD system, the sub frames, suspension, etc..., and it really drives like a car in town. Also, unless it's limited by ground clearance, I've yet to get it stuck anywhere be it mud, snow, steep hills, basically anything, unless it was just too tall for the car to go over. The only thing that kind of sucks is the back seat foot room because they wanted to keep it a shorter wheelbase. It doesn't get the longer wheelbase that the newer escape does, but it's better for turning and off-road and actually in 23 they added memory seats as an option for some trims, and I really like the seats. I think they're super comfortable. I did a 17 hour trip each way to Yellowstone and felt fine in the seats. The only thing I would improve is they need air conditioned seats. They should make the rear hatch power as an option because I had an escape and I didn't care about pushing the button on the fob to open their hatch, but being able to use my foot to swipe it sideways for it to open if my arms were full with stuff was really nice and I think most of that is just they're trying to limit how many chips are going into a cars right now, but I really think that should be an option for people who want it and I think that you should be able to get the two liter engine in more than just the badlands. I know they introduced the Black diamond package which gives some off-road stuff without the advance 4x4 system in any trim but I would never ever ever drive any car with that 3 cylinder engine and I think there's a lot of people that are missing out on it because they want that 2 l or don't want the 1.5 3 cylinder but they don't want the badlands and all the off-road stuff and the higher price tag.

[@peekaypee1]

Great review and fun learning about you two and your adventure with the BSB. I've ordered a Tremor because i had heard there was So Much capability from the BSB and wanted that all but with a truck bed. Keep up the good and personable work!

[@vanceburks5323]

Great video, I’ve been wanting the sport badlands

[@edsel762]

Yo, Devin, buy your own. My wife has a 2023 Badlands, cyber orange. I have a 2023 Badlands, area 51. We love them.

[@jonathancollard3710]

Into 2nd year of ownership and still love our little “Tonka toy” 🫣

[@dennissmith7214]

3:38……….that’s actually funny that you think any mode in any vehicle will prevent hydroplaning! 😳😂😂🤦🏽‍♂️

[@matttay9937]

It would really help if you specified which Ford Escapes you were talking about. The first and 2nd gen escapes were very comparable. But the 3rd gen and current gen escapes... are completely different vehicles.

[@ethanmatehs5300]

Now after watching this, I find of want to go buy a bronco sport!!!

[@Cheers_Warren]

I have the exact same Bronco sport and color! Had to have the mad ‘cyber orange’ . Love your thoughts and comments. 3 disappointments I have is The clever but annoying gear selector……the lack strong detents feel for R and D….. The rest hatch should have been a side hinged door, I have had vans for years with doors , so much more useful. The parts they left off the 2022 vs 2021 , quite a few under hood like engine cover that also holds wires in place , under hood blanket and others , some I don’t even know about yet…. But no price difference of course!!!!!!! I see how they have cool looking heritage BS versions too . Did you get the big bronco???? I don’t want a big vehicle and as a daily driver it looks too clunky , poor steering lock? and is not as good looking pa mage at the sport! Cheers Warren

[@richardbutton1179]

Bronco Sport is based the Escape platform but they are indeed 2 different vehicles. Both me and my wife have Sports hers is a 23 Cyber orange Big Bend and I just traded my 22 big Bend in on a 23 Robin Egg blue Heritage. We're fine with the 1.5 we dont do any offroading.

[@Musictroper76]

The 2023 Bronco Sport now comes with memory seats.

[@ofcbob6391]

Not all trims, right?

[@WillemLuntungan]

thank you

[@carlieshalomrabbi]

The first edition Bronco Sport also has the larger motor option

[@timkline162]

Great video, I've been thinking about getting the same exact bronco sport in yellow too. Do you know if it has wireless apple carplay? Or if not, is the GPS any good?

[@AutoJourney]

It has wired carplay!

[@xubious]

I really wish I could afford this trim. My dad has the 1.5L engine in his escape and I just cannot stand driving that slow thing. If I could afford a 2.0 with center lane assist and adaptive cruise control I would be set!!

[@breckenridgelong7692]

It's not the same engine that's in the Focus as far as I know. It's a newer engine developed in India called the Dragon and doesn't have any of the same issues.

[@reginadrayton8374]

Hubby just bought me the 2024 Bronco Black Diamond… I absolutely love it!!!!!

[@johnbertram]

Platform sharing makes vehicles like this affordable. Ignore the pedants!

[@darenroth7390]

why are there so few 2.0 models Hows the 1.5 power.u answered thank u..does the big bend have 2.0

[@ofcbob6391]

Nope, just the Badlands trim has the nicer 4-banger.

[@myothercarisadelorean8957]

Maybe I am old school because I grew up being told that 4 cylinders are for small eco cars and 6 cylinder is for sedans, SUV and trucks. How the heck are we going backwards with lower liters and less cylinders on a SUV?

[@AutoJourney]

Government requirements and turbochargers.

[@stevefu1737]

What is your gas mileage, particularly when with off road activities?

[@melaniemacias2676]

Love this!

[@kosanglayasbyhil1072]

I DO HAVE THE SAME CYBER ORANGE....BADLANDS ALSO

[@geestang2662]

If they did that with set memory, price will go up maybe alittle

[@discipleshipmartialarts1861]

Great review

[@quintinpierson5081]

Why don't you use the memory buttons for the seat? If you set the memory button for you and the other one for your husband is all you do is push the button and the seat is positioned perfectly.

