Artist-Created Competitior Concept: Third-Gen Nissan Xterra

[Elegance]

I stumbled across an article this morning showcasing fan-created concept art for the all new Nissan Xterra. These are digital renderings created by an automotive artist and are not affiliated with Nissan (yet).

These are very blatantly just a photoshopped First Edition down to the FE badge on the front doors and Ford badge on the liftgate. However, it did get me thinking. We've seen some real company-backed photos of Sport competitors to come out over the next year, such as the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2024 Honda CRV (if you give a little slack in the looks department). What competitor-introduced improvements to the Sport would make you consider actually switching? I noticed this render includes a beefier factory skid plate and upgraded tail lights more akin to the Range Rover. I'm a Bronco loyalist through and through, but I fully expect that the "next big thing" could corner some of the market if the right features are improved (i.e. more quality interior, factory metal bumper, bigger engine, etc.). What are your thoughts and what would make you consider other models? Conversely, what would Ford need to improve to keep up with competitors?

 

[rocks]

Definitely looks more rugged. I like the tail lights. If somehow Nissan adds the 3.5L 6cyl, I'd be very interested.

 

[Jmuns]

I love my BS, but I think if you added in some of the things people always talk about you become something that the vast majority of people in the market for the BS aren't looking for, which is a true 4x4 off-road vehicle. Ford makes that already. People always want metal bumpers, 33in tires, bigger engine, a winch etc. You can get that. It's called a Bronco.

For the CUV market, it's hard to add in features of a true SUV and have the vehicle still price into a mass market category IMO.

Now if Ford turned the BS into a true mini Bronco and you could take the doors off, maybe the roof or at least a panel or two, I'd be very interested in that versus moving up to the full size which I am considering. People buy Jeeps to take the top and doors off probably more than they do to take them off-road. That would sell a ton more BS to that crowd immediately.

 

[Tigger]

@Jmuns said one of my two in that if I could take off the roof and doors, that would interest me. The other would be if it was a hybrid getting 40+ mpg but still can off-road as good as the Badlands Sport.

 

[MJE]

I stumbled across an article this morning showcasing fan-created concept art for the all new Nissan Xterra. These are digital renderings created by an automotive artist and are not affiliated with Nissan (yet).

These are very blatantly just a photoshopped First Edition down to the FE badge on the front doors and Ford badge on the liftgate. However, it did get me thinking. We've seen some real company-backed photos of Sport competitors to come out over the next year, such as the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2024 Honda CRV (if you give a little slack in the looks department). What competitor-introduced improvements to the Sport would make you consider actually switching? I noticed this render includes a beefier factory skid plate and upgraded tail lights more akin to the Range Rover. I'm a Bronco loyalist through and through, but I fully expect that the "next big thing" could corner some of the market if the right features are improved (i.e. more quality interior, factory metal bumper, bigger engine, etc.). What are your thoughts and what would make you consider other models? Conversely, what would Ford need to improve to keep up with competitors?

Uh wow. Surely they’d have come closer if they started with a current gen Frontier? The next big thing for me might be a fixed roof Bronco as a Land Cruiser competitor. The Everest could be marketed as such.

 

[rootdoc]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Ford Motor Company should enhance the Bronco and Bronco Sport by making a true ICE/electric hybrid off-road vehicle (no plug-in stuff). To me, that would garner additional interest and corner the SUV market.

 

[Bucko]

Fugly looking front end.

Looks like the Griswalds station wagon.

 

[Mark S.]

Fugly...

 

[Bronclahoma]

Ford doesn't need to do anything to keep up. Their retro styling of the Bronco and BS is influencing other manufacturers to keep up. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Ford needs to offter an option for the 2.0L across the BS line-up. The so-called Dragon engine is gutless and seems to have many more problems. The Broncos are a hit and still can't keep up with demand. I doubt Ford will spend bucks on major redsigns soon.

 

[wessermgm]

The Bronco lineup is due for a mid-cycle refresh at least. The 14th Gen of the F-150 debuted at the same time as the Bronco and the Sport. The 2024 version is already refreshed. I would expect some changes for the 2025 Bronco Sport. If not, then they are definitely trending against typical Ford dogma.

 

[rocks]

Ford doesn't need to do anything to keep up. Their retro styling of the Bronco and BS is influencing other manufacturers to keep up. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Ford needs to offter an option for the 2.0L across the BS line-up. The so-called Dragon engine is gutless and seems to have many more problems. The Broncos are a hit and still can't keep up with demand. I doubt Ford will spend bucks on major redsigns soon.

Well stated!

 

[Robink]

I'd probably sell my Bronco Sport. I have a 2004 Exterra with 245000 miles on it. Bar none the best vehicle I've ever had. It was a shame they stopped making them. They had a huge following. I replaced it with the BS because everything else I wanted was too expensive to maintain. And the gas mileage sucks on the big Broncos. I'd like to see the Sport with more clearance without us having to add a measly 2 inches to it.

 

[rocks]

I'd probably sell my Bronco Sport. I have a 2004 Exterra with 245000 miles on it. Bar none the best vehicle I've ever had. It was a shame they stopped making them. They had a huge following. I replaced it with the BS because everything else I wanted was too expensive to maintain. And the gas mileage sucks on the big Broncos. I'd like to see the Sport with more clearance without us having to add a measly 2 inches to it.

Good luck with getting 245K miles on the 1.5L. I only bought the 1.5L because I do maybe 5K miles per and don't keep a vehicle too long. I trust the 2.0L much more having had the engine in an MKC and Corsair. Ford definitely should add the 2.0L to the BS option list.

 

[Robink]

Good luck with getting 245K miles on the 1.5L. I only bought the 1.5L because I do maybe 5K miles per and don't keep a vehicle too long. I trust the 2.0L much more having had the engine in an MKC and Corsair. Ford definitely should add the 2.0L to the BS option list.

I should have done better research before I bought this I admit. I've had that car for 19 year's. I keep them until they die. However I do realize vehicles these days aren't made to last. At least American made ones. We'll see how long this one goes for.

 

[Mark S.]

Ford needs to offter an option for the 2.0L across the BS line-up. The so-called Dragon engine is gutless and seems to have many more problems.

The 2.0L is a more mature platform, but I don't believe it had any few teething issues than the 1.5L during its first few production years. I don't see Ford abandoning the 1.5L any time soon. Federal fleet fuel economy standards make that very unlikely; EPA figures put the Dragon's fuel economy at nearly 15% better than the 2.0L, with many owners reporting much better than EPA figures.

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