Bronco Hybrid Confirmed! by Ford CEO Jim Farley (4/2/26)

[Brian_B]

Cautiously optimistic

It could be great. It could be a shitshow.

The part that's really holding me back - a good hybrid needs solid software to glue the integration together. Ford software engineers are... just learning how to use their forks while still wearing little bibbies.

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[cansberry]

I’m assuming you’re only referring to electrified vehicles with this statement?
Because they certainly don’t outsell ICE only vehicles.

I missquoted. Went back to look at my source and it was all electrified powertrains (hybrid, EV, PHEV) outsold ICE in Q4 2025. Hybrids themselves are holding steady at around 20% of the new vehicle market.

 

[Sebastiano1394]

Ford CEO Jim Farley Confirms That a Bronco Hybrid Is Coming

The news comes as part of a larger plan from Ford to hybridize every model in its lineup. "We really want to bet on all of it," said Farley. "We're going to have an all-hybrid lineup. So, Bronco, everything you can buy at Ford will have a hybrid. We'll also have [extended-range EVs] for towing."

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a70920732/ford-bronco-hybrid-ceo-jim-farley-confirmed/



Other auto companies are phasing out "hybrids"....
What we need is a V8!

Nobody wants a hybrid or EV Bronco…WE WANT A V8 OPTION

 

[JediMcMuffin]

$140 at the pump the other day, a more fuel efficient off-roader will be welcome in my book

 

[2door]

Ford folks hinted at the possibility of a hybrid Bronco when the 6G first launched.

 

[strawhatguy]

Cautiously optimistic

It could be great. It could be a shitshow.

The part that's really holding me back - a good hybrid needs solid software to glue the integration together. Ford software engineers are... just learning how to use their forks while still wearing little bibbies.

yep this is where I’d stand. If the software is great, it could be a super nice overlander: regenerative braking down steep mountain passes, plus a bigger inverter to power fridges and such without carrying a separate camping battery.

it could fit my use case anyway.

 

[TherinWhitten]

The nice thing about the bronco is it's modularity. They have already shoved a V8 Coyote in. Having a hybrid option would be nice for some.
An EREV would be a good idea if they manage to make a suitable software setup that allows easy modularity.

 

[Squatch]

 

[03SVTL]

Toyota nerfed the crap out of the fuel tank for the Land Cruiser....which I think is slightly bigger than the 2 door Bronco. The range is fine for paved roads, but once you hit dirt, that's not the hybrid system you want. The pipe dream is to have Formula 1/Porsche 911 GTS style hybrid, by replacing the turbocharger to be a MGU-H....or if you're really delusional, couple that with MGU-K off the front pulley. The instant torque, the improved efficiency of the motor allowing it to run close to 14.7 AFR in all regimes...that'd be awesome.

 

[archerscreek]

I looked long and hard into Ford’s hybrid they call the Powerboost. Ford has the 3.5 PowerBoost, an all gas 3.5 EcoBoost, a V8, and the lowly 2.7 EcoBoost in their F150 truck line.

The PowerBoost has more torque, HP, and possibly range than the all gas EcoBoost or the V8. The PowerBoost also sells for less than the 3.5 EcoBoost or the V8, meaning dealers discount the PowerBoost slightly more to clear them. The PowerBoost has an 8 year warranty on the battery, but because of the weight of the system it also has a lower payload and towing capacity vs the 3.5 EcoBoost or the V8 F150 trucks.

PowerBoost F150 owners love being able to use their trucks as generators at campsites or worksites, and see the biggest gains in MPG vs the all gas EcoBoost in stop and go, slow speed city type driving. Real world highway driving, the MPG is probably about the same between the PowerBoost and the 3.5 EcoBoost.

I can see a lot of Bronco buyers opting for a PowerBoost to take advantage of the improved slow speed MPG and the generator capabilities it would offer off grid. But the downside of a PowerBoost vehicle with its potential for incurring a $3000 to $8000 expense replacing the battery post warranty, would cause those like me to pass on it. I’m certainly not offended, though, as some seem to be, that Ford will one day offer it as an option on a Bronco.

 

[23OBX2.7]

All they have to do is copy Toyota 10yr old SUV hybrd approach which is perfect seameless execution ot electric drive assist on WOT.

 

[brkdncr]

finally.

And if it can be used to power a cooler overnight it will be a hit.

 

[RichWpg]

For plug in hybrids maybe. But you seem to not understand what a regular hybrid is. You fill it, and the engine charges the battery. No plug required.

And hybrids outsell everything else in this country. So yeah, the market has spoken.

Huh? Just 22% of light duty cars & trucks sold in the USA are Hybrid. So I guess you could say that, but the message is, the market is rejecting hybrids.

The reason is pretty obvious, more complexity, more things to go wrong, you rarely if ever recoup the added costs of the hybrid powertrain vs. the equivalent non-hybrid (even with all the subsidies).

Which is why the main reason folks buy Hybrids isn't about money, it's about signaling their preferences. I'd argue most people of that ilk aren't buying Broncos to begin with, but we shall see.

 

[SuperFord]

Well, I for one would be very interested in a hybrid Bronco option IF:

• they get the styling right
• it’s still capable off-road
• there is a real fuel economy and/or torque gain
• the window sticker doesn’t break the bank

I do almost entirely city driving and currently getting 12mpg in my daily FE on 37’s at $4.00 - $5.00 per gallon sucks. Even getting 25mpg city would be a huge improvement!

for those saying hybrid savings isn’t worth the expense, that’s true if you are talking about upgrading to a new car for the sole purpose of saving $ at the pump, but if you are already in need of or on the market for a new vehicle why would you not consider the option?

Do I also wish for a Bronco V8 option? OF COURSE I DO! But I’m also happy with this announcement IF they find a way to get it right.

TL/DR: more options & better fuel economy are good things

 

[RR25HB]

I’m assuming you’re only referring to electrified vehicles with this statement?
Because they certainly don’t outsell ICE only vehicles.

"ICE, ICE, baby!"

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