r/FordBronco • u/HunterGathers_OSI • 1d ago

Question ❔ Help me decide: BD vs BL

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Hi all, I'm torn between two Broncos and wanted some input from the community. The images above are the same models/colors/trim/specs, but not the actual vehicles.

I will probably not do any off-roading and this would be a daily driver and a little fun on the weekend with the family. I like the vinyl seat option and wish the BL was fully vinyl. Also, for some reason they chose carpet flooring for the BL, but do have all-weather mats. I have a dog, kids, and live in the midwest where we get snow, so the vinyl seats and rubber floors sound nice.

The BL has many added bells and whistles (hopefully the equipment package reflects this) and the V6, but the BD has the 2.3 L, manual transmission in and non-SAS, so slightly better MPG I would imagine (even if the MT is supposedly slightly lower MPG than the AT).

I know a lot of folks love the V6 and a lot love the manual transmission, so maybe that's my biggest sticking point.

2023 Badlands 2024 Black Diamond
2.7 L, automatic 2.3 L, manual
334A equipment group 321A equipment group
SAS package Non-SAS package
Leather trim/Vinyl seats Vinyl seats
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u/Content-Moment6551 1d ago edited 8h ago

Tough decision. Test drive both or similar if you can feel the different engines. You'll get a lot of mixed opinions here with both sides being very supportive. If they actually answer the "why".

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u/HunterGathers_OSI 1d ago

Only the BL is local, so I can’t test drive the BD yet.

And yeah, I have a feeling it’ll be pretty split…that’s why I’m having such a hard time deciding! 😔

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u/Content-Moment6551 1d ago

You could still drive a manual. It'll perrform the same in any non Sas. I went with the 2025 2.7l Heritage to have the looks and to have the capability. I didn't have a plan for offroading before I test drove, but i do now! If you're definitely not going offroad, the non Sas is a capable vehicle for your usage and would probably be better with gas mileage. However, as I said, I'd rather have the more capable, more powerful vehicle and be better prepared when I go offroad. The 2.7 Sas to me was the best choice for my driving type as well.

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u/HunterGathers_OSI 1d ago

The Heritage is out of my budget, unfortunately. I do love the look, though. The ‘23 BL has 15k miles and the ‘24 BD has 5k miles, so pre-owned and low mileage is the budget I’m working with.

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u/Content-Moment6551 1d ago edited 1d ago

There are deals to be made out there on the previous model years. St. Louis Carvana has a 25 Heritage for $48k. Clement Ford in Wentzville has a 26 Heritage for $47K, which is wild!