Brett Foote
Almost exactly one year ago, Ford filed to register the Badlands as a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as Ford Authority was first to discover. At that time, we speculated that Ford would likely use the Badlands name on some sort of off-road-oriented vehicle variant or package. Turns out, we were right.
Ford inadvertently confirmed plans to use the Badlands name in conjunction with the upcoming Bronco Sport, when it released information on its new Bronco Off-Rodeo off-road driving school.
Buried deep within Ford’s announcement was the fact that those who purchase a “Bronco Sport Badlands” model would also receive free admission to the Off-Roadeo experience. The same complimentary invitation is also extended to those who purchase any Ford Bronco (non-Sport) model.
This represents the first confirmation of the Bronco Sport Badlands name, officially via Ford’s Off-Roadeo site. However, the Bronco Sport might not be the only forthcoming Ford vehicle to use the Badlands moniker.
Back in May, spy shots showed a Bronco Sport Badlands model undergoing testing with steel wheels wrapped Falken Wildpeak A/T tires. The wheels might not be what ultimately make it to production on the Bronco Sport Badlands. However, information from Falken tells us that the rubber is constructed with durable 2-ply polyester and feature a rugged upper sidewall, resulting in “on-road comfort with off-road traction and all-weather capability”.
The tires are also stamped with USTMA’s Severe Snow Rating, which should appeal to buyers who live in icy and snowy climates.
At that time, we also reported that the 2021 Bronco Sport Badlands would feature all-wheel-drive and that it will be surprisingly good on milder trails, allowing owners to reach campsites and trailheads with ease.
A more rugged “Badlands” version of the Bronco Sport makes perfect sense, as it gives younger buyers and those that may not want a hardcore off-roader like the regular, body-on-frame Bronco a more approachable – not to mention affordable – option. And it’s just one of what could become a very large Bronco family in the future.
We’ll report more as we have it, so be sure to subscribe to Ford Authority for more Bronco Sport news and non-stop Ford news coverage.
I can’t wait to see the new Bronco Under the circumstance and times all Auto Shows have been cancelled this year which is the best place to check out new and all other models with friends. Am going to make a special trip to the dealership for this new line of SUV’s looks like FORD might have done their home work and out done their self