Potential newbie Raptor owner…help

[PaulNY]

Hello all, I’m considering buying a new ‘24 Braptor as I found a fresh September build and never test driven for $16k off MSRP. Before I do, the Lexus GX550 is on my radar as well. I realize this is A Bronco forum, but can you give me pros and cons of your Braptor experience? At $16k off MSRP, I’m essentially paying $83k for either as the GX is still selling well at MSRP. I’m leaning toward the Raptor, so help push me over the edge please

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[c-dubb]

Do it!

 

[DewarT]

Don’t know much about the GX550, but my Raptor puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. I got $6k+ off MSRP and was super happy with the purchase. Just a great all around vehicle. I have two 1500+ mile road trips in mine and some light off road and it’s just fun.

I have other vehicles to drive, but I have put 15,000 miles on the Raptor since March1 of this year… I live it.

 

[HeliPilot]

Just picked mine up a couple weeks ago. Already have over 2,000 miles. Traded out of my Badlands SAS. The Lexus will be quieter. The Bronco will be more fun. It’s an amazing piece of machinery. For the overall size, I still cannot believe how well it handles. And Sport mode will definitely put a smile on your face. I doubt the Lexus would do the same. I had a GX quite a few years ago, and it was a great vehicle for what it was. What it’s not, is a Raptor.

 

[stampede1]

You will have to add several thousand dollars to the Lexus purchase for the parts and labor to cut the doors and roof off.

 

[JerryC]

Simple, the Lexus is a better vehicle in almost every way except one. Badassery.

Run with the herd or be the Bad Boy in the Braptor.

(Insert joke about compensating here)


Seriously it's just comes down to what you like. Any Bronco is a compromise because of its offroad capability, the Braptor is another level up. The Lexus has the compromise reversed.

 

[AZ_Craig]

I'm going to probably piss a few people off and say that the OP may be better off with a GX550 being in upstate New York. I've been in Arizona for 16 years, but I'm originally from Westchester County, NY and spent just over 5 years up in Ithaca (and been all over the state).

Personally, I'd find utilizing a Raptor to its potential in the northeast pretty tricky to actually pull off. There just isn't that much terrain available to readily wheel it the way it can truly be used at its extremes.

I'd also find the width super intimidating in some areas of the northeast (ie: anything urbanized or with relatively narrow lanes). For instance, I know I would rather not drive one in NYC or Boston.

That being said, I'd probably struggle with the same decision (and I was pretty much down to a GX550 Overtrail+ or a Bronco Raptor). Knowing what I have ready access to in Arizona, Colorado, Utah and California was more than enough to push me towards the Raptor though even given its compromises.. If I lived in the east; it'd be a harder choice.

 

[PaulNY]

I'm going to probably piss a few people off and say that the OP may be better off with a GX550 being in upstate New York. I've been in Arizona for 16 years, but I'm originally from Westchester County, NY and spent just over 5 years up in Ithaca (and been all over the state).

Personally, I'd find utilizing a Raptor to its potential in the northeast pretty tricky to actually pull off. There just isn't that much terrain available to readily wheel it the way it can truly be used at its extremes.

I'd also find the width super intimidating in some areas of the northeast (ie: anything urbanized or with relatively narrow lanes). For instance, I know I would rather not drive one in NYC or Boston.

That being said, I'd probably struggle with the same decision (and I was pretty much down to a GX550 Overtrail+ or a Bronco Raptor). Knowing what I have ready access to in Arizona, Colorado, Utah and California was more than enough to push me towards the Raptor though even given its compromises.. If I lived in the east; it'd be a harder choice.

Thanks for the insight. I live an hour SE of Ithaca so the struggle is real and your points are what make my decision tough. As I’m sure you’re aware, there are wheeling places in nearby Vermont and the Catskills, but it’s certainly not abundant. It’s crazy really because upstate NY is rural and beautiful, so its a shame there aren’t more trails and off-road support..

Having had a GX460 in the past, I’m well aware of Lexus reliability. Albeit, the new twin turbo engine is having some growing pains. But, the GX while bulletproof is almost boring which isn’t necessarily a bad thing but doesn’t stir the soul. The Raptor, to me, is more fun to drive and as a member mentioned above, has ”badassery” going for it. It’s simply more fun. I could probably make the GX550 that way but would take a lot of money to do so. The $16k off MSRP that I can get on a fresh build Raptor with painted to match roof and fenders and loaded is enticing. Maybe if the GX550 could be had for a discount, I would feel differently. Currently, I’m leaning toward Raptor. I assume now in it’s 3rd year of production, the bugs have been worked out and it’s pretty reliable?

