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

[Mirage]

If it had been an automatic they probably would have told you it hurt trade-in.

Who knows, we knew the dealer lady pretty well. I almost traded for a 2021 First Edition in Cyber Orange, 2 hours away, because they were going to give me closer to $30k trade-in and said people had been looking for a manual. I like the Cyber Orange, but I read some oil issues on the 21-22's, apparently, 23-up issues had been resolved?

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[T800]

Just keep in mind that aftermarket wheels and tires alone are around $2500+. So if you're getting the BL and changing to 35" right away, add that to your cost.

Regarding color, maybe find a BL in the color you want.

For the tops, I'd get a painted top to avoid the MIC top issues, or get a soft top if that's what you want.

For comparison, thought I was going to get a BL with SAS and painted top. Ended up getting an OBX SAS with painted top because I wanted the electric seats and like the OBX interior more.

 

[CalvinT]

Who knows, we knew the dealer lady pretty well. I almost traded for a 2021 First Edition in Cyber Orange, 2 hours away, because they were going to give me closer to $30k trade-in and said people had been looking for a manual. I like the Cyber Orange, but I read some oil issues on the 21-22's, apparently, 23-up issues had been resolved?

In that case she was probably being honest with you.

 

[MNBigfoot]

Like everyone has said already, it really depends on what you want to do. I for one, in 2019 )or whenever the build a Bronco thingy showed up on Fords website?), I built two 2 doors;

One Base SAS with everything I wanted on it.

and

One Badlands SAS with everything I wanted on it.

The Badlands was cheaper with more options, than the Base, so it was a no-brainer on which model I wanted!

What exactly was your Base build? Just trying to see how that was possible. In 21, my Base Sas cost less than a plain BD and the BL's was 2 or 3 grand (?) above that.

 

[Mirage]

What exactly was your Base build? Just trying to see how that was possible. In 21, my Base Sas cost less than a plain BD and the BL's was 2 or 3 grand (?) above that.

Don't remember exactly, but I'm pretty sure it was everything that I wanted, that a BL would've come with. They were close in price, it wasn't a landslide comparison or anything, I just remember thinking to myself that it was better to buy the BL over the Base, because of all the extra stuff the BL came with...

I believe back then it would let you build a V6 7-speed, which is what I wanted at the time. When we built my wife's HEL in 2024, a lot of the things on Ford's site had changed.

 

[Mirage]

In that case she was probably being honest with you.

Probably, she's been pretty good to us over the years. Nothing like my 73 year old cousin was when he was a salesman at a local Chevy dealer, he would find every way possible to save you as much money as possible on a new vehicle! I remember buying a 2013 Silverado LT Z71 All-Star package, from him in the middle of 2013. He got me in that very nice truck for a hair under $30k out the door. He said, you'll never be able to buy a new full-size like this again, for anywhere near that price and man-o-man, was he 100% correct! I was stupid to get rid of that truck in 2015!

 

[MNBigfoot]

Don't remember exactly, but I'm pretty sure it was everything that I wanted, that a BL would've come with. They were close in price, it wasn't a landslide comparison or anything, I just remember thinking to myself that it was better to buy the BL over the Base, because of all the extra stuff the BL came with...

I believe back then it would let you build a V6 7-speed, which is what I wanted at the time. When we built my wife's HEL in 2024, a lot of the things on Ford's site had changed.

I'm guessing that bolded part was the case. They never offered a V6 with a manual. Very little options to the Base, and just about every option you would have chosen would have driven both trims up equally (the mod bumper would be an exception where it was like $800 for the base and $300 for the BL's).
But if you started placing values on the metal bumpers, MGV seats, disco, washout floors, skids, rock rails and the like (not available as options on the Base), then I can see how one could feel that way.

2021 Base 2-door with Sas, auto (no manual available) and aux switches $37,580
2021 Badlands 2-door with auto $45,175

 

[Area51BS]

Do like I did. Badlands. I don’t need the Disconnect where I go, but nice to have. I do like the floor, seats and rear molle panels that came with it in 22. I do like the badging and trim name. I do like the stock tires, wheels and suspension. I do like the upgraded gearing and diff over lower trim. I like the front grill color and design. Signature lighting looks awesome. 4 auto is a huge plus. Not sure if other trims have it. But the auto slow dim and rise headlights is nice. Not sure what differences are today.

 

[Mirage]

I'm guessing that bolded part was the case. They never offered a V6 with a manual. Very little options to the Base, and just about every option you would have chosen would have driven both trims up equally (the mod bumper would be an exception where it was like $800 for the base and $300 for the BL's).
But if you started placing values on the metal bumpers, MGV seats, disco, washout floors, skids, rock rails and the like (not available as options on the Base), then I can see how one could feel that way.

2021 Base 2-door with Sas, auto (no manual available) and aux switches $37,580
2021 Badlands 2-door with auto $45,175

I know they never offered a V6 manual, but it let me choose that option back in the day. I wish I'd took a screenshot of the options....

I had both of decked out in most of the accessories, but not all of the accessories. I want to say they were both closer to $50k, man I wish I saved the damn option list... I did save the Bronco I had built though, but I cannot find it at the moment and I've got to get to work. If I remember this afternoon, I'll look more for it?

 

[Blackcat]

Badlands.

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