Ford Bronco REEV Coming to Australia from China in 2027

The Ford Bronco Basecamp is a new five-seat, unibody sport utility vehicle (SUV) developed by Ford in collaboration with Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC) and produced in China. It is scheduled for release in Australia and New Zealand in mid-2027, with no official announcement yet for the Malaysian market. The vehicle uses a range-extender electric vehicle (REEV) powertrain, which Ford markets as a "super-hybrid," combining two electric motors with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that acts solely as a generator. For Malaysian consumers, the Bronco Basecamp represents a potential future option for outdoor recreation, offering vehicle-to-load (V2L) power for camping equipment and a flat-folding interior, though local pricing, homologation, and warranty details have not been confirmed.

Key Facts

This section lists the confirmed specifications and announced details for the Ford Bronco Basecamp based on the source material. All figures are as reported for the Australian and New Zealand markets, and Malaysian specifications, pricing, and availability are not yet confirmed.

What Is the Ford Bronco Basecamp REEV System?

The Ford Bronco Basecamp uses a range-extender electric vehicle (REEV) system, which Ford calls "super-hybrid." In this setup, the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine does not drive the wheels; it only functions as a generator to produce electricity for the battery and electric motors. The vehicle is propelled entirely by its front and rear electric motors.

In the Chinese-market version, the system produces a combined output of approximately 416 HP. For Australia, official power figures have not been finalised. The battery is a 49 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) unit, and Ford targets a total driving range of 800 to 900 km.

The Ford Bronco Basecamp's petrol engine acts purely as a generator, not a direct drive unit, which is the defining characteristic of its REEV powertrain.

Who Makes the Ford Bronco Basecamp and Where Is It Built?

The Ford Bronco Basecamp is manufactured in China through a collaboration between Ford and Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC). This marks a departure from other Bronco models, which are typically built in the United States. The vehicle is confirmed for sale in Australia and New Zealand, but no confirmation exists for Malaysian distribution from the official Ford Malaysia channel.

Built on a monocoque structure instead of a traditional ladder-frame chassis, the Bronco Basecamp is positioned as a daily-driver SUV with outdoor adventure capability, rather than a heavy-duty off-roader like the Ford Everest. Despite its size — roughly similar to the Everest — it is about 100 mm shorter in wheelbase but has a higher curb weight exceeding 2,500 kg.

The Ford Bronco Basecamp is a China-made, JMC-built SUV, which Ford expects to price competitively compared to models assembled in the US.

How Does the Bronco Basecamp's REEV System Compare to a Conventional Hybrid or EV?

A REEV differs from a standard hybrid because the internal combustion engine never connects to the wheels. Unlike a pure electric vehicle, it carries a petrol engine to recharge the battery when depleted, which reduces range anxiety. The Bronco Basecamp's system combines a 1.5-litre turbo petrol generator with a 49 kWh usable LFP battery and dual electric motors producing 416 HP in the Chinese version.

According to the source material, the intended total range is 800 – 900 km. Australian reports estimate a pure electric range of up to 180 km. For comparison, the GWM Tank 500 PHEV and the Denza B5 are cited as expected competitors in this new segment.

The REEV system in the Bronco Basecamp offers a potential total driving range of 900 km, combining a 180 km electric-only capacity with an onboard petrol generator.

What Makes the Bronco Basecamp Suitable for Outdoor Activities?

Ford has designed the Bronco Basecamp's interior and accessories for camping and outdoor lifestyles. Both front and rear seats can fold flat to create a sleeping area, with a special inflatable mattress offered as an accessory. The Outer Banks variant will feature a Pop-Up Lift Roof that opens electrically for headroom and ventilation, and it includes a rain sensor for automatic closing.

Additional outdoor-focused features include a 7.5-litre centre storage compartment with heating and cooling functions, and a built-in utility table in the tailgate for meal preparation. The Pro Power Onboard system supplies up to 6.6 kW, enough to power induction cooktops, kettles, or coffee machines without a separate generator.

