willisjones said:
I’ve been doing a lot of research on which SUV to get, and I’ve narrowed it down to one I want for both daily commuting and off-roading on long trips.
I rented a 2-door Bronco Wildtrak when I was at Joshua Tree and really enjoyed it. The only problems I had were the road noise (which I got used to) and the fact that it was a bit cramped as a 2-door. So, I definitely want a 4-door.
I need something dependable (my other car is an Alfa, so I’m not expecting Toyota-level reliability), practical for high-mileage driving, and capable on most trails. I don’t need anything too extreme, so I think the Raptor and maybe even the Wildtrak are more than I need. I’d also like some comfort features like leather seats, heated steering wheel, and heated seats. Beyond that, I’m not too picky.
Right now, I’m looking at the 4-door Advanced Badlands with the Sasquatch package, but I’d love to hear any advice.
If you’re leaning more towards daily driving, the Outer Banks with a rear locking axle is a great choice. It has all the comfort features you’re looking for and more off-road capability than most SUVs.
If off-roading is a higher priority, then go for the Badlands or Wildtrak. Badlands is better for rock crawling, while the Wildtrak shines at high-speed off-roading.
But keep in mind, Badlands and Wildtrak are noisier, heavier, get worse gas mileage, and have lower cargo and towing capacity. For example, with the Outer Banks, you’ll probably get 19-24 MPG. With the Badlands or Wildtrak, expect closer to 17-21 MPG. It all depends on what matters more to you.