Compared to a Defender - some general thoughts and concerns.

[DryYourTears]

I'm glad this thread exists! I've been getting sort of bored with the waiting on the Bronco and made the mistake of visiting the Defender build and price, yesterday. There is a LOT there to like.

I know it's different than the Bronco (capable but less rock-crawly / truck-like), it's a touch more expensive, and the history of reliability issues, but I think I'm going to go check one out in person this weekend. The wife suggested it so she's on-board. I've never owned anything but a Ford (many Rangers, a Fusion, an Escape), but I'm tempted. The cooled seats and some of the other tech and comfort features could really sell me, plus the substantially better towing capacity. We're looking at doing some car travel and camping with the dogs, so I think it could serve us well!

No hate on Ford, but it's been a long wait, I've been wanting something different since my reservation, and who knows how much longer I'll be waiting on the Bronco build, even with an early 7/14 reservation. I can always get the Bronco in a few years if I decide to go with the Landy.

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[shoelessjoe]

I'm glad this thread exists! I've been getting sort of bored with the waiting on the Bronco and made the mistake of visiting the Defender build and price, yesterday. There is a LOT there to like.

I know it's different than the Bronco (capable but less rock-crawly / truck-like), it's a touch more expensive, and the history of reliability issues, but I think I'm going to go check one out in person this weekend. The wife suggested it so she's on-board. I've never owned anything but a Ford (many Rangers, a Fusion, an Escape), but I'm tempted. The cooled seats and some of the other tech and comfort features could really sell me, plus the substantially better towing capacity. We're looking at doing some car travel and camping with the dogs, so I think it could serve us well!

No hate on Ford, but it's been a long wait, I've been wanting something different since my reservation, and who knows how much longer I'll be waiting on the Bronco build, even with an early 7/14 reservation. I can always get the Bronco in a few years if I decide to go with the Landy.

Watch the TFL guys YouTube videos on their experience with the Defender.

 

[DryYourTears]

Watch the TFL guys YouTube videos on their experience with the Defender.

One primary thing I'm getting is they have especially bad issues with "first year new model" issues. I've noted that I shouldn't take a deal on a 2020 that is still on the lot.

 

[Springbok]

I'm glad this thread exists! I've been getting sort of bored with the waiting on the Bronco and made the mistake of visiting the Defender build and price, yesterday. There is a LOT there to like.

I know it's different than the Bronco (capable but less rock-crawly / truck-like), it's a touch more expensive, and the history of reliability issues, but I think I'm going to go check one out in person this weekend. The wife suggested it so she's on-board. I've never owned anything but a Ford (many Rangers, a Fusion, an Escape), but I'm tempted. The cooled seats and some of the other tech and comfort features could really sell me, plus the substantially better towing capacity. We're looking at doing some car travel and camping with the dogs, so I think it could serve us well!

No hate on Ford, but it's been a long wait, I've been wanting something different since my reservation, and who knows how much longer I'll be waiting on the Bronco build, even with an early 7/14 reservation. I can always get the Bronco in a few years if I decide to go with the Landy.

They're really hard to get at the moment, but most dealers should have at least one on the lot as their "demo". It's a great driving truck with very nice interior and a smooth ride. Actually, bone stock they are surprisingly capable - TFL took one up to CO and compared with the new Jeep 392 Wrangler and it performed quite well - especially considering its competition.

Biggest drawback to those other than price is again, reliability. You're rolling the dice buying a Land Rover in general, especially one in the first 1-2 years of it's prod cycle. I'd argue the same of the Bronco too though, but Ford has a much better track record in reliability and repair schedule than LR.

It's all relative though, if you can afford a $70k+ truck you can probably afford the repairs that will possibly come with it. For me, I plan to own it for the life of the warranty and then see where I'm at. First "mod" is the 1.5" Johnson rod lift, new tires and a nice roof rack for my overland stuff.

 

[csj]

Haven't read this whole thread, maybe someone already noted in the latest 4 Wheeler magazine suv of the year article, the new Defender came in 4th out of 4. Had some electrical issues during the test, and they also had a difficult time figuring out all the various settings. FWIW the GMC Yukon At4 came in first.

