Report - Bronco won't get a refresh; redesign coming for 2029 or 2030

[rmc523]

Ford Bronco Refresh Not Being Planned, But 2029 Could Be Big

 

This report – from Automotive News – says that the Ford Bronco will continue to gain new special editions and variants in the coming model years, but makes no mention of a refresh. However, it does note that the rugged SUV is expected to receive a more comprehensive redesign in 2029, which could debut for the 2029 or 2030 model year. It’s a bit unique in a world where most vehicles receive refreshes regularly – every few years, at least – but not terribly surprising given the fact that the Bronco’s main rival, the Jeep Wrangler, isn’t updated that often.

Edited August 26, 2025 by rmc523

[Deanh]

Ill go out on a limb...the Stroppe is horrible.....WAAAAAY too many colors clashing....same with the rainbowed Bronco Sports...WTH???? we couldnt sell the damn things until we REMOVED the wraps...

[akirby]

One of the few vehicles I would argue doesn’t need majors design changes.

[Sherminator98]

Good for the aftermarket people. I don’t think the type of buyers are interested in changes as much as other drivers who lease vehicles every five years and need something different to trade in for. 
 

Ford has generally done a good job with updating the current Bronco without making huge changes to it. Thinking the dash changes, the different colored hard tops and different trims/grills on it. 

[rmc523]

1 hour ago, Deanh said:

Ill go out on a limb...the Stroppe is horrible.....WAAAAAY too many colors clashing....same with the rainbowed Bronco Sports...WTH???? we couldnt sell the damn things until we REMOVED the wraps...

 

I agree.  I understand why they did the look, but I think it looks horrible.  Just because you can doesn't mean you should lol.

 

1 hour ago, Sherminator98 said:

Good for the aftermarket people. I don’t think the type of buyers are interested in changes as much as other drivers who lease vehicles every five years and need something different to trade in for. 
 

Ford has generally done a good job with updating the current Bronco without making huge changes to it. Thinking the dash changes, the different colored hard tops and different trims/grills on it. 

 

It does seem like they're doing some incremental changes as it goes on, which is good.  They've added things like the dash top, black painted hard top (though that should've been around the whole time), pillar handles for '26, etc.  So they're at least not calling it a day and leaving it identical to the '21 all the way until '30, like they would on some other products.

I'm sure we'll get more unique versions too.

[T-dubz]

After seeing how jeep does things with the wrangler, I don’t think anyone was expecting a normal refresh cycle with the bronco. It’s good for the after market companies. I think we will see some updates to parts that are easily changed. Wheels and grilles are cheap and easy changes that can change the look of a vehicle. Maybe some interiors changes too.

[blazerdude20]

I don’t think the design itself will be stale by then. I do expect some technology upgrades like the new Ford infotainment system to be added before the redesign. 

[Captainp4]

I'm not sure where they can go with it and not move too far from the "retro" style, kind of hoping they follow wrangler in making it pretty much the same but better. Spent the last weekend in my buddy's camping in a roof top tent and hitting some off road trails. The thing just works and it totally comfortable on the street too, there's not much to complain about with them. 

[Rick73]

Only negative I’ve heard is that Bronco transfer case is less than ideal for flat towing behind motorhomes compared to Jeep Wrangler.   This is probably a small incremental volume anyway.

[jpd80]

One of the nice things about classic styling is that it ages well, possibly different to

a 2020s styled vehicles where buyers expect regular facelifts…..

[tbone]

12 hours ago, akirby said:

One of the few vehicles I would argue doesn’t need majors design changes.

I’m with you on this. As you know, I’m a regular complainer about lack of changes on many of Ford’s other models, but this model is one that doesn’t need significant exterior changes. Perhaps some incremental changes on the interior would be helpful to improve the driving experience.  

[rmc523]

19 hours ago, T-dubz said:

After seeing how jeep does things with the wrangler, I don’t think anyone was expecting a normal refresh cycle with the bronco. It’s good for the after market companies. I think we will see some updates to parts that are easily changed. Wheels and grilles are cheap and easy changes that can change the look of a vehicle. Maybe some interiors changes too.

 

I expected a longer cycle, but figured it'd be 5/9 or 10 with some sort of refresh in the middle at the 5 year mark, not skip it altogether and wait for a redesign.  With the bolt on panels, it'd be even easier to do modifications.  But we'll see.

[rmc523]

On a related note - 

 

Ford Bronco Sport Refresh On Track For 2028, May Include Hybrid

 

According to Automotive News, the Ford Bronco Sport is currently expected to receive its next refresh in 2028, which could include the introduction of a long-awaited hybrid powertrain option for the more rugged crossover.

 

 

Not sure why it takes so long for them to get a hybrid into it.

 

Also, they're reporting this as a refresh?  I wonder if that was supposed to say redesign.  Because that's way too long for it to go with minimal changes, especially if they're going with a different grille insert and calling it a "refresh".

[tbone]

On 8/27/2025 at 8:30 AM, rmc523 said:

On a related note - 

 

Ford Bronco Sport Refresh On Track For 2028, May Include Hybrid

 

According to Automotive News, the Ford Bronco Sport is currently expected to receive its next refresh in 2028, which could include the introduction of a long-awaited hybrid powertrain option for the more rugged crossover.

 

 

Not sure why it takes so long for them to get a hybrid into it.

 

Also, they're reporting this as a refresh?  I wonder if that was supposed to say redesign.  Because that's way too long for it to go with minimal changes, especially if they're going with a different grille insert and calling it a "refresh".

Agreed, it’s not as if the hybrid powertrain development hasn’t been done.  It doesn’t make a lot of sense. 
 

