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The 2022 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands is the most capable version of the small off-road SUV. The compact SUV has amazing off-roading prowess. It lives in the shadow of its bigger sibling. The Bronco Sport Badlands may be a much better buy than you thought.

The 2022 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands is affordable

The 2022 Ford Bronco Badlands starts at just $33,360. This may not sound affordable compared to other small SUVs, but the Blue Oval packs in plenty of features for this price.

The front of a gray 2022 Ford Bronco Sport.
The 2022 Ford Bronco Sport | Ford

The Bronco Sport Badlands is as close as the Sport gets to its larger sibling in terms of capability. Sure, the Bronco Sport may not come with a soft-top roof or removable doors, but it has its own tricks up its sleeve.

The Bronco Sport Badlands is affordable enough for the average American consumer to buy it. It’s also much easier to purchase than a Bronco model. After the Bronco reemerged following its long hiatus, some models were auctioned on eBay for double their original MSRP. The demand for the Bronco Sport isn’t nearly as high.

The Bronco Sport is the budget Bronco, and that’s not a bad thing at all, especially at higher trim levels. One of the most important questions that potential Bronco Sport buyers want answered is, can it tear up trails like the Bronco?

The Bronco Sport Badlands is ready for adventure

The Bronco Sport Badlands comes standard with tow hooks, bash plates, and roof rack side rails. It has about 8.8 inches of ground clearance and almost two feet of wading depth.

A blue 2022 Ford Bronco Sport is driving in the snow.
The 2022 Ford Bronco Sport | Ford

The off-road SUV features Trail Control and a terrain management system with seven GOAT (Go Over Any Type of terrain) modes. It includes a front 180-degree camera. The Bronco Sport Badlands comes with paddle shifters, remote keyless entry, and a FordPass Connect 4G Wi-Fi Hotspot Telematics Modem.

The Bronco Sport Badlands’ suspension upgrade and bash plates make it a capable off-roader. Car and Driver gave the Bronco Sport a 9/10 overall rating. It also won an Editor’s Choice award. The automotive publication praised the Bronco Sports’ off-roading prowess, many features, and its fuel economy.

The Ford Bronco Sport Badlands is a decent daily driver

Off-road vehicles don’t always make great daily drivers. The Bronco Sport Badlands can tear up trails off-road, but it also makes a decent commuting SUV as well. The small off-road SUV achieves 21 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway. Not too shabby for a hardcore off-roader.

The Bronco Sport Badlands is extremely underrated because it is overshadowed by its popular sibling, the Ford Bronco. The Ford Bronco is iconic, but that doesn’t take away from the Bronco Sports’ capabilities. Factor in the Bronco Sports’ availability, and it may be the better buy depending on what you’re looking for.

If you haven’t been able to secure a Ford Bronco, consider the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands. The Blue Oval’s smaller off-road SUV won’t disappoint if you want a trail-ready SUV. Learn about how the Bronco Sport compares to the Bronco in the next article below.

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