Ford CEO Jim Farley recently dropped a big hint about the future of the Bronco in America, and enthusiasts are paying attention. While China already gets an electrified version of Ford’s popular off-roader, Farley confirmed that US buyers “should expect a lot of exciting powertrains” coming their way too. The specifics remain under wraps, but electrification is definitely on the table.
- China already gets an electrified Bronco, while Europe is set for a different plug-in take, and CEO Jim Farley confirms electrification is coming for the US Bronco, though specifics remain undecided.
- Hybrid, range-extended, or something else entirely are all still on the table, and the final setup hasn’t been locked in yet.
- The Bronco Sport is an easy target since it’s related to the Escape, which already has a plug-in hybrid, and the full-size Bronco shares its platform with the Ranger, which already runs as a plug-in hybrid in other markets.
What Farley Actually Said
In a recent interview with Autocar, Ford CEO Jim Farley hinted at how the Bronco could develop in the US, without committing to any single configuration. Buyers “should expect a lot of exciting powertrains,” Farley told the publication. That’s vague, sure, but it’s also confirmation that Ford isn’t done tweaking what’s under the hood.
That’s confirmation that electrification is coming for the Bronco in some form. Farley also made it clear that the Chinese Bronco New Energy isn’t part of the plan. Any electrified Bronco for the US will be its own thing, not a rebadged import. That’s good news for anyone worried about getting a watered-down version of the rugged off-roader.
Current Bronco Power Options
The 2025 Ford Bronco offers a selection of three potent engines. The turbocharged 300-hp, 2.3L EcoBoost inline four-cylinder engine comes with plenty of pep and power. The twin-turbo 330-hp, 2.7L EcoBoost V6 engine offers even more muscle. And the Bronco Raptor-exclusive, twin-turbo 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine delivers 418 hp for a serious performance boost.
The top-of-the-line Bronco Raptor retains the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that delivers 418 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque, with acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. If you need towing power, the Raptor will haul 4,500 pounds, 1,000 pounds more than standard Broncos.
Why Hybrid Makes Sense
This lines up with Ford’s bigger push into hybrids, both traditional and range-extended setups, where a gas engine acts as a generator. Ford has been vocal about adding hybrid choices across its lineup, and the Bronco seems like a natural fit.
Ford’s full-size Bronco is built on a modified version of the company’s T6 platform and was designed from the beginning with hybrid electrification in mind. During the engineering phase, the SUV’s front axle mounting location was moved forward approximately 2 inches versus its Ranger platform mate, in part to allow space for the necessary hybrid hardware.
If you want more power, the twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 engine brings stronger low-end muscle for serious hill climbing. The real prize, though, will be the hybrid powertrain that Ford is introducing, with the potential to deliver over 30 mpg combined. That’s a huge improvement over the current gas engines, which struggle to crack 21 mpg on the highway.
The Bronco Sport Angle
Bronco Sport is the easy target, since it’s related to the Escape, which already has a plug-in hybrid. That makes it a straightforward move.
The Bronco Sport is loosely based on the Ford Escape SUV, so it is expected that it will borrow from the Escape Hybrid’s layout. The Escape Hybrid currently has an iVCT Atkinson cycle gas engine working with an electric motor. The transmission is an eCVT. The Escape Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 31 MPG combined.
The Ranger, which shares its platform with the full-size Bronco, already runs as a plug-in hybrid in other markets, so the hardware is ready. Ford could also go for a clean-sheet design, but that would take more time and money.
What About a Full Electric Version?
A hybrid powertrain would help the Bronco compete with the Toyota Land Cruiser, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Hybrid, Jeep Wrangler 4xe Hybrid, and Toyota 4Runner Hybrid. All of these competitors now offer electrified options, putting pressure on Ford to respond.
Details on the SUV aren’t available, but a recent report from Ford Authority claims that it’s coming. At its 2025 Virtual Shareholders Meeting, Ford officials said that it expects “to offer a hybrid choice across every Ford Blue nameplate by the end of the decade.”
Should You Wait or Buy Now?
For now, the company is keeping its options open, and all we can do is wait for clues. If better fuel economy is a priority and you can hold out, waiting for hybrid options might make sense. But if you need a Bronco today, the current EcoBoost lineup still packs plenty of punch for trail adventures and daily driving alike.
The current engine options give you plenty of flexibility depending on your needs. The 2.3L four-cylinder works great for most drivers, the 2.7L V6 adds towing muscle, and the Raptor’s 3.0L V6 is ready for extreme off-road punishment. Whatever Ford brings next will only expand those choices, and the future of the Bronco looks bright for American buyers.
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