The Badlands are located in South Dakota and are noted for their rough terrain and incredible vistas. It is so well known that it has been immortalized in a song by Bruce Springsteen and a movie from the 1970s starring Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek. Ford has joined these others by naming the top trim level of the Bronco Sport after this amazing area. If you are looking for a Bronco Sport for sale and want the one with the greatest capabilities, you need to consider the Badlands trim.
When you head out to some of the toughest trails with the most challenging terrain, you have to know that your vehicle can handle whatever Nature throws your way. This is why Ford has given the 2023 Bronco Sport Badlands a rugged design with a full complement of off-road features and systems. You never know what you are going to encounter out there in the wilderness, whether you are driving through the Badlands or tackling the desert or a forest. Each type of terrain has its own challenges, but the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands is designed to give you the versatility to handle them all.
It All Begins With an Advanced Suspension System
The key to any off-road vehicle is its suspension system. This combination of shock absorbers, springs, and other mechanical components has to be able to handle the uneven terrain you will encounter when off-roading. The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands has a front suspension consisting of independent MacPherson struts with a stabilizer bar. This is augmented by twin-tube shocks. The rear suspension features a set of independent double-lateral link semi-trailing arms with a stabilizer bar.
This HOSS Suspension will give you a smoother ride than you’ll find on most other vehicles when you hit the trail. Ford has also given the Bronco Sport Badlands an AdvanceTrac traction assist system. This includes the RSC system, which stands for Roll Stability Control. Because you can never be completely sure about the conditions out on the trail, Ford has you covered with these features.
There Is Four-Wheel Drive, and Then There Is the GOAT.
The 2023 Bronco Sport is a standard 4×4 vehicle. However, the Badlands has the most advanced four-wheel drive systems among all of the different Bronco Sport trims. This advanced 4×4 system features a twin-clutch rear drive unit, boosting the traction and grip you enjoy from your four-wheel drive. It has been designed to provide propulsion to a single wheel when the other three are unable to get traction. As a result, you can often get yourself out of a tight spot without calling for help.
A Terrain Management System is also a standard feature on the 2023 Bronco Sport. However, the Badlands features seven different GOAT modes when most other trims only have five. In addition to Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Sand modes, the Badlands adds Mud/Ruts and Rock Crawl. Mud/Ruts will come in handy in forests and other damp terrains, while Rock Crawl will help get your Bronco Sport Badlands up and over most obstacles in your path. While GOAT stands for “Goes Over All Terrain,” you will think your Bronco Sports Badlands is the greatest of all time as it climbs steep obstacles just like an actual goat.
A Powerful Engine for a Rugged Vehicle
The subcompact Bronco Sport Badlands has an incredibly powerful engine for a vehicle of its size. Ford has given this SUV a standard 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged I-4 gas engine. This is significantly larger than the 1.5-liter EcoBoost I-3 engine that is featured on most other Bronco Sport trims. The engine also comes paired with a SelectShift eight-speed automatic transmission and a set of paddle shifters. These will allow you to emulate the performance of a manual transmission without the hassle of working a stick shift and clutch.
The 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine has a dual overhead camshaft design with 16 valves for its four cylinders. Ford has equipped the motor with variable valve timing and automatic stop-start to reduce fuel consumption and improve efficient performance. This engine utilizes direct fuel injection to deliver up to 250 hp at 5,500 RPM and 277 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 RPM. This helps propel the 2023 Bronco Sport Badlands from zero to 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds, with a top speed of 125 mph. The active grille shutters on the Badlands model help reduce drag, making this vehicle more aerodynamic.
This engine also gives the Bronco Sport Badlands the ability to tow up to 2,200 lbs. This will come in handy for folks who like hunting, camping, and fishing, as it allows the Badlands to tow a small boat or camper out into the wilderness. The Badlands trim also has 29.4 cu.ft. of cargo space behind the second row of seats. This can be easily expanded to 60.6 cu.ft. by folding down the rear seats.
Playing the Angles
The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands has a wheelbase of 105.1 inches with 8.8 inches of ground clearance. This should allow you to pass safely over most obstacles in your path. Nevertheless, Ford has given the Bronco Sports Badlands a set of metal bash plates. These will protect key parts of the underside of your vehicle, like the oil pan and transfer case. This should give you peace of mind that you can push your Badlands to the limit without the risk of damaging something important. The Bronco Sport is also extremely maneuverable. It has a tight turning circle of 37.4 feet. In addition, it has an approach angle of 30.4 degrees and a departure angle of 33.1 degrees, which should allow you to get up and over almost any obstacle in your path.
Equipped for the Outdoors
Ford understands the need to properly equip an off-road vehicle for the outdoors. This is why the 2023 Bronco Sport Badlands rides on a set of 17-inch carbonized gray-painted aluminum wheels. These come wrapped with Pirelli all-terrain tires. You can also spring for an available set of Falken Wildpeak all-terrain off-road tires for even greater capability.
In addition to the bash plates, the Bronco Sport Badlands also has front tow hooks. These will come in handy if you get stuck in a rut and need to tow yourself out of trouble. Having tow hooks reduces the risk of damage caused by towing your vehicle. Inside, you will find the safari-style roof gives more headroom in the cargo compartment. It even comes with roof rack side rails and is designed to carry up to 150 lbs of cargo.
Ford has you covered if you plan to go camping in your Bronco Sport Badlands. There is a set of LED fog lamps that will help illuminate your path in low light. In addition, the liftgate has two adjustable floodlights. These will help you see in the dark when setting up your tent or other camping gear. There is even a bottle opener located in the hatch under the liftgate in case you and your passengers get thirsty. It really seems like Ford thought of practically everything when designing the 2023 Bronco Sport Badlands.
The Ford Bronco Sport Badlands Is Here for a Good Time
If you are enthusiastic about off-roading, you know you need a vehicle that comes fully equipped for a good time out on the trail. The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands is a subcompact SUV that is ready for adventure. It features a specialized off-road suspension, an advanced 4×4 system, an impressive powertrain, and plenty of features that will come in handy when out in the woods or the desert. Check out the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands before you decide to visit the Badlands of South Dakota or a trail nearer to your home!
