2026 Ford Bronco Badlands Review: Can This $72,000 Off-Road Icon Double as a Family Hauler?
Testing the limits of Ford's off-road icon on the highway, the trail, and the daycare run.
In the modern automotive landscape, the line between rugged weekend warrior and daily family shuttle has blurred. Buyers routinely demand that highly specialized off-road machines handle the mundane realities of the school run and grocery store trips with the same poise they exhibit on the trail. To put this duality to the test, we secured a 2026 Ford Bronco Badlands finished in a stunning Velocity Metallic Blue, equipped with the hardcore Sasquatch package, a 2.7-liter Ecoboost V6, and a 10-speed automatic transmission. With an MSRP of $72,425, this is a premium piece of machinery. But does its real-world usability justify the price tag when children enter the equation?
Our evaluation was twofold. First, we subjected the Bronco to a proper wilderness adventure over Memorial Day Weekend, hauling four full-size backpacks and four hikers to a dock for a trip to a deserted island in Lake Michigan, followed by a return trek to Detroit. We even took a detour to stretch the SUV’s legs on some private land owned by former Jalopnik Editor-in-Chief Rory Carroll. Second, we tackled the ultimate test of domestic practicality: the “Will It Baby” challenge, using a car-obsessed three-year-old nephew as our primary test subject.
On the Road and Off the Beaten Path
As a long-distance road-tripper, the Sasquatch-equipped Bronco Badlands is a mixed bag. The 2.7-liter Ecoboost V6 and 10-speed automatic transmission deliver effortless power, making highway merging and passing maneuvers a breeze. However, the laws of physics cannot be entirely engineered away. The combination of massive 35-inch tires and removable body panels results in a cabin that gets quite loud at freeway speeds, characterized by noticeable wind whistling and tire hum.
That said, the ride quality is highly impressive when compared to its chief rival, the Jeep Wrangler. Thanks to its independent front suspension, the Bronco is much nicer and more composed over broken pavement than its solid-axle competitor. There is plenty of space inside for occupants and a mountain of gear, though the rear seats are notably upright—a detail pointed out by our passengers after a long weekend of hiking.
The “Will It Baby” Reality Check
To see how the Bronco fares as a family vehicle, we set out to pick up a toddler from daycare. Before loading up, we decided to take advantage of an 80-degree, sunny Michigan day by removing the hardtop. Ford’s engineering shines here: the roof panels are incredibly easy to remove, requiring only a single heavy duty latch and a few fasteners on three lightweight panels. Even after a grueling backpacking trip, removing and reattaching these panels was a simple, one-person job.
However, installing a child seat revealed some packaging limitations. While a bulky front-facing toddler booster seat can be installed with ease, doing so behind a taller driver or passenger is a challenge. Because of the upright rear seats, a child’s legs can easily reach the back of the front seats unless the front occupants slide their seats significantly forward. For parents needing to install a rear-facing infant seat, the space constraints would be even more difficult to manage.
On the positive side, the wide cabin footprint leaves a generous space between the driver and front passenger, making it easy to reach back to hand snacks or toys to a child. The cargo area is also exceptionally spacious, easily swallowing strollers, diaper bags, and typical parenting gear. Ingress and egress, however, depend heavily on your height. The Sasquatch package’s factory lift and wide-opening doors make loading a child easy for taller parents, but shorter adults—such as those accustomed to a lower crossover like the Buick Envista—will likely struggle to lift a child into the high-riding cabin.
The Verdict
Is the 2026 Ford Bronco Badlands a sensible, logical family vehicle? Strictly speaking, no. The high step-in height, upright rear seating, and highway wind noise require genuine compromises from parents. At $72,425, it is also a significant financial commitment for a vehicle with clear packaging limitations.
Yet, the Bronco possesses an intangible, emotional charm that few modern vehicles can match. Riding in an open-top, high-riding SUV creates a sense of wonder and adventure that standard crossovers simply cannot replicate. For families willing to work around its quirks, the Bronco is not just a mode of transportation—it is an experience creator capable of fostering a lifelong enthusiasm for the open road.
