( The Gas Station is where American Cars And Racing Executive Editor Gary Gastelu vents his opinions. Feel free to let us know if you think they stink. )
The reborn Bronco has been an undeniable hit for Ford.
It’s been stealing market share from the Jeep Wrangler and sales have been growing since it launched for the 2021 model year.
The Bronco and Wrangler aren’t for everyone, however, as the continued success of the hardtop Toyota 4Runner that competes against them in the midsize off-road SUV truck space proves.
FORD BRONCO V JEEP WRANGLER V TOYOTA 4RUNNER: WHICH IS THE USA’S FAVORITE OFF-ROAD SUV?
If only Ford had something to compete more directly with the Toyota. Oh, wait, it does.
Ford sells a model called the Everest in other markets that’s about the same size as the Bronco but has a permanent fixed roof and three rows of seating. It’s even based on the same basic body-on-frame platform as the Bronco, which is also shared with the Ford Ranger.
2024 US-BUILT TRUCK OF THE YEARTM: FORD RANGER RAPTOR
Ford Australia has now revealed an Everest Tremor trim that gets similar updates to the Tremor pickup models Ford sells in the U.S., which included the previous generation Ranger, but not yet the new one.
The changes include an extra inch of ground clearance, chunky General Grabber tires, position-sensitive Bilstein off-road shocks and new springs, underbody protection, rock rails and a few other enhancements to make it a tougher truck.
It’s powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 diesel rated at 247 hp and 443 lb-ft that’s not offered in the U.S., but other Everest trims feature gasoline engines.
Even with its live rear axle, or perhaps because of it, it’s hard to imagine the Thailand-built Everest Tremor wouldn’t be a popular model in the U.S. Aside from cannibalizing Bronco sales, Ford may also be concerned about it overshadowing the Explorer, which has three rows of seats, but is a crossover SUV. So here’s another idea.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE FUMES FROM THE GAS STATION
Much like the 4Runner, the Lexus GX has long been a top model for the luxury brand. It was just redesigned for 2024 and is sold alongside the also-new Lexus TX three-row crossover SUV that competes with the Lincoln Aviator, which is based on the same chassis as Ford Explorer.
Lincoln has been going for the same kind of chill luxury vibe as Lexus recently, which may not be a surprise since Ford CEO Jim Farley used to run the brand in the U.S. So why not dress up the Everest a little and offer it as both a GX competitor and luxury alternative to the Bronco? Mercedes-Benz has the similarly rugged G-Class, which stands out in its lineup like a sore thumb, but sells for upwards of $200,000.
Read Also: FORD REVEALS OFF-ROAD MUSTANG AND MACH 4 SEDAN
It would have to lose the Tremor trim name, since that’s a Ford thing, but I’m sure they can come up with something. Maybe Lincoln can try to redeem the Blackwood name or call it the Intercontinental, since it would be bringing it in from overseas.
What do you think? Would you like to see Ford or Lincoln sell something like the Everest Tremor?
Follow us on X and let us know.
