We spent two days evaluating the 2024 Ford Bronco Badlands with the Sasquatch package across rocks, sand, and muddy ruts to see how its ground clearance, 4WD hardware, and chassis tuning translate into real trail confidence.
Our test Bronco Badlands Sasquatch ran the 2.7-liter twin‑turbo V6 (rated at 330 hp/415 lb‑ft on premium) with the 10‑speed automatic, a 2‑speed transfer case (2H/4A/4H/4L), front and rear locking differentials, and an electronically disconnecting front sway bar. The Sasquatch kit adds 35x12.5R17 Goodyear Territory MTs, 4.7:1 axle gearing, Bilstein position‑sensitive dampers, wider track, and upgraded steel skid plates. Key numbers: 11.6 inches of ground clearance, 43.2° approach, 37.2° departure, 26.3° breakover, and a 33.5‑inch listed wading depth. Crawl ratio with the auto is 67.8:1.
Conditions mixed engineered obstacles with natural terrain: ledgy granite climbs, off‑camber moguls, loose shale ascents, a 200‑yd sand wash, and two water crossings measured at 18–24 inches. We aired the MTs down to 18 psi, carried roughly 400 lb of passengers/gear, and ran in 78–85°F ambient temps. Baseline tire pressures, deflation, and repeatable lines let us compare settings (open vs locked diffs, sway bar connected vs disconnected, 4H vs 4L) back to back. Crawling performance is the headline.
In 4L with the sway bar disconnected, front articulation improves markedly; the Bronco keeps tires in contact where stiffer bars would lift a wheel. Throttle mapping in Rock Crawl mode is clean and progressive, making it easy to place torque without lurching. On a stepped rock face, open diffs produced brief traction control pulsing, but one click to lock the rear—and then the front on the toughest line—eliminated wheelspin. The 67.8:1 overall ratio holds a true walking pace descent without riding the brakes.
Ground clearance and underbody protection inspire confidence. We tagged nothing more than the diff pumpkins on a sharp breakover ledge that scraped lesser SUVs; the steel bash plates shrugged off minor belly kisses. The limiting factor is the 4‑door’s wheelbase on abrupt crests—approach and departure are excellent, but the 26.3° breakover means you still need to pick a diagonal line on tall whoops. Hill‑start assist and the strong parking pawl were useful when resetting on steep pitches.
On faster dirt, HOSS dampers keep the 35s controlled with good mid‑stroke support; washboard at 35–45 mph is impressively calm. 4A (auto 4WD) blends grip and turn‑in on loose gravel without driveline bind, while Trail Turn Assist tightens hairpins but will trench soft surfaces. In sand, dropping to 15–16 psi and using Baja mode kept temps in check; Trail Control maintained a steady 3–4 mph over churned sections. Our measured fords at 24 inches created no drama—breathers and electronics stayed dry—but we wouldn’t attempt the published max without a spotter.
Overall, the Bronco Badlands Sasquatch is a legitimately trail‑ready SUV out of the box, with meaningful ground clearance, robust 4WD hardware, and forgiving chassis tuning that flatters intermediate drivers. Trade‑offs are predictable: louder MT tires, some on‑road wander, and higher fuel burn on trail. If you prioritize rock work, the 7‑speed manual’s 94.75:1 crawl is worth seeking out; if you daily drive more, the non‑Sasquatch Badlands on 33‑inch ATs preserves capability with better road manners.
