How much actual off-road capability does the Bronco Sport Badlands deliver?
More than any other compact crossover in its price range. The Badlands trim adds a twin-clutch rear differential that can direct 100% of available torque to a single rear wheel — a level of rear-axle sophistication not found in the RAV4 Adventure or Subaru Forester. Combined with 8.8 inches of ground clearance, steel front and rear skid plates, and the GOAT (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) terrain management system with a Trail mode, the Badlands can handle moderate rock crawling, deep gravel, and thick mud that would stop a conventional crossover. The 2.0L EcoBoost 250 hp engine provides adequate reserve power for climbing steeper forest access trails. It is not a Bronco or Wrangler, but for Canadian backcountry camping and cottage-country dirt roads, the Badlands is genuinely capable.