Ford Bronco Raptor vs Badlands
Last Updated August 15, 2024 | Nate MoonisThe Ford Bronco Raptor and Badlands trim levels are both aimed at serious enthusiasts who want the best money can buy. However, that are for different segments of that market.
In this article, we'll discuss the differences between the Raptor and Badlands Ford Bronco trim levels to help you make the right choice.
| Spec | Bronco Raptor | Bronco Badlands |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 4-Door: $69,995 | 2-Door: $42,095 4-Door: $44,590 |
| Engine | 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 EcoBoost | 2.3L EcoBoost Optional: 2.7L EcoBoost |
| Transmission | 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, Sport, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Off-Road, Rock Crawl, and Baja | Normal, ECO, Slippery, Sand, Mud/Ruts, Rock Crawl, and Baja |
| Wheels and Tires | 17” black high-gloss painted alloy wheels 37" BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires Optional: 17-inch Magnetic low-gloss alloy painted, beadlock-capable cast-aluminum wheels Optional: 17-inch Dark Carbonized Gray alloy painted, beadlock-capable forged wheels |
17" Carbonized Gray-painted machined face aluminum wheels 33-inch LT285/70R17 all-terrain tires |
| 4WD System | Advanced 4x4 with automatic on-demand engagement | Advanced 4x4 with automatic on-demand engagement |
Bronco Raptor
The Best of the Best
The Ford Bronco Raptor is intended to be a true off-roading champion. Ford's CEO Jim Farley describes the Raptor as an “absolute desert-racing beast” that is “the real deal. It's not for show and it's not for everybody. But for people who love to get out in the wild, it's the ultimate.”
WIth upgraded Fox Racing suspension, all 7 available G.O.A.T. modes (including an exclusive Tow/Haul mode), and a larger capacity 3.0L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, the Ford Bronco Raptor is the pinnacle of everything the Bronco embodies. It's a purpose-built machine that doesn't compromise.
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 Raptor vs Badlands: Which Will You Buy?
The Bronco Raptor is the best Bronco that money can buy, and it better be because you're going to have to spend a lot of it to get your hands on one. Every single component on the Raptor has been touched and upgraded with performance in mind. If you're looking for the best of the best, this is the trim to get.
But, all of these goodies come with a pretty robust price tag. Retailing at around $25,000 more than the Badlands, you're paying a serious premium. If you're buying it used, you can also expect to pay an extra five to ten grand mark-up.
The Badlands, on the other hand, gives you all the essentials you need to conquer challenging trails. If you want to build the perfect Bronco yourself, the Badlands is a great place to start. The price difference between the two means you'll have plenty of room to add all the supporting mods you can imagine and still have money left over with what you'd spend on a Raptor.
Still not sure if either of these trims is right for you? See how they stack up to these other popular Bronco trim options:
