Raptor or Filson?

[dougcjohn]

Ford doesn’t break out Bronco sales by trim level, but there have likely been more cybertrucks sold since their introduction in 2022 (between 60-63K) than Braptors since 2021 (estimated at less than 10% of total Bronco sales). Hard to believe, but likely true! I’m sure the cybertruck is also good at starting conversations with strangers — ones that include expletives!

I’m sure you’re correct on Cyber Truck sales… for multiple reasons. Also agree, percentage the BRaptor is the lowest number sold of Bronco… again for multiple reasons, probably the lowest reason is it’s looks or build. For Owner's that retains their vehicles for years… that’s great news for resale, the lower numbers help with resale, collectible, and keeping it unique in appearance.

You see an older Porsche wide fender & whale tail… still get noticed as different from normal. Some hate it… I’ve always found them beautiful and they too were a pleasure to drive!

Still find it humorous how so many negative comments come from the Bronco community, when it’s highly admired by so many elsewhere. What difference does it make if you don’t like its looks… I find it even more entertaining reading the comments… relax it’s not yours… Enjoy your Bronco.

Sponsored

 

[kojak8]

No on Filson, I just don’t get it. Too booshy and stuffy for what a Bronco is.

 

[crzyhawk]

I'd go with the Filson

 

[ducksface]

https://www.google.com/search?q=saa...rceid=chrome-mobile&source=chrome.ob&ie=UTF-8

A 6.0LS trailblazer disguised as high end.
I expect as many
fillson footnotes
to sell.

Does anyone remember the explorer limited?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/125976283908
5% of explorer sales including year end holdovers discounted to the level of base models.

Can we do Lincoln trucks now?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln_Blackwood
I love blackwoods. For some cosmic reason unknown, anywhere in the USA, I'll manage to be parked near one at least 6 times a year.

But
We dont know what kind of write-off these types of projects generates for ford.

Base:
I dont care. I'm just trying to inject some sense into the nonsensical of all the folks who say they want one.

 

[HalfmuleFarmer]

No on Filson, I just don’t get it. Too booshy and stuffy for what a Bronco is.

Exactly who they’re going after. The people with the $80K+ and the snooty taste — who would never buy the Braptor.

 

[FoCoBronc]

https://www.google.com/search?q=saa...rceid=chrome-mobile&source=chrome.ob&ie=UTF-8

A 6.0LS trailblazer disguised as high end.
I expect as many
fillson footnotes
to sell.

Does anyone remember the explorer limited?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/125976283908
5% of explorer sales including year end holdovers discounted to the level of base models.

Can we do Lincoln trucks now?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln_Blackwood
I love blackwoods. For some cosmic reason unknown, anywhere in the USA, I'll manage to be parked near one at least 6 times a year.

But
We dont know what kind of write-off these types of projects generates for ford.

Base:
I dont care. I'm just trying to inject some sense into the nonsensical of all the folks who say they want one.

 

[BlackMagicMojo]

Snooty usually buy Land Rovers not dolled up Broncos. I think the Filson is for those that like the look of the Bronco but stay on pavement.

I on the other hand prefer bat sh*t crazy engineering.

 

[HalfmuleFarmer]

Snooty usually buy Land Rovers not dolled up Broncos. I think the Filson is for those that like the look of the Bronco but stay on pavement.

+80% of all Broncos, including Braptors, stay on the pavement, if Ford is to be believed. And the Filson will likely be priced loaded where the Land Rover begins. Is there a market segment there to be had? We’ll see. Ford thinks so, and they never make miscalculations, do they?

 

[Tacoman]

On my 3rd Braptor! Love them, but i also love my new badlands as well.....

 

[Dral97]

Similar boat here. I have a FE and love it, but now that it's 5 years on, I'm ready to upgrade a bit. For me, it's Raptor vs Filson vs something with the 7MT. If either the Braptor or Filson offered the 7MT, it would be a no brainer.

I think I've landed on the Filson. I did not like the Braptor flares at first, but now that they have painted ones, I've kinda grown to like them, or at least not mind them. Though I think I like the idea of something that looks more like the regular bronco but with the extra kick of the 3.0.

