Prices and specs have been confirmed for the anticipated 2025 Ford Ranger plug-in hybrid (PHEV), ahead of its market launch in Australia in mid this year. It won’t be the most powerful PHEV ute to hit the scene but it will boast impressive load and towing capabilities.
Interestingly, Ford is launching the new Ranger PHEV in four trim levels; the XLT, Sport, Wildtrak, and a unique Stormtrak flagship. This should go down well with consumers as all other PHEV utes on the market are available in one trim level only.
Of course, with a variety of levels, prices can be spread wide. The base XLT kicks off the range from $71,990. Although more expensive than the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV and BYD Shark 6, some buyers will take comfort in the fact this is based on an existing product, and one that has been extensively developed and tested right here in Australia from the get-go.
In terms of powertrain specs, Ford confirms for the first time that the total system output is 207kW and 697Nm. That’s the highest torque output of any Ranger, and power is among the highest – although not as high as the 300kW and 320kW GWM and BYD, respectively.
It consists of a 2.3-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder developing 138kW and 411Nm, paired with an electric motor that’s mounted between the engine and gearbox. It produces 75kW. Energy is fed to the e-motor from an 11.8kWh battery which is mounted between the chassis rails under the cargo bed. The fuel consumption average is 2.9L/100km, with an electric range of 49km.
Unlike some PHEV models, such as the BYD Shark, the Ranger PHEV uses a new 10-speed ‘Modular Hybrid Transmission’ (MHT) that runs through a mechanical transfer case. This means power is distributed to both axles, unlike e-motors that only power one axle, and all propulsion methods run through the same drive modes. That also means the electric motor runs though the 10-speed auto when in EV mode.
This is an interesting way to do, and Ford says it wanted the PHEV to carry over all of the usual capabilities and functionality that the Ranger is known for. A two-speed transfer case, with 2H, 4A, 4H, and 4L modes remain, as well as a locking rear differential.
Also unlike the other new PHEV ute rivals, the Ranger PHEV offers a maximum braked towing capacity of 3500kg – as highlighted in our top 10 hybrid utes feature – just like the regular Ranger lineup. Payload maximums are also higher than any other PHEV ute, with 973kg in the XLT, 934kg in the Sport, 885kg in the Wildtrak, and 808kg in the Stormtrak.
The gross combination mass is 6580kg. That means, taking the XLT as an example, which has a kerb weight of 2527kg, you can tow a 3500kg trailer and still have 553kg of leftover payload. That’s far higher than any PHEV ute rival, especially considering the others can’t match the 3500kg towing maximum.
In terms of using the battery to power external tools and accessories, there’s a ‘Pro Power Onboard’ system offering 6.9kW with two sockets in the tray, with a maximum output of 3.45kW per socket. There’s also a 2.3kW/10A socket in the cabin. Max charging is 3.5kW using an AC plug, translating to a 0-100 per cent charge in about 4 hours, or 6hrs 53min using a 2.3kW plug. There is no DC charging capability.
Up at the back the Ranger PHEV gets a unique tray box which is actually longer, at 1638mm, meaning it can carry two European pallets. The overall vehicle length is 5350mm, or 5386mm with a tow bar. That’s 20mm shorter than a regular Ranger, running the same 3270mm wheelbase.
The new model is due to hit showrooms in the middle of this year. See below for the starting prices (excluding on-road costs).
Ford Ranger PHEV XLT: $71,990
Ford Ranger PHEV Sport: $75,990
Ford Ranger PHEV Wildtrak: $79,990
Ford Ranger PHEV Stormtrak: $86,990
