Ford’s plug-in hybrid workhorse: Ranger PHEV brings more torque, less fuel
Ford has announced official pricing and specs for its first-ever plug-in hybrid ute, set to land in Australia in mid-2025. Pricing kicks off at $71,990 before on-road costs, making the PHEV some $2000-7000 above its diesel-powered counterparts.
That’s also higher than rival plug-in hybrid utes like the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV ($63,990 driveaway) and the BYD Shark ($57,900 plus on-roads). However, Ford is banking on the Ranger’s popularity, reputation for rugged reliability, and strong resale value to justify the premium.
The lineup starts with the base-level XLT, which for $71,990 (before on-road costs) comes with 17-inch alloys, halogen lamps, a six-speaker sound system and a suite of safety features. Its fabric seats go without electronic adjustment, however.
For an extra $4000, the $75,990 Sport trim adds leather seats and an 8-way adjustable electric driver seat, along with 18-inch alloys and LED headlights. It also gets additional safety features like intelligent adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition and lane centring, as well as a Thatcham volumetric perimeter alarm system.
Go another notch up the trim ladder and the Wildtrak – priced from $79,990 before on-roads – also gets matrix LED headlights, a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, Ford’s flexible rack system and cargo system as standard, plus a 360-degree camera. It also scores power-adjustable seating for the front passenger, and a power roller shutter for added security in the tray.
At the top of the range, the $86,990 Stormtrak Launch Edition adds to the Wildtrak with Chill Grey accents on the grille, Stormtrak-branded upholstery, 18-inch alloys – and for the off-roaders, a full-size spare tyre (lower trims get a tyre repair and inflation kit.) The Stormtrak also includes six auxiliary switches for added functionality, roof rails, and an exclusive interior trim design.
Optional extras include prestige paint ($700), a technology pack ($950) with a 360-degree camera and trailer backup assist, and an adventure pack ($500) with auxiliary switches and cargo management. A black or white canopy is also on offer for $4700. The flexible rack system, which lets owners slide and lock the rear rack in different positions along the tray that is standard on Wildtrak and Stormtrak, is optional on the Sport for another $2800.
Ford’s standard five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty applies in addition to an eight-year, 160,000km battery warranty.
2025 Ford Ranger PHEV fuel and power
Under the bonnet, the Ranger PHEV pairs a 2.3-litre turbo petrol engine with a 75kW electric motor powered by an 11.8kWh battery. Combined outputs stand at 207kW and 697Nm – meaning the PHEV has more torque than the Ranger’s 3.0-litre V6 diesel.
Fuel efficiency is quoted at 2.7L/100km, and the pure electric range sits at a modest 48km – well below recent big battery PHEVs like the 37.1kWh 2025 GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV and the 35.4kWh GWM Haval H6GT Ultra PHEV – but enough for short commutes or running errands without petrol.
While the fuel consumption ratings of 187Wh/km and 66 grams of CO2 per kilometre, based on NEDC, are likely ambitious, regenerative braking further capitalises on the electric portion of the drivetrain, saving on fuel as well as brake pads.
A Modular Hybrid Transmission (MHT) integrates the electric motor between the engine and transmission, allowing for hybrid and EV operation. This system is aimed at optimising fuel economy while maintaining off-road and towing performance.
It also enables four selectable EV drive modes, allowing drivers to opt-in or out of electric power as desired:
- Auto EV: Uses electric and petrol power automatically for the best efficiency.
- EV Now: Prioritises electric driving until the battery is depleted.
- EV Later: Reserves battery power for later use.
- EV Charge: Uses the petrol engine to charge the battery while driving.
Because the Ranger PHEV can be driven without fuel for small distances, Ford has also introduced a new fuel filler release feature that allows fuel vapour to be purged from the tank via a button on the dash.
2025 Ford Ranger PHEV charging and V2L
Ranger PHEV owners won’t be popping out to the fast charger: there is no DC charging capability, but it’s not a deal breaker. Its 11.8kWh battery can be topped up at the end of each day in about four hours using a 15A plug, via a 3.5kW AC max rate.
