Lasco Ford - The 2026 Ford Bronco Badlands®: Designed for Roads and Trails around Highland, MI

The 2026 Ford Bronco® Badlands® earns its reputation the honest way—by feeling steady and sure when the terrain turns unpredictable. Around Highland, MI, where paved miles transition quickly to rutted two-tracks and sandy cut-throughs, that balance matters. Badlands® gives you the choice of a 7-speed manual with a crawler gear or a 10-speed automatic, and it’s available with a 330-hp 2.7L EcoBoost® V6 if you want extra shove for steep grades and soft surfaces. The result is an SUV that’s not just capable—it’s confident—especially when you call up G.O.A.T. Modes® to tailor response to the trail in front of you.

What separates Badlands® in day-to-day ownership is how it handles the “in-between.” The cabin is thoughtfully arranged, with clear sightlines, intuitive controls, and wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ that load maps and playlists seamlessly. Available marine-grade vinyl and washable floors with built-in drains make cleanup after a mucky run painless, while heated front seats and an available heated steering wheel add welcome comfort on cold, early starts. The open-air Bronco® essentials—removable doors, cowl-mounted mirrors, and multiple roof options—deliver that wide-horizon feel without sacrificing practicality. Add the available 360-Degree Camera, Trail Turn Assist for tight switchbacks, and Trail Control for low-speed management, and Badlands® becomes the trim that removes stress from tricky spots and gives you usable information when you need it most.

For towing small weekend gear, the Bronco® lineup offers up to 4,500 lbs when properly equipped, which suits a lightweight trailer, pair of dirt bikes, or a modest pop-up camper. That capability combines with an even-keeled chassis that doesn’t beat you up on the commute. Around Highland, the ability to cover broken pavement and gravel calmly is as valuable as the high-profile trail moments—and Badlands® delivers both. If you like the idea of driving one SUV that fits Monday’s errands as well as Saturday’s detour to a lakeside trailhead, this trim nails the brief.

Color and roof choices let you shape the look, whether you want an understated Shadow Black and Marsh Gray pairing or a bolder Avalanche with a contrasting roof. And if you decide to grow your build later, the available Sasquatch® Package unlocks a more aggressive stance and hardware that complements Badlands® tuning. The goal is not just to add parts; it’s to keep the SUV balanced and predictable, so you feel in control everywhere from trail entrances to tight parking lots.

In our view, the smartest reason to choose Badlands® is how clearly it communicates what the chassis is doing beneath you. That feedback builds confidence, and confidence makes you a better driver—on-road and off. Whether you’re targeting a regular loop through local trail systems or simply want the peace of mind that comes with a more capable, better-controlled SUV, Badlands® stands out as the trim that is ready for real-world use all week long.

• Daily balance: Composed ride for commutes, rugged tuning for weekends
• Trail tech: Available Trail Turn Assist, Trail Control, and 360-Degree Camera
• Interior resilience: Marine-grade vinyl and washable floors with built-in drains
• Powertrain choice: 7-speed manual or 10-speed automatic with available 2.7L EcoBoost® V6
• Open-air design: Removable doors and roof with cowl-mounted mirrors

1. Define your use case: Estimate your weekly on-road miles and monthly trail time.
2. Choose your transmission: Pick the 7-speed manual for engagement or the 10-speed automatic for effortless control.
3. Select power: Opt for the available 2.7L EcoBoost® V6 if you want stronger low-end torque.
4. Add visibility: Consider the available 360-Degree Camera for maneuvering rocks and tight lots.
5. Dial in durability: Go marine-grade vinyl and washable floors if mud and sand are part of your plan.
6. Plan for growth: Keep the available Sasquatch® Package in mind if you’ll scale up trail difficulty later.

From a local perspective, Highland roads can dish out a little bit of everything—expanding joints on US-23, rough neighborhood patches, and forest access points that get rutted after a rainy week. Badlands® isn’t just set up for a highlight-reel trail; it’s tuned to absorb the everyday imperfections you’ll cross when life takes you off the straightforward path. That’s the difference between a trim you’ll use once a month and a trim you’ll appreciate every day.

When you are ready to take the next step, our advisors can help you compare Badlands® with Outer Banks® and Heritage Edition to show how each trim approaches comfort, control, and design. We’ll also walk you through roof colors and accessories so your build matches your personality and the way you really drive.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is the 2.7L EcoBoost® V6 worth it on Badlands®?

If you value stronger low-end torque for technical climbs, soft sand, or quick highway merges, the available 330-hp 2.7L EcoBoost® V6 is an excellent fit. The standard 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 remains a capable, efficient choice if your trails are moderate.

Manual or automatic for around Highland?

The 7-speed manual with a crawler gear is engaging and precise on technical sections; the 10-speed automatic excels in mixed driving with smooth, quick shifts. Your mix of traffic, trail, and towing will point to the best fit.

Do I need the 360-Degree Camera if I don’t rock crawl?

It’s still a smart add-on. Beyond rocks, it helps in tight parking lots, trailhead turnarounds, and threading around obstacles you didn’t expect—especially useful when visibility is limited.

Lasco Ford, serving Holly, Highland, and Clarkston, can set up a road-and-trail drive so you can feel how Badlands® behaves in the conditions you actually face. We’ll focus on what matters—clear comparisons, no stress, and a build that supports your everyday and your getaways.

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