The Bronco is Ford’s flagship SUV, enjoying a rich history spanning over 60 years, and in this 2025 Ford Bronco Badlands vs Big Bend comparison, we’ll be looking in depth at what makes the Bronco stand out with two of its most popular trims, the offroad oriented Badlants and the capable Big Bend trims.
Key Takeaways
- The Bronco Badlands trim delivers top-tier off-road performance with locking differentials.
- The Ford Bronco Big Bend offers strong capability at a lower price point.
- Both provide a removable roof and doors for authentic Bronco freedom.
What is the Bronco Badlands trim?
The Ford Bronco Badlands represents the pinnacle of off-road capability and engineering within the Bronco lineup, designed for enthusiasts who demand extreme performance across the harshest terrains. Built with a focus on durability, control, and adaptability, the Badlands trim features Ford’s advanced HOSS 2.0 (High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension) system, which utilizes heavy-duty dampers and off-road-tuned springs for superior articulation and stability on uneven ground.
Complementing this is a set of front and rear locking differentials, allowing the driver to maintain traction even when only one or two wheels are in contact with the ground. Rock rails provide underbody protection against jagged obstacles, while the vehicle’s optimized approach, breakover, and departure angles enable it to climb steep inclines and crawl over boulders with confidence.
For 2025, the Badlands trim is frequently packaged with the sought-after Sasquatch upgrade, further elevating its off-road dominance. This package adds massive 35-inch all-terrain tires, high-clearance fenders, and unique beadlock-capable wheels designed to withstand punishing conditions.
Other enhancements include a shorter final drive ratio for improved low-speed control, Bilstein position-sensitive dampers, and a raised ride height for even greater ground clearance. Whether configured as a two-door for agility or a four-door for added versatility and cargo space, the Badlands retains the Bronco’s signature removable roof and doors, ensuring that open-air adventure remains a core part of the experience.
What is the Big Bend Bronco trim?
The Ford Bronco Big Bend trim strikes the perfect middle ground between rugged off-road capability and everyday comfort, making it an ideal choice for drivers who want adventure-ready performance without sacrificing convenience. Positioned just above the base model, the Big Bend builds on the Bronco’s heritage with a host of practical upgrades, including a 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that delivers more than 300 horsepower and a healthy dose of low-end torque for confident power delivery on and off the pavement.
This engine pairs with a standard 10-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth shifts and strong acceleration, while enthusiasts can opt for the available 7-speed manual gearbox featuring a dedicated crawler gear, perfect for tackling slow, technical off-road trails.
The Big Bend’s G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Terrain) Modes system enhances versatility, offering several selectable drive modes such as Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, Sand, and Mud/Ruts. These modes automatically adjust throttle response, transmission behavior, and traction control settings to optimize performance for the conditions at hand. Its suspension is tuned to balance off-road durability with on-road comfort, making it equally adept at navigating city streets or rocky paths.
Summary
The Bronco Badlands trim is best suited for buyers looking to take on the dunes, trails, and stages of their local offroad scene, while the Bronco Big Bend trim is far and away an everyman’s SUV. Of course, it’s still a Bronco at heart, so you can expect it to take well to any terrain regardless. For one of the best fun havers on the market, the Ford Bronco has you covered. We have a few for you to test drive at Brighton Ford.