O Banks with Sas. or Badlands?

You are correct, both will have front and rear locker. If you don't care for the sway bar disconnect, then thats kind of a moot point... (unless your like me and hate seeing that empty space where a button SHOULD be).

The SAS also comes with 4.70 gear ratio. Badlands (non-SAS) can only get that ratio with the 2.3L manual and is otherwise the 4.46 ratio. Interiors are also a world of difference. More options on the interior OBX, but if you start getting the higher grade interiors, I believe that will tip the scales to make the OBX more expensive (I haven't checked, though). So the interior would be cloth vs MGV.

I am also hearing, but havent confirmed, that the badlands has more suspension travel than the SAS does. I've read that the SAS and Badlands have the same suspension components, but the travel was limited on SAS for the larger tires (can someone confirm with sourcing?).

I am going badlands because I wanted both lockers, MGV, and my wife has a hard time getting into the SAS... Oh, and to fill in that extra switch on the console. Plan to use it as a beach going family vehicle, and having the ability to wash out the sand makes MGV a must for me and my family... Ironically, we are planning to take it to OBX for most of it's adventures.

Edit: I just remembered a few more things. Badlands comes with bash plates, heavy duty bumper, and rock sliders. I dont think any of that comes on OBX unless optioned in.

I have a feeling that the 33's may be better suited for the vehicle anyway, but no real data to support that. The interior options with the Lux pkg.on both seem the same so I'm calling that a wash. I hate not having the switch as well. BUT as many of us do we will spend 80% or more time just on the road. Were in Texas and like to explore, but no real hardcore crawling for sure. So getting the disconnect may be a real value down the road.
Also I think you get that crash bar with the 33's.

Thanks

@Brak101 basically nailed it.

It fundamentally comes down to two decisions:

• Do you want more off-road goodies? If so... Badlands
  • Sway-bar disconnect
  • Bash plates
  • Rock rails
• Do you want more payload/towing capacity and more "luxury"-oriented features? If so... Outer Banks
  • Painted grille
  • Painted mirror caps
  • Painted door handles

That's really the fundamental choice. There are also "secondary" choices as well... both offer leather seats, but maybe you like the OBX interior color options better than the BL colors—especially since the Badlands color options are effectively "black" and "black with various shades of gray".

I should note that the sway-bar disconnect is a fairly expensive and heavy system. So if you don't need it... don't buy it. If you don't use it, it is fundamentally just another component that could break down and leave you without a vehicle for a period of time. While it will be covered under the manufacturers warranty for the immediate future, if you intend on keeping the vehicle for longer than ~5 years, it could become an unwanted liability. Especially since the system is only a year old and hasn't been time-tested yet.

Excellent points. At this point I am planning to order the 2023 OB with SAS. Just didnt want to make a rookie mistake as I wait a year. I even considered it with non SAS and then buying everything myself i.e 2in lift / wheel & Tires, but then there is warranty considerations.

I agree with @RagnarKon the only other thing to think about the Swaybar Disco on the Badlands is it will matter in Texas for resale that will be something people will look for just because. look at the prices of the Rubicons Vs a Willis Jeep. also if you go Badlands with the MGV and washout interior you can add Catzskin leather it is better than OEM and you keep the washout floor.
My favorite Bronco would be a Badlands no squatch 2.3l manual high package, my original order before i switched to the Glades in hopes of getting it sooner. and the Desert Sand and wheels.

BCR

Excellent points. At this point I am planning to order the 2023 OB with SAS. Just didnt want to make a rookie mistake as I wait a year. I even considered it with non SAS and then buying everything myself i.e 2in lift / wheel & Tires, but then there is warranty considerations.

I'm curious you are comparing the OBX Squatch to the Badlands. And I get the feeling you don't need the swaybar disconnect. Did you ever consider the WildTrak vs. Badlands? I wouldn't even have OBX in the mix because you are optioning up to a stock WildTrak in my opinion (and probably at a higher cost). 2 years ago I looked at going Big Bend Squatch.... up until I realized it cost as much as a WildTrak and I'd get more with the WildTrak. Eventually I settled on a BaseSquatch though because I didn't really care or want all the extra fancy stuff offered on the other models and figured I'd be able to live without Race Red paint. In the end, to each their own. We can give our opinion, but in the end you are the one buying what you want/need.

EvlNvrDys

I'm curious you are comparing the OBX Squatch to the Badlands. And I get the feeling you don't need the swaybar disconnect. Did you ever consider the WildTrak vs. Badlands? I wouldn't even have OBX in the mix because you are optioning up to a stock WildTrak in my opinion (and probably at a higher cost). 2 years ago I looked at going Big Bend Squatch.... up until I realized it cost as much as a WildTrak and I'd get more with the WildTrak. Eventually I settled on a BaseSquatch though because I didn't really care or want all the extra fancy stuff offered on the other models and figured I'd be able to live without Race Red paint. In the end, to each their own. We can give our opinion, but in the end you are the one buying what you want/need.

Thats right and may make the most sense. I have some time before order banks open. Thanks for getting me thinking, that is what I was hoping to get from the group.

BCR

Thats right and may make the most sense. I have some time before order banks open. Thanks for getting me thinking, that is what I was hoping to get from the group.

Oh I remember the late nights playing with the Build and Price for hours. you just have to make a list of must haves and wants then go from there.
It is hard to beat a loaded up Basesquatch. My brother is getting his by the end of next month I will let you know..