The Ford Bronco PHEV should prove to be a formidable foe for the Jeep Wrangler 4xe.
Electric Avenue
Ever since the all-new sixth-generation Ford Bronco debuted for the 2021 model year, rumors of a plug-in hybrid version have persisted. And really, such a thing makes too much sense not to happen, particularly since its chief rival - the Jeep Wrangler - can already be had in PHEV, 4xe form. While the Bronco PHEV has yet to be revealed, there are some pretty obvious things that we can expect to see when that day does eventually come, however.
Photos: Ford
Powertrain
The biggest question, of course, is what will power the Bronco PHEV? And the answer, well, is relatively simple - it will most likely utilize the existing 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4, coupled with an 18 kWh battery. This is precisely the same type of setup rumored to be coming to the future Ranger PHEV - with which the Bronco shares Ford's T6 platform, so it makes a lot of sense.
Photos: Ford
Fuel Economy
The big benefit, of course, is improved fuel economy. It's unclear just what sort of a boost we can expect to see from the Bronco PHEV in that department, but the Wrangler 4xe gets a combined 20 mpg, which isn't exactly great, but the model's all-electric driving range is a huge boost in that department.
Photos: Ford
All-Electric Driving Range
Speaking of all-electric driving range, we can expect to see around 30 miles from the Bronco PHEV, which is one of the most compelling reasons to own a plug-in hybrid in the first place. You get the same benefit as an EV for short, around-town distances, which is what many people drive on a daily basis, anyway.
Photos: Ford
Power
Another benefit of PHEVs is that they can often offer up considerably more power than their regular, gas-powered counterparts. The Explorer PHEV - which is only sold in Europe - is by far the most powerful model in the crossover's lineup, for example, churning out 450 horsepower and a whopping 620 pound-feet of torque.
Photos: Ford
Configurations
However, we don't exactly expect Ford to offer the Bronco PHEV in every trim level and configuration. Most likely, it will be sold only as a four-door, and not on the range-topping Raptor. Given the cost of such a system, it will most likely be relegated to higher-end trims, too.
Photos: Ford
Pricing and Availability
That added complexity and cost will make the Bronco PHEV pretty pricey, too. While it will likely qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit, it's worth noting that the Wrangler 4xe starts out at $54,735, which is considerably more than the base model at $31,195. Of course, it's better equipped in a number of ways, but regardless, PHEVs typically add thousands to the MSRP of any vehicle.
Photos: Ford
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