As Ford Focuses on Hybrids, It Plans New Kinds of Mustangs, Mavericks, and Broncos
Last week, we wrote that Ford canceled or delayed several of its EVs and refocused its attention, at least short-term, on hybrids. Thanks to a new report from Automotive News, we have a clearer idea of what that new focus means for the vehicles going on sale in the next few years.
Along with goals to hybridize the entire product lineup by the end of the decade, Ford plans to expand the range of models bearing its most popular names—Mustang, Bronco, and Maverick—to spawn multiple offerings to fit niches and market segments with varied use cases.
(We’re not going to cover the plans for every vehicle in Ford’s lineup here, although the Automotive News story does a good job running through each one. When you’re done here, hop over there to see road maps for all of the products.)
The Maverick, which was just refreshed for the 2025 model year, will continue to be central to Ford’s strategy. Ford’s investment in this vehicle is obvious: All-wheel-drive finally arrived as an option for the popular hybrid version this year, and the Maverick Tremor and Maverick Lobo show off two distinct personalities—off- and on-road performance, respectively.
The Tremor and the Lobo hint at Ford’s vision of Maverick as its own little family of vehicles, akin to the current state of the Mustang lineup, which ranges from the $300K, track-slaying GTD to the all-electric Mach-E, and the Bronco, which includes the turn-key DR racer and to the commuter-grade, unibody Bronco Sport. The Maverick family will expand beyond the Tremor and the Lobo; Ford is planning to return to the small van market in the U.S. with a offering based on the unibody trucklet—think Maverick pickup with a taller bed cap. Although the nameplate for the new product is not yet known, we expect it to utilize the same gas-only or hybrid powertrains as the pickup.
As for the Mustang, Ford CEO Jim Farley has said before that he expects it to be the last gas-powered pony car standing. However, expect the Mustang to learn a few new tricks as Ford aims to reach more buyers with diverse interests. A four-door coupe is reportedly on the way, rumored to be called the Mach 4. There’s also talk of a four-wheel-drive, off-road-focused variant. If Porsche and Lamborghini can sling dirt in a sports car, why can’t Ford?
Other possible versions of future Mustangs include a high-performance, manual transmission-equipped convertible without any Shelby badging and an EcoBoost four-cylinder model modified by Vaughn Gittin Jr.’s company, RTR.
Another interesting rumbling concerns the Bronco: A hybrid version of the mid-size SUV is supposedly in the works. While a hybrid powertrain probably won’t arrive with the refresh of the big Bronco, due next year, it still feels like a no-brainer, particularly given the success of the Jeep Wrangler 4xe. (It also makes sense given Farley’s claims that every Ford will go hybrid in some fashion by the end of the decade guarantee that said tech will reach the Bronco platform at some point.)
It’s going to be an interesting few years for Ford, especially as the EV market struggles to find its footing. We’re eager to see the new versions of the Mustang and the Maverick, particularly, as both hold a special charm.
“As for the Mustang, Ford CEO Jim Farley has said before that he expects it to be the last gas-powered pony car standing.” So how much more is this thing going to cost. $60k base Mustang’s? $100k special editions that are not a Shelby? Uggghhhh.
Gary- ” So, do you feel lucky punk…well do you!? “
They’re just going to dilute the Mustang name further. Sure Porsche made an EV, sedan and SUV, but they didn’t call them the 911-E, 911-4, and 911-SUV. They had Taycan, Panamera, and Cayenne/Macan. The 911 still means one thing: rear engine, two door sports car.
You want to make a four door and have some retro cred? Call it the Torino or Galaxie. And why have an off-road Mustang when you have an Explorer, Bronco, Bronco Sport, Expedition, Raptor, F-150 4×4, Tremor, etc etc.
I know sales show that I am wrong, but any time I see a crossover/SUV with a Porsche badge I think “That’s not a Porsche”.
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I have owned a couple of Mustangs. Dodge pretty much proved with Charger/300 that 4-door modern can sell even if the original legend was 2 door. The Mustang name is Ford’s biggest name –Torino resonates with some of us, Galaxie with others (maybe even both too some) but I don’t think either do much to the audience under 40. Bronco hadn’t been gone so long and was a missing niche in Ford’s offerings. Maverick is a different example of just taking a cool old name and making it fit a rising segment. I could see them bringing back the Focus name before any of the other 50s or 60s car names –assuming they do subcompact car again.
If Mustang 2 door was available with AWD I probably already would have one. Where I drive that is actually a key selling feature. I don’t need a super-pricey Tremor-spec version though.
If a 4-door Mustang fills the niche Evo, WRX have been the past standouts in then I think that could still be seen as a Mustang even if that means some base-model Subaru level trim versions too.
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As far as the hybrid debate lower in the comments: I have heard great things from hybrid owners I know, but most of them are using 7 years or newer cars. Some of us live in the 10-20 year old car market for daily drivers and not sure hybrid is the best-buy there. If I was buying new and planning to trade in within 5 years I wouldn’t hesitate to do hybrid.
I agree 100% – brand equity and design cues are everything
I really think that both Ford and Jeep are leaving money on the table by not creating fixed hardtop versions of the Wrangler or Bronco
I just fine no value in a Hybrid.
Added cost to buy
Added cost to maintain
Still has ICE maintenance.
Added. Battery replacement cost when the cars value is at the lowest.
Lower resale as it ages.
There are more.
The one advantage is done more mpg but not enough to cover the other costs.
You have never owned a hybrid. I can tell because almost all your points are wrong. The extra cost is the correct one and you recover in savings driving. Otherwise, less maintenance, battery warranty goes to 100,000 but they normally last so long that is like the 36,000 on ice and basically every point is what those who are against but never owned hybrids think. Mine was the best car ever. You should try one.
Yes. I got a hybrid for my daughter and was impressed with the fuel economy and how well it drives overall. So much so that it changed my mind and I think a hybrid is currently the sweet spot for vehicles. Not every kind of vehicle is better as a hybrid, but those that are better are usually far better.
I just ordered an F-150 hybrid. Same cost for the hybrid as the non hybrid 3.5 liter.
A 4 door ev is NOT a Mustang. Ford did the same thing when they put Thunderbird on the Torino and made the Cougar front wheel drive. How to kill an iconic name.
Amen!!!
I agree with tav, you can get hybrids with fantastic mileage, I prefer the Toyotas and along with the Prius, They now have a Camry and Corrolla hybrid which can knock down over 50 mpg while driving normally. I have friends who have them and are thrilled with the performance and mileage. Are they sports cars? No but they are one of the best all around cars you can buy and depending on your tastes, can buy one under 30,000 dollars or dolled up the way you want
The four-door Mustang rendering I saw made me think, “This looks like what the Fusion might have looked like if they had updated it rather than discontinued it.” So Ford left the car market and dropped some good vehicles but is now returning with new names for vehicles that fit the vacancies Ford created.