[@AutoJourney]

There wasn't a memory button in this model year Bronco Sport.

[@dikfranco]

Have you had any issues with your mobile apps

[@GabeVeasey]

I prefer the Badlands over the other trim levels.

[@spyder000069]

8:24 I would argue the old ford explorer was more capable than the bronco sport. The explorer had a full frame, an actual low range, higher tow capacity, and limited slip rear end that was stronger. It was based off the ford ranger platform and therefore closer to today's regular bronco than the bronco sport.

[@williambales7061]

The basic and big bend is just like the escape. I got stuck with the big bend and it is ok. Nothing to brag about

[@cintroberts6614]

The replacement parts are cheaper than a Toyota , but the Toyotas are still more reliable.

[@10tenman10]

Good choice of engines; being a bigger engine it will not be worked as hard and will likely last longer. A vehicle like this is great if you drive on dirt roads at all.

[@uconnapharm]

Can a person 5'10" in height , open the driver's door , face their butt towards the seat and just lean back onto the seat ; or is it so high that that person has to step up into and then onto seat ?

[@uconnapharm]

@@jdmoney1000 Thank You ! Fantastic news ! My Ford dealer is quite a drive away and I did not want the drive over to be an immediate waste of time ( I have two hips that are 3 yrs past when I should have had surgery ) I truly appreciate your prompt reply - it is a rarity on this site.

[@MikeleSalaud]

I'm 6'1" and have the Big Bend edition. I just put my foot in the floorboard and scoot my body in. It's REALLY easy to get into.

[@alpine1600s]

Torque, not power. For an off road vehicle or even semi off road, torque is what you want. EVs have plenty of torque, that's why one makes sense off road because some EVs can control each wheel independently, so you basically push the gas pedal and it's a four wheel robot.

[@mustangtonto5862]

I very much enjoyed you two’s demo video on the ultra cool aftermarket taillights for your Ford F-150. However, this video impressed me as being an over the top/exaggerated Ford commercial…and I am 100% a Ford man. If you will permit me Mrs, there are NO skid plates under your vehicle (or ANY vehicle) that will protect “all” of the under side of your or any vehicle.

[@AutoJourney]

We appreciate your support! Regarding your comment about skid plates, we understand that they cannot protect every part of a vehicle's underside. However, we can confirm that the Bronco Sport Badlands does come with underbody protection, which provides an extra layer of security and peace of mind for off-road adventures. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us!

[@mustangtonto5862]

@@AutoJourney Thank you for the polite reply.

[@user-uo9lt7yc6p]

I have the same color ..yellow..lol

[@toadranger50]

Good video, but the 1.5 is not slow by any means.

[@AutoJourney]

The 1.5 engine is certainly capable, but you can feel the power difference with the 2.0. That’s why we mentioned that Erica’s previous car was electric, where torque was instant.

[@toadranger50]

@@AutoJourney I’m sure you can but I got the luxury of the outer banks for my wife and the sport mode is impressive.

[@billricheter5678]

Review is only about fluff. Little about reliability etc.

[@AutoJourney]

Because we didn't have any issues with reliability.

[@shady80s22]

This is a beautiful woman.

[@matthewgaines10]

The Ford Escape is very similar to the Bronco Sport. The same underpinnings. The drivetrain revisions separate it from Bronco Sport. Ford could put the same exact components into an Escape if they wanted to do so. They probably used Escape mules to develop the drivetrain for Bronco Sport. It is a Escape derived vehicle. That was the engineering starting point regardless of how you feel. Your claims just prove Ford is good at marketing to the point you don’t believe in the engineering realities.

[@JoeKington]

They share the same platform, but they're still different vehicles. You can say the same about the maverick. Yet, for some reason, no one seems to call this a rebranded escape. The drivetrain is substantially different, the suspension is very different, and the functionality is different. You can have something built on the same platform that shares many components and still get a very different vehicle. It's not solid axle, body on frame, no. It's still not just a rebranded escape.

[@Hutch_Davenport]

It is more of a Subaru than it is a Bronco, but it is a fun little pseudo off roader. Have fun on the service roads with Chi Teas and please don't try crawling rocks with out a lift at the least.

[@divorcedbisexual]

It's definitely NOT a Bronco. Anything but a "Bronco"

[@joes7930]

Made in Mexico. Enough said.

[@alpine1600s]

That would be government interference. Ford would have zero qualms about making the Escape and other vehicles in the US. But not only has the government restricted certain aspects, but they have enabled others. Climate change alarmism is also a BIG contributor.

[@joes7930]

@@alpine1600s BS. It’s a cost cutting move.

[@CC-gt3ro]

my bronco sport badlands is very reliable and feel solid exterior and interior. i have it for 19 months now and made one trip of 3500km and another one of 1250km, and multiple smaller trip. it tows my enclosed trailer super easy, it start in the canadian winter always reliable. it heat and cool super fast, i love my bronco sport badlands 2021.

[@joes7930]

@@CC-gt3ro only 19 months? Come back to me in 4 to 5 years. POS

[@RickFerris70]

Dodge HEMI engines are made in Mexico, too. So what’s your point?