Big Bend + Sasquatch + Diamond vs. Badlands stock — 2026 manual, help me decide

[tickandtie]

I'm looking at a 2026 Bronco with the manual and I'm torn between two trucks. The first is a Big Bend with the Sasquatch and Black Diamond packages, in the color I want. The second is a stock Badlands. I'm not planning on serious rock crawling anytime soon, but I do want the suspension and steering rack to be able to handle the 35s that come with Sasquatch. I'm also not planning to option the front sway bar disconnect, so I'd be giving up part of what makes the Badlands a Badlands anyway. Big Bend with Sasquatch and Black Diamond, or stock Badlands? For someone doing moderate trail use, what would I actually miss day to day without the Badlands hardware? Right now I'm leaning Big Bend because the package mix and color are exactly what I want.

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[Deadpool392]

“Moderate trail use” means different things to different people, sounds like you want the BB as it has everything you want, but you have a little FOMO about the Badlands. I am not sure what type of trail riding is in the NJ area, but based on the info provided I would go BB. Most people that buy Badlands are not on this forum, and will never use 70% of the vehicles capability. These are capable vehicles at all trims, so unless the Badlands has something you really want, get the Big Bend.

 

[Pbethel]

If you are an old fart that doesn't like, want, or need most of the electronic bells and whistles the Base Sasquatch is a good alternative.

 

[crzyhawk]

What's the price? Adding Sasquatch (requires black diamond) is expensive on a Big Bend. Capability wise as a manual, the Badlands will come with everything the Sasquatch package has, minus the tires and rims. You don't have to option the swaybar disco (and I wouldn't) on the Badlands.

Between the two, I'd be buying whatever is cheapest...with a bias towards the Badlands if the price is comparable.

 

[MilesTeg]

I'm looking at a 2026 Bronco with the manual and I'm torn between two trucks. The first is a Big Bend with the Sasquatch and Black Diamond packages, in the color I want. The second is a stock Badlands. I'm not planning on serious rock crawling anytime soon, but I do want the suspension and steering rack to be able to handle the 35s that come with Sasquatch. I'm also not planning to option the front sway bar disconnect, so I'd be giving up part of what makes the Badlands a Badlands anyway. Big Bend with Sasquatch and Black Diamond, or stock Badlands? For someone doing moderate trail use, what would I actually miss day to day without the Badlands hardware? Right now I'm leaning Big Bend because the package mix and color are exactly what I want.

The Badlands is the much better deal (at least when I bought mine in 24) if you are looking at similar specs otherwise (base/mid/lux, etc.). In 7MT config, it has everything about a SAS except wheels and shocks. And it's 5-6k less (again, if you are comparing otherwise same spec vehicles). You can upgrade to full SAS spec for a fraction of that cost (assuming you sell existing parts). But unless your idea of "moderate" is a lot different than mine, you aren't going to /need/ to.

It's even better with the 2026+, because you get the SAS flares and flap for the wider wheels.

But, you may be looking at a BB/BD/SAS that is cheaper. Really depends on price.

 

[tickandtie]

If you are an old fart that doesn't like, want, or need most of the electronic bells and whistles the Base Sasquatch is a good alternative.

“Moderate trail use” means different things to different people, sounds like you want the BB as it has everything you want, but you have a little FOMO about the Badlands. I am not sure what type of trail riding is in the NJ area, but based on the info provided I would go BB. Most people that buy Badlands are not on this forum, and will never use 70% of the vehicles capability. These are capable vehicles at all trims, so unless the Badlands has something you really want, get the Big Bend.

Thats true, there is a little FOMO in me. Actually this BB is more than what I need. I would be fine with 33" tires but more focused on having the heavy-duty steering rack. Just like upgraded components for durability. It seems that it would tick all the boxes, plus hard-top and some goodies like the 400W inverter.

 

[CalvinT]

You might want to think about potential resale value unless you plan on keeping it a long time.

