Test drove a 2026 Badlands - do all Broncos have this much tire noise?

[Philvis77]

Guys,
I want a Bronco so bad. I've been test driving several different Badlands (non Sasquatch) and I'm not sure I can live with the tire noise on this vehicle. Do all full size 4 door Broncos make this much tire noise?

TIA

I've had a 2-door Badlands for almost 5 years. Never have noticed the tire noise. Its the wind noise which makes it loud. I still need to add some weatherstripping between the B pillar and hardtop. That seems to be where most of the wind noise comes from.

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[Inthenoise]

Carpet in obx helps

Second. 2025 OBX Lux SAS w carpet and headliner, you can convo at 70mph hwy.

 

[FilmcoBronci]

We did a 3 hour test drive on Friday of a Badlands non-Sasquatch with a hardtop in MT. It wasn't bad, and it was the MIC hardtop not the painted with added sound deadening for 2026. It also was MGV with rubber flooring instead of carpet which could have made it better. Neither of us had a real issue. We spent at least 1/2 the drive on the highway.

I will tell you having had CJ-5 and XJ, ZJ and other 4X4 vehicles for family and off road, this has been the most enjoyable off road capable vehicle I have owned.
It has its noise foibles but arguably out performs most of the comparable stock vehicles in its class.

But I will also fully admit and forewarn you, as a day one order and at this point, OG long time 6G owner with an original soft top, the noise for the uninitiated guest rider can be shocking and fairly obnoxious. Mostly generated by the top, not the tires.The performance however is next level.

We are non-SaS with about a 1.5 inch lift and level with IKON shocks.
Made some steering upgrades just in case.
We get into some nasty places for film work.
After almost 5 years. I would 100% do it all again. Pleased to have a now extinct Black Diamond with all of the features we need as part of what was, in retrospect, an outstanding package.

 

[wjtinfwb]

Guys,
I want a Bronco so bad. I've been test driving several different Badlands (non Sasquatch) and I'm not sure I can live with the tire noise on this vehicle. Do all full size 4 door Broncos make this much tire noise?

TIA

It's a truck-based, purpose-built vehicle with immense off-road capability. If you're expecting a quiet cabin or shoft ride, you're looking at the wrong vehicle.

 

[Marc L]

I asked my wife who is constantly on the phone in her Bronco. It is as quiet or quieter than our 2012 XTerra w/ more highway friendly tires. I truly believe if you buy a SUV not a SMV(soccer mom vehicle) there is always a level of tire/road noise.
2024 Big Bend hard top w/ sound deadening panels with base tires and wheels.

 

[Tim Smith]

I own a '26 Badlands Sasquatch four-door hardtop. I've never really noticed tire noise; anyway, above about 50 mph, you won't hear it because the wind noise is too loud.

 

[timhood]

Yes, it is a loud brick.
Most of us in here would not try to gaslight you.
if youre just cruising in town and highway, don't pick a Badlands and spec road tires vs AT/MT.

Also, adding to what @FilmcoBronci said, if you want the capability but just don't want to deal with tire noise when you're not off-roading, pick up a set of take-off wheels and use them for your daily driving, switching to the off-road wheels and tires only when you plan to go off-roading. You'll save money eventually by not having to replace the off-road tires as often, but you're daily driving will also be more how you like.

But if you have no serious off-roading intentions, definitely consider a different trim. Keep in mind that any Bronco can handle overlanding and fire roads, so you don't need a Badlands trim for typical wandering and camping.

 

[Kini]

Sounds like you might like a Bronco Sport.

 

[Kini]

I had given that some thought...and I don't live very far from the one here in East TN. And being hooked is one of my biggest fears...if I get another obsession the wife might very well divorce me.

Or, Just as likely, She will get hooked and you will get to sit at home babysitting.

 

[FilmcoBronci]

Or, Just as likely, She will get hooked and you will get to sit at home babysitting.

Excellent observation. Understand, a capable Badlands Bronco Sport can do may of the things that are sure to get you hooked. It is an entry level drug.
We'll see you in here one way or another.

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