2024 Ford Bronco Badlands - More Power

 

Name a rugged, untamed part of this country and it seems like Ford has a Bronco named after it. They have Big Bend (Texas), Outer Banks (North Carolina), Badlands (South Dakota), Everglades (Florida), and then there is the Black Diamond (a company that makes climbing equipment), Heritage, and Wildtrak. Heck just the name Bronco evokes something untamed. 

I'll be honest with you, I don't get the appeal of a vehicle intended to tame the wilderness. I don't understand the attraction. I grew up in rural Connecticut, not the hoity toity part west of the river, but the hard scrabble eastern part. We had plenty of dirt roads, and long overgrown trails. I knew a few people who drove 4X4s, mainly because of the winters. I and my friends drove cars - sedans - and we put on snow tires in October or November if we could afford them. 

But times have changed. Now buyers flock to 4X4s more for appearance than need in my opinion. Whatever floats their boats.

I don't know what differentiates the Badlands from the Everglades I drove back in December. The engine is different, I know that. This Badlands had the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, that is rated at 315 hp, and an astounding 410 lb-ft of torque. What it isn't is very thrifty; the EPA fuel economy rating is 18-mpg city and highway (no I did not see 18 around town). 

My driving impressions are the same as they were for the Everglades except for more power. 

Teddy Roosevelt supposedly said "Walk softly and carry a big stick." There is also the Tread Lightly principle; meaning take it easy on Mother Earth. I would add Tread Quietly. I don't understand the engine/exhaust sound of the Badlands, or so many vehicles today. 

One thing I would change on the Bronco are the front grab handles. They should be on the A pillar so you can pull yourself up into the seat. But instead they are on the ends of the dash where you don't get the leverage needed. 

Other than that I really had no big gripes. I think Ford has done a good job of making a rugged, off-roadable 4X4 that is not a Spartan vehicle. There are enough variations to appeal to just about anyone. There are soft tops, removable hard tops, 2-door or 4-door, 4-cylinder or V6, etc.

According to ford.com a 2024 Ford Bronco Badlans equipped like the one I drove would be $57,515.