Bronco Badlands vs Black Diamond
Last Updated August 15, 2024 | Nate MoonisThe Badlands and Black Diamond are 2 of the 8 trim levels offered for the 2021/2022 Ford Bronco. These trim levels are both off-road focused but provide owners with a totally different driving experience.
In this article, we'll discuss the differences between the Black Diamond and Badlands trim levels to help you make the right choice.
| Spec | Bronco Black Diamond | Bronco Badlands |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 2-Door: $43,330 4-Door: $44,070 |
2-Door: $50,095 4-Door: $51,385 |
| Engine | 2.3L EcoBoost Optional: 2.7L EcoBoost |
2.3L EcoBoost Optional: 2.7L EcoBoost |
| Transmission | 7-Speed Manual with Crawler Gear Optional: 10-Speed Automatic with Trail Control |
7-Speed Manual with Crawler Gear Optional: 10-Speed Automatic with Trail Control |
| G.O.A.T. Modes | Normal, ECO, Sport, Slippery, Sand, Mud/Ruts, and Rock Crawl | Normal, ECO, Slippery, Sand, Mud/Ruts, Rock Crawl, and Baja |
| Wheels and Tires | 17-inch black-painted steel wheels 32-inch LT265/70R17 all-terrain tires | 17-inch Carbonized Gray-painted machined face aluminum wheels 33-inch LT285/70R17 all-terrain tires |
| 4WD System | 4x4 with part-time selectable engagement Optional: Advanced 4x4 with automatic on-demand engagement |
4x4 with part-time selectable engagement Optional: Advanced 4x4 with automatic on-demand engagement |
Bronco Black Diamond
Adventure Off-Roading
The Black Diamond trim comes ready to take on some pretty serious trails right from the dealership.
7 G.O.A.T modes, front and rear steel bumpers, heavy-duty skid plates, and a locking rear diff are all awesome off-road features. A lot of people argue that if you plan on doing heavy off-roading, this is the lowest trim you should consider.
That's honestly a pretty sensible opinion. The vinyl seats and washout interior are perfect for getting dirty (and clean), and the cost of adding that off-road tech is greater than the added cost to get this trim from the get-go.
While some of the more premium trims offer even more off-road tech, this is already perfect for riding over tough terrain. Outfit it with a Sasquatch package for even more off-road prowess.
If you're really serious about off-roading, this is the trim to start at.
Bronco Badlands
Extreme Off-Roading
The Badlands trim comes off-road ready straight from the dealership.
7 G.O.A.T modes, front stabilizer bar disconnect, advanced 4x4 with automatic on-demand engagement, and a locking front and rear diff are all awesome off-road features. If you want to do some serious off-roading, many consider this a step up from the Black Diamond trim level.
Even though this is a serious, off-road ready machine, you don't miss out on some important interior upgrades. You get an 8" SYNC 4 touchscreen with Apple Carplay and Android Auto as standard, along with rubberized flooring and carpeted floor mats.
If you're really serious about off-roading, this is a great investment with plenty of room to grow.
Bronco Black Diamond vs Badlands: Which Should You Buy?
These two trims are mainly targeted at off-roading enthusiasts. The Black Diamond is considered by many to be the lowest trim serious off-roaders should look at. The option for a manual is a potentially important addition for people looking to fully control their Bronco on the trail. The Black Diamond is aimed at enthusiasts who want room to grow into their Bronco, but also want a capable off-roader off the showroom floor.
Whereas the Black Diamond gives you a more stripped back, authentic off-roader feel, the Badlands has important upgrades to take the driving experience to the next level.
The biggest of these upgrades is locking front and rear differentials. Being able to lock your diff is important to gain traction on loose or slippery terrain. Many higher level trails actually require it in order to progress. You also get the addition of the "Baja" G.O.A.T. mode which is tuned specifically for high-speed, off-road driving.
Still not sure if either of these trims is right for you? See how they stack up to these other popular Bronco trim options:
