Ford Bronco Sport trim comparison
2024 Ford Bronco Sport Free Wheeling vs Badlands
The Bronco Sport Free Wheeling starts at $32,395 while the Badlands is $38,390. That $5,995 gap buys 7 meaningful differences.
This trim jump changes the engine from 1.5L I3 Turbo to 2.0L I4 Turbo. Everything else is secondary to whether that powertrain difference matters for how you drive.
Start with the Free Wheeling if the 1.5L I3 Turbo already feels sufficient for the way you drive. Step up to the Badlands only when the 2.0L I4 Turbo powertrain is the reason you are moving higher in the lineup.
The cleanest way to feel this upgrade is through the payment: about $106/month more over 60 months, or roughly $6,360 extra all-in once interest is included. The payment only makes sense if that different powertrain matters to the way you actually drive, tow, or live with the vehicle.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you are specifically shopping for the stronger powertrain, not just more trim content.
When both feel the same
Both the Free Wheeling and Badlands share the same 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $5,995 for 6 measurable differences, which works out to about $999 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 7 specification differences, 1 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2024. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | Free Wheeling | Badlands |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $32,395 | $38,390 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 1.5L I3 Turbo | 2.0L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 181 hp | 250 hp |
| Torque | 190 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 25 | 21 |
| Highway MPG | 29 | 26 |
| Combined MPG | 26 | 23 |
| Fuel Tank | 16.0 gal | 16.0 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,700/yr | $1,900/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,467 lbs | 3,707 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 105.1" |
| Length | 172.7" | 172.7" |
| Width | 74.3" | 74.3" |
| Height | 70.2" | 71.4" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2024 Ford Bronco Sport Free Wheeling vs Badlands Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Ford Bronco Sport lineup, the Ford brand hub, the Compact SUVs, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2024 Bronco Sport Badlands cost than the Free Wheeling?
The Badlands starts at $38,390 compared to $32,395 for the Free Wheeling. That is a $5,995 difference, or approximately $106/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2024 Ford Bronco Sport Free Wheeling and Badlands have the same engine?
No. The Free Wheeling uses a 1.5L I3 Turbo (181 hp, 190 lb-ft), while the Badlands has the 2.0L I4 Turbo (250 hp, 277 lb-ft). That is 69 more horsepower. Both pair with the same 8-speed shiftable automatic.
Do the 2024 Bronco Sport Free Wheeling and Badlands have the same drivetrain?
Yes. Both come with AWD as standard. The differences between these trims are in features and equipment, not drivetrain.
Is the 2024 Bronco Sport Free Wheeling or Badlands safer?
Both share the same Ford Bronco Sport platform with an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2024 Ford Bronco Sport come with?
All 2024 Ford Bronco Sport trims, including both the Free Wheeling and Badlands, come with Ford's standard warranty: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2024 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands worth $5,995 more than the Free Wheeling?
The $5,995 buys the 2.0L I4 Turbo. If that powertrain matters for how you drive, yes. If not, the Free Wheeling does the same job for less.
Which 2024 Ford Bronco Sport trim gets better fuel economy, the Free Wheeling or the Badlands?
The Free Wheeling is the more efficient of the two at 26 combined MPG, versus 23 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Is the Bronco Sport Badlands Worth $5,995 More?
Spending $5,995 more on the Bronco Sport Badlands buys the 2.0L I4 Turbo engine (+69 hp). These are the kind of differences you notice every time you drive.
The Differences You'll Notice Most
Engine changes between these trims: the Free Wheeling has the 1.5L I3 Turbo, the Badlands the 2.0L I4 Turbo. That means 69 more horsepower and 87 more lb-ft of torque. That extra power shows up most clearly once you are out of town and asking more of the drivetrain. The cost of that extra capability is roughly 3 fewer combined MPG.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The Bronco Sport Free Wheeling gets 3 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $211 per year or $1,055 over five years of ownership.
Bottom Line
$5,995 more for the Bronco Sport Badlands gets you 6 real differences. At $106/month more, the question is whether those specific changes are things you will use regularly.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Ford Bronco Sport Free Wheeling
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the Free Wheeling best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Ford Bronco Sport Badlands
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the Badlands when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
As an Amazon Associate, TrimAtlas earns from qualifying purchases.
Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2024 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Ford or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.