While Ford hasn’t focused on a quick top up for the Ranger PHEV, it has invested heavily in vehicle-to-load (V2L) opportunities via what Ford calls Pro Power Onboard. With it, tradies, campers and out-and-abouters at large can access up to 6.9kW power, thanks to two 15A power outlets in the tray (3.45kW each) and a 10A outlet in the cabin (2.3kW).
That means you can run power tools, a coffee machine, or even a fridge without lugging a noisy generator around.
2025 Ford Ranger PHEV tech and styling
The Ranger PHEV’s cabin is familiar territory – sharing the same spacious layout as the diesel models. There’s a 12-inch vertical touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a fully digital instrument cluster. Higher trims add leather-accented seats, ambient lighting, and a 10-speaker B&O sound system.
Practicality is still front and centre, with a wide centre console, deep door bins, and under-seat storage. Aside from the addition of two power outlets in the back, the tray is also familiar, with box lighting and a rear step for easier access.
— Bridie Schmidt
2025 Ford Ranger safety
While the Ranger PHEV hasn’t yet been ANCAP tested, the diesel model scored five stars, and the plug-in hybrid version keeps all the same safety gear, including:
- Nine airbags
- Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Lane-keeping assist with road edge detection
- Reverse brake assist
- Child proof rear door locks
- Trailer sway control integrated into stability control system
Driver assistance features include:
- Adaptive cruise control (XLT)
- Intelligent adaptive cruise control with stop & go, traffic sign recognition and lane centering (Sport, Wildtrak and Stormtrak)
- Intelligent speed assist and evasive steer assist
- Blind spot monitoring with cross traffic alert
- Dynamic stability control (DSC) incorporating ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency brake assist, hill start assist, roll stability control, traction control and trailer sway control
- Lane keeping aid with road edge detection and driver alert system
- Post impact braking
- Pre-collision assist with autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Reverse brake assist
- Parking sensors – front and rear
- Rear view camera and 360-degree camera
- Traffic sign recognition
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
Because the Ranger PHEV can drive without an engine, it is also equipped with an Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS), which turns on when the engine is not in operation and the vehicle is travelling 30km/h and or slower.
2025 Ford Ranger PHEV 4WD and towing
The Ranger PHEV carries over the advanced full-time 4WD system first introduced with the 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel version. This system includes an electronically controlled on-demand 2-speed transfer case, giving drivers access to 2H, 4A, 4H, and 4L modes.
When 4A (automatic 4WD) is selected, the system dynamically shifts power between the front and rear wheels as needed, optimising traction in changing on-road conditions. This provides better stability and confidence when navigating slippery roads, gravel tracks, or unpredictable terrain.
For those venturing off the beaten path, the locking rear differential enhances off-road performance, ensuring both rear wheels receive equal power when tackling steep inclines, deep mud, or rocky trails. Combined with the instant torque from the electric motor, the Ranger PHEV is well-equipped for hauling loads in demanding environments.
Ford has kept its 3500kg braked towing capacity for the PHEV, matching the diesel versions. However, payload is slightly reduced due to the extra battery weight, sitting at:
- XLT: 973kg
- Sport: 934kg
- Wildtrak: 885kg
- Stormtrak: 808kg
Additionally, the tyres for the Ranger PHEV are wider than its diesel equivalents to maintain handling and tow capacity while bearing the extra weight of the battery.
The upshot is a better takeoff from standing while towing—especially important in cases like pulling a boat up out of the water at a ramp.
The verdict: does the Ford Ranger PHEV make sense?
For buyers looking to cut fuel costs without giving up diesel ute capability, the Ranger PHEV is a solid option. It’s priced higher than rivals like the GWM Cannon Alpha and BYD Shark, but it brings Ford’s reputation, a strong dealer network, and full-time 4WD.
It may not suit every ute buyer, but for urban tradies and fleet operators keen on reducing fuel costs and consumption, capitalising on extra torque for tricky tow situations and making use of commendable V2L capabilities on the work or camp site, it’s an undeniably attractive proposition on paper.
