Ford Bronco ute axed before production! New Ford Ranger alternative and tough Jeep Gladiator rival no longer coming: report

According to a fresh report out of the US, the Ford Bronco ute has got the chop before it’s even seen the light of day.

Industry publication Automotive News cites two “knowledgeable” sources who claim suppliers to the Blue Oval have been informed of the program’s cancellation.

The much-rumored Bronco ute would have slotted below the Ranger but above the Maverick size-wise, with outlets speculating that the decision was based on worries that such a pick-up would cannabalise Ranger sales.

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It has also been suggested that Ford is cutting down on its internal-combustion portfolio to meet its strategic goal of 40 per cent electric vehicle (EV) sales by 2030.

Other Bronco variants thought to be in development include a hybrid variant, and Ford Performance version, perhaps with the addition of a 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol engine and Raptor-style upgrades.

Originally reported by Automobile, the Bronco ute was thought to arrive some time in 2024 or 2025, according to sources “inside the company”. Although Ford never officially confirmed such a project, the thinking was at the time the brand would expand the Bronco sub-unit into an outlet for an entire family of dedicated off-roaders.

Has Ford's electrification strategy scattered plans for a bigger Bronco family? (Image: Automobile)

Ford Australia has officially ruled out any of the Bronco family for our market, claiming it is strictly a left-hand-drive affair. Although, we like to think never-say-never as its ladder underpinnings are shared with the Ranger, and in the case of the more on-road Bronco Sport, are shared with the Escape.

This leaves the Bronco family on a rather long wish list for Ford Australia, including the Maverick ute, F150 full-size pickup and Explorer large SUV, all of which would help the brand service our markets seemingly insatiable taste for off-road and towing-capable vehicles.

Time will tell if the brand’s ambitions in Australia can be fulfilled by the Ranger alone, which is due very soon to be replaced by an all-new generation in a platform-sharing arrangement with Volkswagen’s next Amarok, with the former due to launch in 2022.