The Ford Ranger returned to the United States earlier this year and a new report is indicating it could eventually be joined by a more rugged Bronco variant.
According to Automobile Magazine, Ford is working on a new Bronco pickup that is aimed squarely at the Jeep Gladiator. However, it’s still a ways off as production isn’t slated to begin until the summer of 2024.
While the model could arrive five years after the Gladiator, it would reportedly have a lot in common with Jeep’s off-road focused pickup. Nothing is official, but the publication says the truck would likely be offered exclusively as a four-door model just like the Gladiator.
The truck reportedly bears some resemblance to the Explorer Sport Trac which was built between 2000 and 2010. However, it’s expected to be significantly more rugged and adopt traditional Bronco styling cues.
You can check out some renderings on Automobile’s website, but they show a squared off pickup with a Bronco-branded grille that is flanked by circular headlights. The model also has a rugged front bumper, a rear roll bar and plastic body cladding. Like the standard model, the truck would likely have doors and a hardtop that can be removed.
Both the Bronco and Bronco pickup are expected to based on the same platform that underpins the next-generation Ranger. That could potentially create some product overlap between the two pickups, but the Bronco truck would likely be positioned as a rugged, off-road focused lifestyle vehicle.
Also Read: New Ford Bronco To Have Removable Doors And Roof, 4-Door Model Also Coming
Engine options would presumably be shared with the Bronco, so we can could expect a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder producing around 270 hp (201 kW / 274 PS) and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque. There could also be a hybrid variant as Ford has confirmed there will be an eco-friendly engine option on the standard Bronco.