 

[Taltyman]

Our 23 Braptor has 15k miles. Only issue so far is the windshield is cracked in 2 places. Can only compare it to what we normally have which is always a 4x4 of some kind. A pickup or a Jeep. Way better than the Jeep in almost everything except the size which has pros and cons. MPG isn't great especially if you are pulling anything. Since we got it when they first came out we paid msrp and for that kind of money here is what I'm disappointed with. The Ac/Heat vents that are for the rear passengers is fairly worthless. No front seat AC. Manual seat adjustment. Lack of cup holders for rear (put some in). For what I do like. It's already equipped for most everything you need to offroad. Tires, lift, etc. Way quieter and no worry about a death wobble. Adding a winch is problematic however.

 

[raptorusmaximus]

I have almost 50k miles on my braptor, I've had no issues with it...... I still grin EVERY time i get in, it turns heads..... I love taking the doors and top off, of all the vehicles I've owned, everything from land cruisers to Porsche Macans, this is by far my favorite. It integrates off road capability, creature comforts and handles good too. Mines tuned so it drives like a sports car. Everyone has their own preferences and priorities but I think FUN should be at the top of the list.....I find myself looking for reasons to hop in and drive....." oh honey, we're out of milk again, I'll run and get some" lol....

 

[userdude]

I wouldn't underestimate how wide they are. I've heard them referred to a couch on wheels off road, so while it's not a luxury vehicle per se, they're still pretty nice. Try to test drive one if you can. If you can live with the width where you'll be driving it, then the Braptor is definitely a different experience worth having.

 

[AZ_Craig]

I wouldn't underestimate how wide they are. I've heard them referred to a couch on wheels off road, so while it's not a luxury vehicle per se, they're still pretty nice. Try to test drive one if you can. If you can live with the width where you'll be driving it, then the Braptor is definitely a different experience worth having.

I would agree with this, especially with the upgraded leather/suede interior. Materials quality was such a massive step up from the Wildtrak that the Raptor felt a lot more like a luxury vehicle to me with regards to the interior build.

Combine that with how amazing the suspension tuning is for a range of conditions (and the adaptable dampers) and it's really incredible how it can feel like a muscle car on-road and an absolute tank offroad.

 

[trek800z]

I own a '22 GX and a '24 Bronco; I live in the Northeast and I do mainly highway driving. My prior ride was a BMW X6 Dinan.. so I understand the dichotomy between a luxury SUV vs Off Road - I food habe easily afforded a Raptor but sorry , over 85-90k for what is the same box of rattles and wind noise that is my OBX. 4 months old, I have 13,000 miles already on my OBX.. the new GX off road is quite capable but it's also pretty huge to go rock hopping... so how much hopping you doing. I've been off road in the Catskills and my OBX kept up but for me it's overall ride experience ... and value and resale... Lexus wins on all.. yeah I know this is a fan club of Raptor owners; and honestly it's a totally different ownership experience but since it was the first time seeing these two compared the last thing to consider is service .. I kind a like my Lexus is valeted for service; I got a note from Ford offering same ; sure with a 4 month wait... I see badlands loaded up as a way better value... look at % resales across the Bronco space .. good luck with the decision .. ya could compromise and pick up a used Raptor; not many GX's out there yet

 

[AZ_Craig]

Thanks for the insight. I live an hour SE of Ithaca so the struggle is real and your points are what make my decision tough. As I’m sure you’re aware, there are wheeling places in nearby Vermont and the Catskills, but it’s certainly not abundant. It’s crazy really because upstate NY is rural and beautiful, so its a shame there aren’t more trails and off-road support..

Having had a GX460 in the past, I’m well aware of Lexus reliability. Albeit, the new twin turbo engine is having some growing pains. But, the GX while bulletproof is almost boring which isn’t necessarily a bad thing but doesn’t stir the soul. The Raptor, to me, is more fun to drive and as a member mentioned above, has ”badassery” going for it. It’s simply more fun. I could probably make the GX550 that way but would take a lot of money to do so. The $16k off MSRP that I can get on a fresh build Raptor with painted to match roof and fenders and loaded is enticing. Maybe if the GX550 could be had for a discount, I would feel differently. Currently, I’m leaning toward Raptor. I assume now in it’s 3rd year of production, the bugs have been worked out and it’s pretty reliable?

I think it all comes down to how much public, federal land is there near you. There isn't a whole lot of it east of the MIssissippi river and that simply makes offroaders not quite as usable in their true element for that part of the country. In a place like Phoenix you can literally go 30 to 45 minutes out of the center of the city and be into pretty great terrain to wheel (with a whole lot more within a few hours of you).

The GX550 is definitely kind of boring and I personally hated the amount of cladding they put on it, especially in Overtrail guise (all that black plastic to mean just cheapens the vehicle, especially if you compare how it looks to a Defender). Materials quality may be a bit higher on the Lexus, but don't underestimate how nice Ford made the Braptor. They also are probably equally thirsty vehicles; Lexus will maybe beat the Bronco a bit on-road for highway driving (been hearing of folks getting around 17 to 18 mpg while I definitely struggle to keep about 16 with our Braptor so far). It's a rounding error however.