Ford sees travel to national parks, coastal areas, hiking trails and campsites as part of the lifestyle of consumers in both countries.

— Ambrose Henderson, Marketing Director, Ford Australia, as reported by Careta

The Bronco Basecamp includes a 7.5-litre heated and cooled storage compartment, a tailgate utility table, and a 6.6 kW Pro Power Onboard system for using electrical appliances at a campsite.

Is the Ford Bronco Basecamp a Heavy-Duty Off-Roader Like the Everest?

No, Ford has stated the Bronco Basecamp is not a replacement for heavy off-road use. It is built on a monocoque platform with all-wheel drive (AWD) and a relatively high ground clearance, which Ford claims offers better capability than a standard SUV on dirt roads or campsite tracks. It is not intended for severe off-road trails like the ladder-frame Everest.

While its dimensions are close to the Everest — 5,025 mm long, 1,960 mm wide, and 2,950 mm wheelbase — it lacks the body-on-frame construction and diesel engine options. Its curb weight of over 2,500 kg also makes it heavier than a seven-seat diesel Everest.

The Bronco Basecamp is not designed for severe off-road trails, but its AWD and high ground clearance are intended for unpaved roads leading to campsites and park entrances.

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

For Malaysian users, the Bronco Basecamp may appeal to outdoor enthusiasts who currently consider SUVs like the GWM Tank 500 or the Denza B5, though its availability depends on official Ford Malaysia announcements. Given the vehicle's width of 1,960 mm and length of 5,025 mm, it is better suited to landed homes with wide driveways or open parking areas than to compact condominium parking spaces in Kuala Lumpur, which often have a standard width of 2,400 mm.

In Malaysia's tropical climate, the Pop-Up Lift Roof with rain sensor and the 6.6 kW Pro Power Onboard outlet would be useful for coastal camping or highland trips (e.g., Cameron Highlands), where power access may be limited. However, potential buyers should note that the vehicle's 240V electrical system matches Malaysian standards, but no Sirim certification or local warranty plan has been announced.

For Malaysia-based users, the Bronco Basecamp's 1,960 mm width and over-2,500 kg curb weight require planning for parking and driveway space, which are often limited in urban Kuala Lumpur condominiums.

Key Specifications Compared to Potential Rivals

Below is a comparison of the Bronco Basecamp with the two competitors explicitly named in the source material. Data is limited to the source text.

Common Questions

When will the Ford Bronco Basecamp arrive in Malaysia?

Ford has officially confirmed the Bronco Basecamp only for Australia and New Zealand, with delivery beginning in mid-2027. There is no announcement from Ford Malaysia regarding local launch dates or pricing. Malaysian buyers should expect a wait of several years or a separate regional announcement.

Will the Bronco Basecamp be cheaper than the Ford Everest because it is made in China?

Ford has indicated the Bronco Basecamp will be offered at a competitive price point due to its China production. However, no specific price has been announced for Australia, and no conversion to Malaysian ringgit can be made. The cost will depend on import duties, taxes, and homologation processes if it reaches Malaysia.

Can the Bronco Basecamp's petrol engine directly drive the wheels?

No, the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine in the Bronco Basecamp REEV system only acts as a generator. It produces electricity to charge the battery. The wheels are driven exclusively by the two electric motors through the all-wheel-drive system.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on a single primary source: “Ford Bronco ‘Made In China’ Sah Ke Australia – Guna Sistem REEV, Tiba 2027”, published by Careta on 09-09-2026, authored by Firdaus Razani. The source material was translated from Malay to English, with all factual data, dates, and quotes preserved. No additional sources were used for verification.

All monetary values remain in RM where specified by the source; however, the source did not provide any Ringgit pricing. Currency conversion for hypothetical AUD prices was not performed because no price was announced. Technical terms such as REEV, monocoque, and LFP were retained in their standard automotive English forms. This article was last updated on [current date]. Information specific to Malaysia, including distributor status and compatibility, could not be verified against official Ford Malaysia sources and is therefore noted as unconfirmed.