Ford enthusiasts across Australia, the UK, and South Africa have something exciting to look forward to. Ford’s CEO has dropped strong hints that a right-hand drive version of the popular Bronco SUV might finally become reality.
What Ford’s CEO Actually Said
Jim Farley, Ford’s top executive, recently made comments that got off-road fans talking. He mentioned that producing a right-hand drive Bronco would be “worth a try,” which is corporate speak for “we’re seriously considering it.” This isn’t just wishful thinking from Ford’s marketing team – it’s coming straight from the decision-maker himself.
The timing makes sense too. Ford has been watching how well their Ranger pickup performs in right-hand drive markets, and the Bronco shares the same foundation. If the engineering work is already done, why not expand the family?
Why This Matters for Australian Drivers
Australian drivers have been asking for the Bronco since it returned to Ford’s lineup. Sure, we have the Everest SUV, but the Bronco offers something different – a more focused off-road experience with serious capability for weekend adventures.
The local demand is real. Ford has been quietly testing left-hand drive versions on Australian roads since 2022. These “evaluation vehicles” have been spotted everywhere from Melbourne hardware stores to remote testing locations. When a company invests in that level of local testing, they’re usually building a business case for production.
Production Options on the Table
Ford faces two main paths for bringing a right-hand drive Bronco to market:
Factory Production: This would mean setting up proper RHD manufacturing at existing facilities. Thailand and South Africa emerge as the most logical choices since both already produce right-hand drive Rangers and have established supply chains.
Remanufacturing: Ford Australia has been exploring partnerships with local companies to convert left-hand drive vehicles. While this works, it’s more expensive and limits production volumes.
| Production Method | Advantages |
|---|---|
| Factory RHD Production | Lower costs, higher volumes, better quality control |
| Local Remanufacturing | Faster market entry, supports local jobs, easier logistics |
What This Means for Competition
A right-hand drive Bronco would shake up the Australian SUV market significantly. Currently, the Jeep Wrangler dominates the serious off-road SUV segment, with newcomers like the GWM Tank 300 gaining ground.
Ford’s strategy appears to involve repositioning their SUV lineup. The seven-seat Everest would focus on competing with Toyota’s new Prado, while a five-seat Bronco would target the Toyota Fortuner and upcoming FJ Cruiser revival.
The Raptor Factor
Here’s where things get really interesting for performance enthusiasts. The Bronco Raptor – Ford’s high-performance off-road variant – could completely change the game. This isn’t just a Bronco with bigger tires; it’s a purpose-built machine with serious performance credentials.
A Bronco Raptor would directly challenge the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and could even tempt buyers considering the Nissan Patrol Warrior. For Australian drivers who want maximum off-road capability without sacrificing on-road manners, this could be the perfect solution.
Timeline and Realistic Expectations
While Ford’s CEO sounds optimistic, translating corporate interest into actual production takes time. Setting up right-hand drive manufacturing, ensuring local compliance, and establishing dealer networks doesn’t happen overnight.
Based on similar product launches, Australian customers might see a right-hand drive Bronco sometime in 2026 or 2027. This timeline allows Ford to finalize production decisions, complete local testing, and ensure proper parts supply.
What Buyers Should Consider
The Bronco isn’t trying to be everything to everyone. It’s designed for drivers who prioritize off-road capability and distinctive styling over maximum cargo space or fuel economy. Understanding this focus helps set realistic expectations.
Australian conditions suit the Bronco’s strengths perfectly. Our diverse terrain, from beach sand to rocky mountain trails, plays to the vehicle’s capabilities. The Ranger-based foundation means parts availability and service support should be strong from day one.
Pricing Expectations
While official pricing won’t emerge until closer to launch, the Bronco will likely sit between the current Everest and premium off-road competitors. Ford needs to balance local manufacturing costs with competitive positioning.
Import costs, local compliance work, and dealer margins all influence final pricing. However, factory RHD production would help keep costs more reasonable than remanufacturing approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the RHD Bronco actually arrive in Australia?
A: No official timeline exists, but 2026-2027 seems realistic based on typical development cycles.
Q: Will all Bronco variants come to Australia?
A: Ford will likely focus on popular configurations first, with specialty versions like the Raptor following later.
Q: How will pricing compare to the Jeep Wrangler?
A: Expect competitive pricing, likely positioned slightly below Wrangler to attract buyers from that established competitor.
Bentley Flying Spur Gets 575kW Power Boost in New 2025 Edition
