Electric Horse: A Hybrid Ford Bronco Is on the Way
Rugged off-roader joins other Ford SUVs in offering an electrified version.
There will be a hybrid version of the new Ford Bronco, the rugged SUV that the automaker is reviving next year. The inclusion of a hybrid was confirmed recently by CEO Jim Hackett during Ford’s annual shareholder meeting. This isn’t a big surprise, as Ford’s main focus going forward is on trucks, SUVs, and commercial vehicles, and the automaker is spending $11 billion to electrify them over the next four years.
The Bronco goes on sale late next year. As details trickle out, we know there will be two- and four-door models and a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive for a rugged vehicle that will take on the Jeep Wrangler, which itself offers a mildly hybridized four-cylinder version now and will be available as a plug-in in 2020. The Bronco’s doors and roof will be removable and can be cleverly stashed in the cargo hold. There will be a spare tire on the back and giant letters spelling Bronco across the front.
In terms of powertrains, educated guesses include the 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder and perhaps the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 as the top-spec engine. Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission is expected, while we’d love the option of a manual.
