UPDATED: Ford Plans Bronco Pickup So You Don't Have To Buy A Jeep
[UPDATE: August 21, 2026] Representatives from Ford's communications team reached out to AutoGuide with a statement:
"Ford is not going to comment on future product speculation, much of which is inaccurate. What we can say is Ford is focused on delivering a massive product renewal that will refresh 80% of our North American portfolio by volume by 2029. This includes the all-new Ford Fathom midsize pickup on the new Universal Electric Vehicle platform, alongside the next-generation F-150 and F-Series Super Duty."
The rumor mill surrounding the Ford Bronco family is spinning.
Back in 2021, Ford allegedly scrapped early development of a pickup version of the Bronco to prioritize overwhelming demand for the traditional two- and four-door SUVs.
Fast-forward to the late 2020s, and shifting product strategies have put a Bronco pickup back on the table. An Automotive News report indicates that a truck wearing the Bronco badge could arrive before the end of the decade. This comes hot on the heels of rumors that a four-door Mustang sedan is incoming, indicating Ford is working to turn its most popular models into subbrands.
Exactly how Ford structures the Bronco lineup and manages the relationship with its other pickup trucks, however, remains a puzzle.
If Ford builds a traditional Bronco pickup based on the standard, body-on-frame Bronco SUV platform, it would naturally share the T6 architecture used by the Ranger.
Assembly would logically take place at the Michigan Assembly Plant alongside the next-generation Bronco SUV. This approach creates a direct competitor to the Jeep Gladiator, giving off-road enthusiasts another open-air pickup truck with removable doors, heavy-duty suspension, and front/rear lockers. The primary hurdle is managing internal cannibalization with the midsize Ranger, particularly high-trim Ranger Raptors.
AutoGuide's sources indicate a Bronco pickup would likely come at the expense of the Ford Ranger, which doesn't sell as well as anyone had hoped and finds itself in a tough spot, squeezed on both sides of the pricing equation by the F-150 and Maverick.
We've also heard that there could be room for a version of Ford's Everest SUV at MAP, which rides on the same T6 platform as the Bronco and Ranger. The current Everest is built at AutoAlliance Thailand, a joint facility owned by Ford and Mazda, where it's exported across SE Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East.
Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.
An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, went over the wall during the Rolex 24, and wrenched in the intense IndyCar paddock.
More by Michael Accardi
Comments
Join the conversation
If you can build a Bronco pickup base model below the 37k or 38k price point. Crank windows, small screen dash, removable doors, retractable soft top it could be the replacement for a Gladiator. A person can then add their own accessories as budget or wife allows. Similar to what Slate is doing.
Two door, capable pickup with removable transportable-in-bed hardtop, what captain obvious genius! I'm sick and tired of an auto industry producing trial and error $50,000 product.