Two other things to think about.

One, I imagine Braptor residual prices may actually end up higher than the GX550 (especially if you compare it to its actual purchase price as opposed to the MSRP for those of us who got these good discounts now). Lexus residuals are best in class for a luxury make, but luxury brands still depreciate faster significantly no matter what (for instance, compare a Toyota 4Runner depreciation curve to a Lexus GX460). Jeep Wranglers have historically had stupid high residual values and from what I've seen Broncos are holding out pretty well also (perhaps somewhat due to the MSRP increases).

Second, what is your use case? Is the Bronco Raptor going to be your daily driver? Do you have access to another vehicle? Do you live in a multi vehicle household? My wife and I don't relaly have "his" and "her" cars per-say, generally one of us takes our EV if we're commuting on roads with HOV lane access or driving more miles for the day and we probably tend to use the Kia way more when we're sticking within 50 miles of home as it literally costs me cents per mile to run versus a significant amoutn more with our SUVs (we had a 4Runner before this).

If you're going to have some flexibility, worry less about going with the Braptor then as you can avoid using it in the 5 to 10 percent of situations where you really wouldn't want to and just enjoy the damn thing otherwise.

Certain vehicles I've found have this kind of undescrible emotional element to them. I missed that with 2 Toyotas after having a 2012 Rubicon Unlimited for 4+ years. It was also part of why I really didn't care for my 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport as it just felt sterile after having a VW Golf R and a Audi TT-S. The Raptor will literally make you feel like you're in something special every time you drive it; because you are! A GX550... Probably not as much .

 

[PaulNY]

I think it all comes down to how much public, federal land is there near you. There isn't a whole lot of it east of the MIssissippi river and that simply makes offroaders not quite as usable in their true element for that part of the country. In a place like Phoenix you can literally go 30 to 45 minutes out of the center of the city and be into pretty great terrain to wheel (with a whole lot more within a few hours of you).

The GX550 is definitely kind of boring and I personally hated the amount of cladding they put on it, especially in Overtrail guise (all that black plastic to mean just cheapens the vehicle, especially if you compare how it looks to a Defender). Materials quality may be a bit higher on the Lexus, but don't underestimate how nice Ford made the Braptor. They also are probably equally thirsty vehicles; Lexus will maybe beat the Bronco a bit on-road for highway driving (been hearing of folks getting around 17 to 18 mpg while I definitely struggle to keep about 16 with our Braptor so far). It's a rounding error however.

Two other things to think about.

One, I imagine Braptor residual prices may actually end up higher than the GX550 (especially if you compare it to its actual purchase price as opposed to the MSRP for those of us who got these good discounts now). Lexus residuals are best in class for a luxury make, but luxury brands still depreciate faster significantly no matter what (for instance, compare a Toyota 4Runner depreciation curve to a Lexus GX460). Jeep Wranglers have historically had stupid high residual values and from what I've seen Broncos are holding out pretty well also (perhaps somewhat due to the MSRP increases).

Second, what is your use case? Is the Bronco Raptor going to be your daily driver? Do you have access to another vehicle? Do you live in a multi vehicle household? My wife and I don't relaly have "his" and "her" cars per-say, generally one of us takes our EV if we're commuting on roads with HOV lane access or driving more miles for the day and we probably tend to use the Kia way more when we're sticking within 50 miles of home as it literally costs me cents per mile to run versus a significant amoutn more with our SUVs (we had a 4Runner before this).

If you're going to have some flexibility, worry less about going with the Braptor then as you can avoid using it in the 5 to 10 percent of situations where you really wouldn't want to and just enjoy the damn thing otherwise.

Certain vehicles I've found have this kind of undescrible emotional element to them. I missed that with 2 Toyotas after having a 2012 Rubicon Unlimited for 4+ years. It was also part of why I really didn't care for my 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport as it just felt sterile after having a VW Golf R and a Audi TT-S. The Raptor will literally make you feel like you're in something special every time you drive it; because you are! A GX550... Probably not as much .

Thanks for the reply. Yes, it’s going to be my daily but I’m 15 minutes from work so no biggie. We have two cars as I recently bought my wife a new ‘24 Sante Fe hybrid which she loves. So, for any distance driving we take it.

For me, now that I‘m 53 and am not dead yet, I do prefer an automobile that stirs the soul. I want to have fun and as an auto enthusiast, my fear is that the GX550 will be boring in comparison. Granted, and as you’ve mentioned, upstate NY is not an overland rich community but I may have some adventures in roads never ventured before. Plus, I can travel to some off-road events as well.

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