Should Ford launch the electrified Bronco Basecamp here in PH?

Last year, Ford introduced a new electrified Bronco in China, designed in partnership with JMC just like the popular Ford Territory, and completely unrelated to the American-designed Bronco that we get here in the Philippines.

With electrification now a priority for the American automaker, not only here in our market, but also around the globe, the midsize crossover is set to go on sale in export markets, starting with Australia and New Zealand by 2027, and we think it should come here too.

Instead of a turbocharged V6 that comes with the Bronco on offer locally, the Bronco Basecamp gets a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that charges a 49kWh LFP battery that powers dual electric motors. Combined power output is a respectable 422 horsepower and offers an estimated driving range of up to 900km based on the WLTP cycle.

Yes, we know, nothing beats the performance of a six-cylinder engine, but with most car buyers looking for something more fuel-efficient these days, this will certainly fit the bill better for most. Much more so with the fact that the original Bronco is a very niche model.

Thanks to its electrified powertrain, the Ford Bronco Basecamp also comes with vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality through Ford’s Pro Power Onboard. Providing up to 6.6kW of power, this allows the vehicle to become a power source, with the capability of plugging in appliances such as an induction cooktop, a coffee machine, or a water kettle, among others.

Even with electrification, the Bronco Basecamp still looks the part with its Ford Bronco identity in full use, including its signature lighting in front, B-R-O-N-C-O spelled out on the grille, a muscular stance, and a proper tailgate-mounted spare tire.

A unique feature of the Ford Bronco Basecamp is its Pop-Up Lift Roof, reminding us of the Mazda Bongo Friendee from 1995. This feature, available on the Outer Banks variant, lifts the roof up at an angle, allowing for additional lighting and ventilation when doing outdoor activities such as camping, while also acting as a panoramic glass roof when closed.

Inside, the seats are designed to fold flat in order to accommodate an inflatable mattress and to act as a sleeping space. It’s also very much set apart from the standard Bronco with a more minimalist design, coming with a large central infotainment screen and two-spoke steering wheel. It also comes with a center console cool box to keep beverages cold, and a foldable utility table integrated into the side-opening rear tailgate.

We have no idea yet as to whether Ford Philippines plans to bring the Ford Bronco Basecamp here into our market, but with the growing popularity of these adventure-ready SUVs, it could work. In addition, it could help expand the Bronco lineup locally, including making it more attainable instead of a higher-end model.

What do you think?

^{Photos from Ford}