 

[DryYourTears]

Took a test drive of the Defender, today. The sales person randomly selected an X-dynamic with some added features (very close to the 2022 Defender XS feature-wise) so it had the fancy 360 camera system (which is ridiculously cool) and the rear-view mirror / camera system, which was also pretty cool, actually. About $10k more than a fully loaded Bronco (sticker), but I'm not sure I need a center console refrigerator. I didn't have any expectations, but after driving it for a good 20 minutes or so, I didn't want to give it back. Good power, super posh ride, great sight lines. I know the Bronco will be more truck-like (only got to sit in one, but I have plenty of Ford experience), but the Defender is a real challenger, for me. I'll wait to see when they expect to build my Bronco (compared to delivery time on a Defender) and make my decision. Reliability is a consideration and if they didn't have issues with that, I'd probably be leaning very strongly towards the Defender.

Also, props to the dealer. Scanned my license, had me sign a form, showed me the basics, and send me on my way. Also didn't harass me afterwards... actually didn't try any forceful sales tactics. 10/10, would visit again or buy car from.

 

[Gamecock]

Haven't read this whole thread, maybe someone already noted in the latest 4 Wheeler magazine suv of the year article, the new Defender came in 4th out of 4. Had some electrical issues during the test, and they also had a difficult time figuring out all the various settings. FWIW the GMC Yukon At4 came in first.

Not to mention they are hideous and have no character....oh, but that soft touch dash is divine...

 

[Deleted member 9326]

Not to mention they are hideous and have no character....oh, but that soft touch dash is divine...

LoL fanboi
Edit to add there's some interesting comments on here from folk genuinely considering both Defender and Bronco, so maybe refrain from posting if you can't afford a Defender or are blindly loyal to Ford.

 

[DryYourTears]

Haven't read this whole thread, maybe someone already noted in the latest 4 Wheeler magazine suv of the year article, the new Defender came in 4th out of 4. Had some electrical issues during the test, and they also had a difficult time figuring out all the various settings. FWIW the GMC Yukon At4 came in first.

It definitely has a LOT of settings on the touchscreen, and may buttons. Would take some getting used to.

Not to mention they are hideous and have no character....oh, but that soft touch dash is divine...

LOL. For every vehicle made there are plenty of people who find them hideous. I bet there are plenty of people out there who hate the new Bronco. To each their own! I find both the Bronco and Defender to be attractive vehicles. The storage area for the front passenger was cool, and that soft touch dash WAS pretty nice now that you mention it...

 

[Balthezor]

This is the Bronco forum. But we also in the Bronco vs. competition section... I think we can talk about Defender no?

 

[NCOBX]

LoL fanboi
Edit to add there's some interesting comments on here from folk genuinely considering both Defender and Bronco, so maybe refrain from posting if you can't afford a Defender or are blindly loyal to Ford.

Can afford defender and not loyal Ford customer, or Jeep fwiw. The defender is a horrid abomination, unibody construction is NOT meant for off-road. Land Rover cheaped out because it knew its customer base was more likely to visit Starbucks than ever see a gravel road.

 

[NCOBX]

This is the Bronco forum. But we also in the Bronco vs. competition section... I think we can talk about Defender no?

I would think they meant actual competition for the Bronco, not an X5 competitor.

 

[John Bronco_ I am here]

.... but I'm not sure I need a center console refrigerator......

Funny I'm looking at one of those for my super duty. Last month I completed a 4,000 mile road trip, had my fridge in the bed and it was inconvenient. Then, I saw the Dometic CCF-T. I have it in a check out basket now, still debating. $599 delivered..... hmmm....

 

[Balthezor]

I would think they meant actual competition for the Bronco, not an X5 competitor.

Good point.

 

[DryYourTears]

I fall into neither category, dikwad. Defender is ok, but not in the Bronco class, not really similar...and this forum is a Bronco forum. Sorry if you want that goofy piece of crap to slurp your warmed soy milk in, but it’s not for many who would want a Bronco.

You sound like a real fun guy. It's a shame we didn't get to chat at the Bronco event at Battlefield Ford since it appears we were there at the same time, since you managed to catch my reflection in a photo. Think of all the calm and well-reasoned discussions we could have had! For example, I could tell you about my favorite soy milk, and where the carton would fit in the Bronco since there just aren't enough cupholders! At least the Defender can keep it chilled in that center console!

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