Ford’s 'super-hybrid' Bronco Basecamp set to take on Rav4 in the Illawarra
Ford says its first electrified Bronco variant is expected to arrive in Australia and New Zealand in the second half of 2027
Off-road enthusiasts of the Illawarra can start preparing for even more hybrid 4WD adventure because the Ford Bronco Basecamp is tipped to arrive here next year.
Ford has officially confirmed the company’s first electrified Bronco variant is expected to arrive in Australia and New Zealand in the second half of 2027.
The Toyota Rav4 rival has a super-hybrid powertrain system pairs dual-motor electric driving (powered by a 49kWh battery) with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that acts as an on-board range extender. Ford claims this set-up “delivers the smooth, and responsive driving dynamics of an electric vehicle, and a combined estimated driving range of between 800-900km”.
The light-duty plug-in hybrid SUV is set to take on the likes of Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester, and Denza B5, and even the Hyundai Palisade and Toyota Kluger.
Ford reckons the Basecamp is “designed specifically for a new breed of outdoor enthusiasts, such as trail runners, gravel cyclists, wild swimmers, fly fishers, and stargazers”.
Ambrose Henderson, marketing director at Ford Australia said: “When we looked at how Aussies and Kiwis spend their time outdoors, the national parks, the coastal trails, and the distances they travel, the fit was immediate.
“Outdoor life here isn’t a trend, it’s just life. Bronco Basecamp was almost purpose-built for these customers.”
When stationary, the vehicle can be used as an off-grid power station, Ford reckons. With a maximum of 6.6kW of Pro Power Onboard available, owners can run induction cooktops, coffee machines, high-end photography gear, camp lights, and laptop set-ups from the vehicle’s battery.
The vehicle includes a variety of lifestyle-based features such as:
- An electric pop-up lift roof (on Outer Banks models only) increases interior headroom, maximises air circulation, and creates “an instant, open-air connection to the surrounding environment”, Ford states.
- The interior converts into a sleeping space. When paired with the available custom-fit, full-length inflatable mattress (an additional-cost accessory), it creates an overnight shelter without the need to unload or rearrange cargo.
- An integrated 7.5L warm/cool storage console (standard on Outer Banks only) is built into the centre console to keep drinks and trail snacks cool or warm.
The Wild Kitchen, built into the rear swing gate, features an integrated fold-down table to organise cooking gear with Pro Power Onboard.
More details on the Ford Bronco Basecamp – including full specs and pricing – will be made available closer to the official launch in the second half of 2027.