 

[tickandtie]

What's the price? Adding Sasquatch (requires black diamond) is expensive on a Big Bend. Capability wise as a manual, the Badlands will come with everything the Sasquatch package has, minus the tires and rims. You don't have to option the swaybar disco (and I wouldn't) on the Badlands.

Between the two, I'd be buying whatever is cheapest...with a bias towards the Badlands if the price is comparable.

Thats true, its about 50.1K for a base Badlands and 55.7K for the Big Bend with SAS, Black Diamond and Mid Package. For me, if I can just get a Bronco with front/rear lockers, upgraded steering rack, 4.7 gearing, 400W inverter...33'' tires I am gold. Don't need too much.

 

[Brian_B]

SAS vs Badlands

35" tires vs full skid plates and whatever interior convenience gadgets, now that the Badlands only options the disco and it isn't standard.

Pretty sure all the SAS comes with the HD Steering rack now.

Really comes down to price between the two... and if you have your heart set on a color that.

I wouldn't spend anything extra for Ford's 400W inverter - it's crap, and you can snag an aftermarket one that is actually decent for cheap.

 

[tickandtie]

You might want to think about potential resale value unless you plan on keeping it a long time.

Thats actually a really good point. Got to check out the spread. I am assuming maybe 5%-10% difference. It being a manual for 4.7 gearing has to be a good feature for resale. I technically like to just buy new and ride it till the wheels fall off.

 

[CalvinT]

Many years ago (1983) I bought a Mitsubishi pickup. I did some checking before I bought. 4X4 cost an extra $500 but added $1000 to resale value in my area.

You need to check spread in your area, it will be different than where I live.

 

[tickandtie]

SAS vs Badlands

35" tires vs full skid plates and whatever interior convenience gadgets, now that the Badlands only options the disco and it isn't standard.

Pretty sure all the SAS comes with the HD Steering rack now.

Really comes down to price between the two... and if you have your heart set on a color that.

I wouldn't spend anything extra for Ford's 400W inverter - it's crap, and you can snag an aftermarket one that is actually decent for cheap.

Ah thanks for that. I have a minivan with a 1500W inverter but thats a hybrid and love the feature because at times I do have to pull off on the side of the road and hookup a laptop and work. I can run a vacuum on that plug too lol. But its not like very necessary for my use case. There are 12V adapters that output 100W USB-C so technically I can get by which is what I do with my Type R. Plus aftermarket inverter can get better wattage than 400W.

 

[CalvinT]

Plus aftermarket inverter can get better wattage than 400W.

And can give a better waveform if you choose wisely.

 

[crzyhawk]

Thats true, its about 50.1K for a base Badlands and 55.7K for the Big Bend with SAS, Black Diamond and Mid Package. For me, if I can just get a Bronco with front/rear lockers, upgraded steering rack, 4.7 gearing, 400W inverter...33'' tires I am gold. Don't need too much.

provided you get a manual, the Badlands is the better purchase imo. Autos get 4.46 gears in the non-SAS badlands.

The basic badlands gives you everthing on your list save the inverter. front and rear lockers, upgraded steering rack, 4.7 gearing, and 33 inch tires. I am not certain you get the inverter without adding the mid package to the Badlands. I may be wrong on that detail, and you may be able to add mid for less than that BB/BD/SAS pricetag if you insist on the inverter

I can tell you I damned sure would not be paying 5k for the crappy inverter.

I've got it in my Big Bend, and I DO use it, but it's not HIGHLY useful. I can't charge my ecoflow with it, without resorting to shenanigans because it's a modified sinewave inverter, not pure sinewave. So, you can use dumb devices such as a drill, but smart devices might be unhappy.

 

[Vynull]

Any thought about the heritage? Got my 7mt for 51 and has just about everything BB + BD has. Only issue is if you want leather, you are out of luck. I wanted cloth and it was the only way I could get everything in one package.

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