From the report I recently saw Ford wanted the Bronco Sport to be intended as an off road alternative to the Bronco , the difficulty lies in the weight and location of the battery pack. It is located under the vehicle ( Maverick ) and could be damaged by Rocks, limbs or water. I am curious if they considered locating the battery pack to under the rear seat which would solve the water, limb and rock questions but may become a concern for additional heat in the vehicle. Hopefully they will just produce it as a Hybrid/AWD version for us wanting higher mileage vehicles but do not intend to rock climb at Moab.
That's weird I had a RAV 4 Hybrid, never ever drove like that I just drove the vehicle. That is a strange way to drive for sure. Wouldn't want to be your passenger.
If it's coming with the entire refresh of the BS in 27 it could be due to what you say. They need to redesign the battery placement and interior to handle the battery. I don't see them limiting any clearance or water depth just to create a higher mpg variant. That makes no sense for the BS line and marketing of it.
I've been told by the engineers that they will not have a hybrid version until there is no compromise from the off road capabilities. The hybrid technology isn't there. You see it in the Maverick but not on the Lobo or the Tremor version.
For how the Bronco Sport is being marketed as a rugged crossover I'd much rather have a full size spare tire than a fix-a-flat patch kit or donut spare.
I mean….come on, if this is the reason Ford is bound to fail. 90% of the BS are 1.5s that will never ever see any sort of off road ???…
You’ve got one of the best hybrid powertrains out there - the Tucson is good but it’s got the DCT paired to the hybrid, and that thing is clunky asf…
Actually, the Tucson Hybrid has a 6 speed automatic, not a DCT. Again, I’m probably OCD and will do just about anything to see that little green EV light turn on. I will admit to it being very powerful for a 1.6 turbo…the battery gives it that instant torque off the line.
Most of roading is done under 20mph so the 1.5L is good enough. This wasn't my opinion just telling you want I'm hearing. If you look at the PHEV Wrangler, there is some compromise and loss of ground clearance compared to their gas version.
