As Ford Focuses on Hybrids, It Plans New Kinds of Mustangs, Mavericks, and Broncos

Last week, we wrote that Ford canceled or delayed several of its EVs and refocused its attention, at least short-term, on hybrids. Thanks to a new report from Automotive News, we have a clearer idea of what that new focus means for the vehicles going on sale in the next few years.

Along with goals to hybridize the entire product lineup by the end of the decade, Ford plans to expand the range of models bearing its most popular names-Mustang, Bronco, and Maverick-to spawn multiple offerings to fit niches and market segments with varied use cases.

(We're not going to cover the plans for every vehicle in Ford's lineup here, although the Automotive News story does a good job running through each one. When you're done here, hop over there to see road maps for all of the products.)

The Maverick, which was just refreshed for the 2025 model year, will continue to be central to Ford's strategy. Ford's investment in this vehicle is obvious: All-wheel-drive finally arrived as an option for the popular hybrid version this year, and the Maverick Tremor and Maverick Lobo show off two distinct personalities-off- and on-road performance, respectively.

The Tremor and the Lobo hint at Ford's vision of Maverick as its own little family of vehicles, akin to the current state of the Mustang lineup, which ranges from the $300K, track-slaying GTD to the all-electric Mach-E, and the Bronco, which includes the turn-key DR racer and to the commuter-grade, unibody Bronco Sport. The Maverick family will expand beyond the Tremor and the Lobo; Ford is planning to return to the small van market in the U.S. with a offering based on the unibody trucklet-think Maverick pickup with a taller bed cap. Although the nameplate for the new product is not yet known, we expect it to utilize the same gas-only or hybrid powertrains as the pickup.

As for the Mustang, Ford CEO Jim Farley has said before that he expects it to be the last gas-powered pony car standing. However, expect the Mustang to learn a few new tricks as Ford aims to reach more buyers with diverse interests. A four-door coupe is reportedly on the way, rumored to be called the Mach 4. There's also talk of a four-wheel-drive, off-road-focused variant. If Porsche and Lamborghini can sling dirt in a sports car, why can't Ford?

Other possible versions of future Mustangs include a high-performance, manual transmission-equipped convertible without any Shelby badging and an EcoBoost four-cylinder model modified by Vaughn Gittin Jr.'s company, RTR.

Another interesting rumbling concerns the Bronco: A hybrid version of the full-size SUV is supposedly in the works. While a hybrid powertrain probably won't arrive with the refresh of the big Bronco, due next year, it still feels like a no-brainer, particularly given the success of the Jeep Wrangler 4xe. (It also makes sense given Farley's claims that every Ford will go hybrid in some fashion by the end of the decade guarantee that said tech will reach the Bronco platform at some point.)

It's going to be an interesting few years for Ford, especially as the EV market struggles to find its footing. We're eager to see the new versions of the Mustang and the Maverick, particularly, as both hold a special charm.