by A New Milestone for the Bronco Family
The Ford Bronco family of off-roaders is preparing for an expansion specifically for the European market. According to insider reports, production of the new SUV will begin in Valencia in 2027. This model will combine the rugged design characteristic of the Bronco with the option of a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
According to Autonews Europe, Ford plans to introduce the Bronco name to Europeans, counting on the success of the brand’s American heritage. The company has already tested this strategy with models such as the Mustang, Mustang Mach-E, and the electric Explorer.
Place in the Ford Lineup
Interestingly, the new Bronco will not become a replacement for the third-generation compact Kuga crossover, which debuted in 2019 and was updated in 2024. Instead, it will position itself between the Kuga and the smaller Puma, filling a gap in the model range.
Despite a similar character and market positioning, the future European SUV will not use the same platform as the Bronco Sport sold in the USA. However, it is expected to inherit the signature “boxy” silhouette and tough design features characteristic of the entire Bronco family.
Technical Basis and Past Assumptions
Earlier reports suggested that the new SUV could become an indirect successor to the Focus hatchback and wagon, production of which recently ceased after 27 years on the assembly line.
Sources indicate that the model will be built on the Ford C2 platform. This architecture underpins a whole list of models, including the Focus, Mondeo, Bronco Sport, Escape/Kuga, and Maverick, as well as the Lincoln Corsair and Nautilus.
Electrification Without Full Electrification
The future model is expected to receive a plug-in hybrid powertrain, with a conventional hybrid version also under consideration. However, a fully electric variant seems unlikely due to disappointing sales of the Volkswagen-based electric Capri and Explorer models.
Competitors and Market Context
In Europe, the main competitive environment for the newcomer will be compact SUVs with an off-road character, such as the upcoming generation of the Jeep Compass and the anticipated Dacia Bigster, rather than premium models like the smaller derivatives of the Land Rover Defender or Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
Ford declines to comment on the details, although it previously confirmed that a model with a “multi-energy” powertrain will begin production at the Valencia plant from 2027.
This plant, which currently produces the Kuga, will receive a new impetus after the cessation of production of the Mondeo sedan and the S-Max and Galaxy minivans between 2022 and 2023.
Ford’s decision to focus on hybrid rather than fully electric solutions for the new model may prove to be tactically sound against the backdrop of a general slowdown in EV demand in Europe. Using the proven C2 platform will allow for cost optimization and a competitive price, which is a key factor in the compact SUV segment. The success of this model may largely depend on how successfully the American Bronco heritage can be combined with the practical demands of European buyers for economy and environmental friendliness.
