Ford Confirms Bronco Hybrid in Least Surprising News Ever
Ford finally confirms one detail about the reborn 2020 Bronco, but it isn’t exactly earth-shattering news.
We’ve known that Ford is bringing back the Bronco in 2020 for, well, what seems like years now. And yet, the Blue Oval just refuses to give us many clues as to what it’s actually going to be like. Sure, we’ve received a sneak peak at its basic shape. We know that it’s going to be built to conquer off-road trails. And we also know that it’ll likely pack the same 2.3-liter Ecoboost four-cylinder as its platform mate, the Ranger. But now, we actually have a confirmed tidbit concerning the Bronco to pass along – it’s for sure going to come in hybrid form as well.
We know this because Ford CEO Jim Hackett said so during the automaker’s annual shareholder meeting. And, well, this news shouldn’t surprise anyone. After all, Ford is determined to offer a hybrid version of virtually every vehicle they produce going forward. That already includes the all-new 2020 Explorer and Escape, with many more in the works. And of course, Ford is also openly working on building a Mustang-based all-electric SUV. And, as we recently learned, both an F-150 hybrid and all-electric version of their perennial best-seller.
Of course, we doubt that hardcore, old school Bronco fans will much care for this option. But it does appear that Ford is working to make the 2020 Bronco something for everyone, at least. We already know that it’ll have a removable roof and doors, squared-off styling, two or four-door configurations, and maybe even a 7-speed manual transmission(!). Now all we need is for Ford to make the 5.0-liter Coyote V8 an option, and we’re all set.
Sadly, that’s probably wishful thinking. More likely than not, the 2.7-liter Ecoboost V6 will wind up being the new Bronco’s top engine choice. But we can dream, no? And if you don’t mind a little bit of electrification, the hybrid might actually turn out to be a pretty fun, no compromise powertrain choice. The 2020 Explorer Hybrid’s 3.3-liter V6 produces a solid 318 hp and 336 lb-ft of torque, with an additional 47 hp coming from electricity.
That may not be enough to win over Bronco die-hards, but that isn’t really the point. The point is, Ford needs to build trucks and SUVs to suit everyone. And a torquey, fuel-efficient, capable off-roader isn’t the worst thing in the world, now is it?
Photos: Ford Motor Company, Ford Truck Enthusiasts
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