The Ford Bronco Has a Potential Problem = GX 550 !

So the Toyota Land Cruiser is back with a new name and badging, huh? 😄

This is ONLY a problem in the eyes of Ford, not the average Bronco buyer.

For whatever reason, Ford seems to want to raise the prices of the Bronco every 6 months. Ford wants everyone to buy a higher trim level. But I would be that most people are buying the OBX trim on down.

SuperMike

So the Toyota Land Cruiser is back with a new name and badging, huh? 😄

Yes sir.

EvlNvrDys

This is ONLY a problem in the eyes of Ford, not the average Bronco buyer.

For whatever reason, Ford seems to want to raise the prices of the Bronco every 6 months. Ford wants everyone to buy a higher trim level. But I would be that most people are buying the OBX trim on down.

You are correct, but this is still a problem for ford because of the Lexus build quality and the interior experience to go along with REAL off road chops at a similar price point.

It’s definitely a problem.

As a ford bronco owner you almost feel a little taken advantage off at the bronco prices when you see the GX 550.

It doesn't really appeal to me... I'm not a fan of the looks (or Toyota's frames). I think Toyota is failing by not bringing back a more rugged version of the FJ Cruiser. Now THAT, at a sub-$55k pricepoint, would have been a Bronco/Jeep Challenger. If they could produce an FJ with a frame that doesn't rust to bits, LED lighting, a more versatile top, and rugged AT tires, they'd have had a real competitor.

Editing to say -- like this:
https://www.caranddriver.com/toyota/compact-cruiser-ev
That looks a LOOOOOT like the Bronco Sport... except, more 'EV-ish'.

SuperMike

It doesn't really appeal to me... I'm not a fan of the looks (or Toyota's frames). I think Toyota is failing by not bringing back a more rugged version of the FJ Cruiser. Now THAT, at a sub-$55k pricepoint, would have been a Bronco/Jeep Challenger. If they could produce an FJ with a frame that doesn't rust to bits, LED lighting, a more versatile top, and rugged AT tires, they'd have had a real competitor.

Editing to say -- like this:
https://www.caranddriver.com/toyota/compact-cruiser-ev
That looks a LOOOOOT like the Bronco Sport... except, more 'EV-ish'.

I have to disagree with you. I’m a ford fan boy but the reality is Lexus build quality far exceeds fords. Not even close.

I don’t like the front end, and I don’t like the interior user experience of my son’s RAV4.

Lexus quality and dealer experience is top drawer.

The Bronco (except maybe the Raptor) was designed and engineered to be “tweaked to taste” by the end user. This vehicle looks like, “what you see is what you get”

I too, would have considered an updated FJ without the suicide doors before I would look at a GX 550

The Bronco competes with the Wrangler, that's it. The LX/Land Cruiser has been in the market for 30+ years and the Wrangler sales never suffered for it.

The LX is just a different vehicle.

WildsheepGS4

I am not going to retract all the good things I have said about the Ford Bronco, but there is a new player in town, and there is no question this player is for real. Enter LEXUS GX 550.

I AM not going to get into the specifications, you can look all that up for yourself, because as of 8:00 pm last night it was all over the internet. But if this vehicle lives upto to its look and its on paper specs the bronco, the jeep, the Land Rover, Mercedes SUV's, and all other off road SUV's had better take notice especially if Lexus has the price point between $ 65,000. and say around $ 80,000.00 loaded.

I have to be honest if I was looking at a loaded Wildtrak at $ 70,000.00, A loaded bronco raptor at $ 97,000.00 MSRP, or a LOADED GX 550 at say $ 80,000.00 the bronco raptor would be out and it would be a very tough choice vs. the Wildtrak with even having to spend $ 5000.00 to $ 10,000.00 more.

Lexus just said, " hold my Japanese Beer ! ". And I mean that in a very good and intimidating way.

I'm missing the part where the top and doors come off . It's just another luxury SUV , I'll pass

Eninty

The Bronco competes with the Wrangler, that's it. The LX/Land Cruiser has been in the market for 30+ years and the Wrangler sales never suffered for it.

The LX is just a different vehicle.

Wrong answer and wrong vehicle. This is a all new GX 550.

Rydfree

I'm missing the part where the top and doors come off . It's just another luxury SUV , I'll pass

I hate to inform you, but you are out to lunch. The GX 550 is just as off road capable as the bronco, maybe more so with better build quality.

