My Badlands finally arrived

swied
Nov 24, 2022

Rank 0

Nov 24, 2022

It's finally here! My original order was Aug-2021, I got the picture of it rolling off of the assembly line in late Sep-2022, and I finally picked it up at the dealer this week (11/21/22).

Two days later I was on the trail. I have to say that it exceeded my expectations. I originally test drove a similar truck before making the order. Driving on the streets really doesn't give you an idea about how it will perform on the dirt. I was a little nervous about spending so much money on a four wheel drive truck. I have done a lot of overlanding in Baja and Utah, but never in a truck like this. I've owned an '87 Bronco II, a 2005 Explorer, and my Dad had a Land Rover Discovery. Seriously... my new Bronco is so much better.

The ride is incredibly smooth, even on washboards. It goes over rocks, ruts, and washes like they're nothing. I have the manual transmission, and really love the way it shifts. The hill start assist is an awesome feature. The soft top is also nice. I like how you can easily flip the two latches and push it back -- you don't even need to get out to do it.

I have the 2.3 liter engine because that's the only option that you can get with a manual. It has plenty of power, and I have no regrets. However, I was hoping that it would get better gas mileage. I don't do a lot of freeway driving, and it's pretty hilly where I live. One my first 1/2 tank I only got 14 miles per gallon. My old Explorer got better gas milage. Hopefully it will get better once the engine is "broken-in".
Marmot, Jungleboy
Last edited by a moderator: Nov 24, 2022

Rank VI

Nov 24, 2022

#1
hey!!! Congratulations!! Welcome to the Badlands club!
swied, Marmot

This is me in my happy place...

Nov 24, 2022

#2
It's finally here! My original order was Aug-2021, I got the picture of it rolling off of the assembly line in late Sep-2022, and I finally picked it up at the dealer this week (11/21/22).

Two days later I was on the trail. I have to say that it exceeded my expectations. I originally test drove a similar truck before making the order. Driving on the streets really doesn't give you an idea about how it will perform on the dirt. I was a little nervous about spending so much money on a four wheel drive truck. I have done a lot of overlanding in Baja and Utah, but never in a truck like this. I've owned an '87 Bronco II, a 2005 Explorer, and my Dad had a Land Rover Discovery. Seriously... my new Bronco is so much better.

The ride is incredibly smooth, even on washboards. It goes over rocks, ruts, and washes like they're nothing. I have the manual transmission, and really love the way it shifts. The hill start assist is an awesome feature. The soft top is also nice. I like how you can easily flip the two latches and push it back -- you don't even need to get out to do it.

I have the 2.3 liter engine because that's the only option that you can get with a manual. It has plenty of power, and I have no regrets. However, I was hoping that it would get better gas mileage. I don't do a lot of freeway driving, and it's pretty hilly where I live. One my first 1/2 tank I only got 14 miles per gallon. My old Explorer got better gas milage. Hopefully it will get better once the engine is "broken-in".
I have 4 door BD no sas, 2.3 , 7sp, running 17x9 wheels, 35" trail grapplers.
I'm doing about 19.5 mpg easy driving... more spirited about 18.5..I... as the new wears off, you will do better on fuel consumption... haha... Congrats on the new ride!!!
2023 Wildtrak, Iconic Silver, Hard top, ordered 10/5, built 12/13, delivered 1/18
swied, Laura

Your unofficial Favorite Author

Nov 25, 2022

#3
Congrats, beautiful girl

Of course…
2dr Badlands 2.3 Manual w/Mid, Rapid Red
My blog, Mfcomics.net, my stories: https://payhip.com/MFComics
swied, Marmot

Rank 0

Nov 25, 2022

#4
I didn’t take any pictures of the truck when we were on the trail. Here it is before getting it dirty. 1669348319379.jpeg
Speed Devil, JTM

Rank VI

Nov 25, 2022

#5
Nice Bronco, @swied! Tight squeeze, but at least your rig is indoors. Mine won't have as nice a parking spot as yours... LOL
2023 Ford Bronco Badlands Sasquatch • 2-Door • Velocity Blue • 2.7L V6 • 10-Speed • Lux Package
swied

Rank V

Nov 25, 2022

#6
I didn’t take any pictures of the truck when we were on the trail. Here it is before getting it dirty. 1669348319379.jpeg
Looks like you're glad you didn't get a hardtop with a roof rack...
'21 AMB Basesquatch 2 Door. 2.7. 569 days from reservation to delivery
swied, BuckYeah

Ultimate Cosmic Power!

Nov 25, 2022

#7
Congrats! Still waiting on my Bronco Sport Badlands. At some point, I'll get it.
swied

Rank V

Nov 25, 2022

#8
Welcome to the bronco club my badlands MT brother from another mother. We have same. Its special. Especially with the 4.70 rear axle.

Yes mpg is a bit rough in the 2.3. Premium fuel helps a little and adds 20-25hp per Ford.

Have you stalled yet? If not, try it then see what happens when you hit clutch to restart.

Also. If you want your clutch to last longer, simply release the clutch without pressing the gas pedal and let it roll into 1st gear on its own. It takes some getting use to when compared to normal MT cars but its the only way we drive it now.
2021Bronco☆2.3☆BL☆7MT☆4D☆A51☆SoftT☆ARRIVED 9/9/21☆SOLD 1/21/23☆NT Supports▪Consults▪Supply's Car Dealers, Vehicle Distributors, and Retail Customers Since 1992
swied, Marmot
Moderator Staff member

Administrator

Nov 25, 2022

#9
Exciting news and love that you were on the trails immediately! It is a great on-road vehicle but you're right, the magic/fun really happens once you leave the pavement. Congratulations on that fantastic-looking Bronco!
2021 Oxford White 2-door non-Sas Mid package 2.7L/10-speed Badlands with MIC top
2021 Carbonized Gray 2-door Sas High package 2.7L/10-speed Badlands with MIC top
Keeping the Jeeps: stock '89 XJ and 3.5" lifted '00 XJ on 31s and '89 MJ
BuckYeah, swied

Rank VI

Nov 25, 2022

#10
Congrats on your new Badlands!
22 Badlands | Eruption Green | 4Dr | 2.7L | Sasquatch | Lux | Tow | MGV | MIC | Mod Bumper
Ordered
: 11/27/21 | Production: 10/25/22 | Blend: 10/26/22 | Built: 10/26/22 | Shipped: 11/08/22 | Delivered: 11/09/22
Progress pics and full build details can be found in my profile posts.
swied

Rank V

Nov 25, 2022

#11
2.3 L Badlands, MT .............. There is no substitute !!
2Dr Badlands, manual, 322A, Iconic Silver, baby seal leather seat covers, reserved 2-24-22, stickered/blend date 9/30/22
Speed Devil, swied

Rank V

Nov 25, 2022

#12
Congrats! That’s a great looking bronco. Hopefully you have lots of adventures in it!
2022 Eruption Green 2 Door Outer Banks
BuckYeah, swied

Your unofficial Favorite Author

Nov 26, 2022

#13
2.3 L Badlands, MT .............. There is no substitute !!

Exactly
2dr Badlands 2.3 Manual w/Mid, Rapid Red
My blog, Mfcomics.net, my stories: https://payhip.com/MFComics

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