 

[desertdogs50]

My wife and I own two BRaptors, hers we bought in 2023 and mine last year is a 2025. Her fender flares were the original non painted standard, and mine painted. Everyone is always going to have an opinion and the strongest ones are those who don't own a BRaptor. My opinion. So We have enjoyed our Broncos and don't see moving on two any thing else. I feel this is the best vehicle Ford has every delivered, style wise, ride, performance, etc. Again, my opinion. Since 2006 I have owned, 4 JEEP Wrangles, All 3 GENs of F150 Raptors, RAM 1500s (2), 2021 RAM TRX (Gas Guzzler) but fun, Shelby mustang, mustang GTs and a few Dodge challengers, yes I get bored. But the BRAPTOR is here to stay, my wife laughs at that statement. But I'm firm, I think, I'm going over a year with the same vehicle, she loves her BR, but I know I don't need a truck, I don't have use for a sports car, and my dogs love the room. I can also get 25 bags of mulch in my BR. I think any Bronco Raptor or other Trim are great vehicles. And back to the flares, everyone has an opinion.

 

[HalfmuleFarmer]

I’m sure you’re correct on Cyber Truck sales… for multiple reasons. Also agree, percentage the BRaptor is the lowest number sold of Bronco… again for multiple reasons, probably the lowest reason is it’s looks or build. For Owner's that retains their vehicles for years… that’s great news for resale, the lower numbers help with resale, collectible, and keeping it unique in appearance.

You see an older Porsche wide fender & whale tail… still get noticed as different from normal. Some hate it… I’ve always found them beautiful and they too were a pleasure to drive!

Still find it humorous how so many negative comments come from the Bronco community, when it’s highly admired by so many elsewhere. What difference does it make if you don’t like its looks… I find it even more entertaining reading the comments… relax it’s not yours… Enjoy your Bronco.

The whale-tail (mid 70s to late 80s) Porsche 911 is a pretty good comparison. Very impressive high-end engineering paired with very polarizing aesthetics. It brought the exaggerated design language of a racing Porsche to a consumer vehicle, just as the Braptor references a visual style that relates to Ford Performance Bronco Rs and KOH and Baja race builds.

Porsche purists and auto design nerds thought the whale-tail was an abomination and an offense against the iconic 911 silhouette and classic proportions. It was a brand personality issue. Despite its performance, the traditional 911 was understated and classy. The whale-tail was not. It demanded attention.

The Braptor is a similar “go to hell” design. It’s an unusual, powerful, and aggressively styled vehicle, from nose to tail. It’s not trying to be subtle. Few Ford buyers *need* the capability engineered into the Braptor (or the Badlands), just like few Porsche drivers hit speeds where the whale-tail would actually kick in and reduce rear-end lift. But in the end, it’s not about need for most people who buy expensive cars, it’s about want, reinforcing a self-image, and maybe a bit of communicating something about yourself to the world by your choice.

 

[dougcjohn]

The whale-tail (mid 70s to late 80s) Porsche 911 is a pretty good comparison. Very impressive high-end engineering paired with very polarizing aesthetics. It brought the exaggerated design language of a racing Porsche to a consumer vehicle, just as the Braptor references a visual style that relates to Ford Performance Bronco Rs and KOH and Baja race builds.

Porsche purists and auto design nerds thought the whale-tail was an abomination and an offense against the iconic 911 silhouette and classic proportions. It was a brand personality issue. Despite its performance, the traditional 911 was understated and classy. The whale-tail was not. It demanded attention.

The Braptor is a similar “go to hell” design. It’s an unusual, powerful, and aggressively styled vehicle, from nose to tail. It’s not trying to be subtle. Few Ford buyers *need* the capability engineered into the Braptor (or the Badlands), just like few Porsche drivers hit speeds where the whale-tail would actually kick in and reduce rear-end lift. But in the end, it’s not about need for most people who buy expensive cars, it’s about want, reinforcing a self-image, and maybe a bit of communicating something about yourself to the world by your choice.

You gave that some thought... and pretty much spot on too!
I was stationed at Pentagon '79-'81, and when State Side, my drive into work saw several Whale Tails owned by Corporate Big Shots and High Brass. I also worked PT when able at Shell station to help cover non-budget toys (weapons, reloading equip, cars, etc) and would Drool like a Teenager over the Whale Tail 911's. The huge rear fender flairs were so beautifully curved and slopped, the sound of the Turbos, the distinctive Whale Tail and huge coolers within tail... every thing was a statement of brute uniqueness. Wanted one badly, treated myself in '83 and enjoyed it for several years... saw a few at show recently, wish I never sold mine.... the Whalers are 40+ years classic now, not only are they still sexy as heck, now they're iconic of old Porsche Power! The BRaptor I saw the same... the Fender's curves and shape are reminiscent to an old Guy's love of fat tire, huge flair styling... captured in an Off-Road muscle look; stance, Nose, etc. It's either the distinctive build of the BRaptor or an old Army attitude... it Rocks and those not on board, well to bad and good for the BRaptor Owners who get it.

Sponsored