WildsheepGS4

I am not going to retract all the good things I have said about the Ford Bronco, but there is a new player in town, and there is no question this player is for real. Enter LEXUS GX 550.

I AM not going to get into the specifications, you can look all that up for yourself, because as of 8:00 pm last night it was all over the internet. But if this vehicle lives upto to its look and its on paper specs the bronco, the jeep, the Land Rover, Mercedes SUV's, and all other off road SUV's had better take notice especially if Lexus has the price point between $ 65,000. and say around $ 80,000.00 loaded.

I have to be honest if I was looking at a loaded Wildtrak at $ 70,000.00, A loaded bronco raptor at $ 97,000.00 MSRP, or a LOADED GX 550 at say $ 80,000.00 the bronco raptor would be out and it would be a very tough choice vs. the Wildtrak with even having to spend $ 5000.00 to $ 10,000.00 more.

Lexus just said, " hold my Japanese Beer ! ". And I mean that in a very good and intimidating way.

I gave up on Wranglers and Chrysler service departments in 2017. I have to be honest (since you did start this thread, I think you are looking for opinions of others? sorry if I took it the wrong way), I would never look at a Lexus for a off-road vehicle - maybe because I like to rock crawl and not just "overland". Don't even have enough interest in Lexus to investigate what the GX550 is about. I wouldn't have looked at a Toyota either. Maybe you're right and the GX550 is a new player in town - but, I have no interest in playing with it. But, if one comes out on a trail with me - I'd love to see how it works!

Darrel

I gave up on Wranglers and Chrysler service departments in 2017. I have to be honest (since you did start this thread, I think you are looking for opinions of others? sorry if I took it the wrong way), I would never look at a Lexus for a off-road vehicle - maybe because I like to rock crawl and not just "overland". Don't even have enough interest in Lexus to investigate what the GX550 is about. I wouldn't have looked at a Toyota either. Maybe you're right and the GX550 is a new player in town - but, I have no interest in playing with it. But, if one comes out on a trail with me - I'd love to see how it works!

The problem I see is when people start realizing they are paying the same price for a vehicle where the build quality is not even close, that is where ford loses. The bronco raptor just became a afterthought at almost $ 100,000.00 MSRP.

If a loaded GX 550 lists for $ 80,000.00, a LOADED WILDTRAK at $ 70,000.00 is $ 10,000.00 to high.

To be honest I don't think they're going for the same market.

Bronco is going after the off-road community with technology like front and rear lockers, sway-bar disconnect, trail-turn assist, etc. More of the 4x4 enthusiast crowd, people who like to tinker with their vehicles, bash them against rocks, etc. Essentially the same market as the Wrangler.

This is more of a threat to the Land Rover Defender and other off-road oriented luxury SUVs like the Jeep Wagoneer, Ford Expedition Timberline, etc. People who enjoy being outdoors on the weekends and during vacations, but aren't necessarily off-road enthusiasts who like to slap on 35/37" wheels and go off-roading in Moab or the Rubicon trail.

Don't get me wrong, there is some overlap between the markets. But when the most well-equipped trim comes with nothing more than a rear locker, its hard to see how it's a direct competitor.

Hopefully Toyota will do something special with the 4Runner (or a different vehicle), because I would love to see them come up with something awesome for the off-road enthusiast community.

WildsheepGS4

You are correct, but this is still a problem for ford because of the Lexus build quality and the interior experience to go along with REAL off road chops at a similar price point.

It’s definitely a problem.

Sorry, but I have to disagree with you.

Taken from my standpoint. I don't like Lexus, or any other luxury brand. Yes, since the Bronco (6G) was first delivered we've seen all kinds of people who came over from BMW, Lexus, and so on. But that's just the crowd that wanted the next BIG thing and have since moved on because it's too loud, drives like a truck.... blah blah blah.

Ford is targeting the Jeep crowd and "hopefully" former Bronco owners (like myself). And if I had to guess, we could give 2 sh*ts what any luxury brand puts out.

I can't stand Toyota products so I can't have an unbiased opinion, but even if I didn't it's missing the features that are most important to me - 2dr, 4cyl, manual, removable top.

That's not even getting into the giant plastic bumpers that will need to be replaced, the huge lift needed to go bigger than 33s, and I'm not seeing a front locker option?

Can't take the doors or the top off either. Sooo not really in the same class as far as I'm concerned. Just my two cents.