The BS isn’t a Bronco so IMO they need to be more aggressive with the changes on it.  Clearly this is the opposite of my previous statement earlier in this thread.  They could even use the BS to test styling changes that could be potentially applied to the Bronco, while still adhering to its heritage. 

[bzcat]

2028 should be a new gen. If it is just another facelift, it will fall behind the competition for sure. 

[akirby]

36 minutes ago, bzcat said:

2028 should be a new gen. If it is just another facelift, it will fall behind the competition for sure. 

What competition? ? 😎

[rmc523]

8 hours ago, akirby said:

What competition? ? 😎

while Bronco gets more of a pass given its limited and loyal segment, Bronco Sport competes in a much more competitive segment, even if it’s put itself in a more specific slice of the segment.   It cannot go as long as the big Bronco can and expect sales momentum to stay the same, IMO.   The only way it might get lucky is because Ford is dropping its internal competitor - Escape, so if you want a small SUV from Ford, BS will be it for a while.

[akirby]

5 hours ago, rmc523 said:

while Bronco gets more of a pass given its limited and loyal segment, Bronco Sport competes in a much more competitive segment, even if it’s put itself in a more specific slice of the segment.   It cannot go as long as the big Bronco can and expect sales momentum to stay the same, IMO.   The only way it might get lucky is because Ford is dropping its internal competitor - Escape, so if you want a small SUV from Ford, BS will be it for a while.

I really don’t think BS will pick up a lot of Escape buyers until they add a hybrid and increase the length.

 

I also think you’re wrong about BS not having the same appeal as big brother.  Owners refer to them as “my bronco” and it’s a unique vehicle that doesn’t directly compete with other compact crossovers.

 

That said they do need to keep it updated but it doesn’t need a full makeover like other compact crossovers.

[rmc523]

3 hours ago, akirby said:

I really don’t think BS will pick up a lot of Escape buyers until they add a hybrid and increase the length.

 

I also think you’re wrong about BS not having the same appeal as big brother.  Owners refer to them as “my bronco” and it’s a unique vehicle that doesn’t directly compete with other compact crossovers.

 

That said they do need to keep it updated but it doesn’t need a full makeover like other compact crossovers.

I think it’ll pick up some sales from Escape, but won’t absorb all of Escape’s sales.

im not saying it doesn’t have appeal….im saying leaving it largely unchanged visually for 8-9 years is a disaster in the making, IMO

[tbone]

The BS and the Escape have very different interior dimensions.  The only reason the consumer replacing an Escape would pick the BS over the competition is if they wanted to stay in a Ford, otherwise there are better options out there IMO. 

[AM222]

On 8/30/2025 at 2:36 PM, rmc523 said:

while Bronco gets more of a pass given its limited and loyal segment, Bronco Sport competes in a much more competitive segment, even if it’s put itself in a more specific slice of the segment.  

True, it is in a more specific tiny slice of the segment. Bronco Sport's closest competitor is the older Jeep Compass which the Bronco Sport has successfully outsold since 2022. The current (for the US) 2nd gen Compass was launched for the 2017MY.


The launch of the all-new 3rd gen Compass for the US-market has been put on hold because of the tariffs.

Like other new generation Jeeps, the 3rd gen Compass is noticeably boxier (and to me, better looking than its predecessor).

Refreshed Bronco Sport for comparison.

Edited September 1, 2025 by AM222

[akirby]

The point with BS is that it has an emotional appeal based on appearance and off road ability and the legacy of the Bronco name that makes it far more desirable (for those that like it) than the other cookie cutter crossovers.  Which means they don’t have to engage in price wars.

[Rick73]

On 8/30/2025 at 1:36 AM, rmc523 said:

while Bronco gets more of a pass given its limited and loyal segment, Bronco Sport competes in a much more competitive segment, even if it’s put itself in a more specific slice of the segment.

The specific slice of segment may get a little smaller with Honda adding CR-V TrailSport which is a hybrid.  It’s not really meant for serious off-roading but makes a compelling choice for the 99% that won’t actually go beyond easy dirt trails anyway.  Honda lacks Bronco off-road image but has good brand reputation and following.  Escape buyers looking for a bit more adventure may be tempted.

[tbone]

20 minutes ago, Rick73 said:

The specific slice of segment may get a little smaller with Honda adding CR-V TrailSport which is a hybrid.  It’s not really meant for serious off-roading but makes a compelling choice for the 99% that won’t actually go beyond easy dirt trails anyway.  Honda lacks Bronco off-road image but has good brand reputation and following.  Escape buyers looking for a bit more adventure may be tempted.

I think a lot of people like the off-road capable look in this segment, and the actual off-road capability is just an added bonus. As you are pointing out, more players are in or getting into the game.  The Nissan Rogue Rock Creek Edition is another.  This is why I think Ford has to be more aggressive with BS changes than it’s big brother. It’s competing in a highly competitive segment.  

[AM222]

2 hours ago, Rick73 said:

The specific slice of segment may get a little smaller with Honda adding CR-V TrailSport which is a hybrid.  It’s not really meant for serious off-roading but makes a compelling choice for the 99% that won’t actually go beyond easy dirt trails anyway.  Honda lacks Bronco off-road image but has good brand reputation and following.  Escape buyers looking for a bit more adventure may be tempted.

Probably the most successful has been the angular RAV4 and its Adventure variant.

In 2024, the RAV4 outsold the Escape + Bronco Sport + Maverick combined.

For 2026, Toyota will keep the formula by having a boxy mainstream model with an adventure version.

For the US market, the Adventure variant has been renamed "Woodland".

Edited September 1, 2025 by AM222