Thursday, 30 October 2025 20:49

Ford Ranger PHEV 2025 - Plug-In Hybrid Pickup review

Ford Ranger Stormtrak PHEV 2025 Ford Ranger Stormtrak PHEV 2025 Ford

The 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV represents a major technological and strategic step for Ford in the global pickup truck market. Built around a plug-in hybrid system combining a 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine with a 75 kW electric motor, it blends practicality, performance and lower emissions. The new model targets professionals and private users seeking full pickup capability with electrified efficiency.

Table of contents:

Design, Interior and Exterior Features

The 2025 Ranger PHEV maintains the robust proportions of the standard Ranger while introducing distinctive design cues that highlight its electrified identity. The exterior receives a new front grille with a blue-accented Ford badge, unique PHEV badging and new alloy-wheel designs up to 18 inches depending on trim. Its body-on-frame construction ensures strength, while aerodynamic tweaks slightly improve efficiency.

The load bed remains practical, measuring 1,638 mm long and 1,224 mm wide between the wheel arches, accommodating a full-size Euro pallet. The integrated power outlets from the Pro Power Onboard system allow tools or devices to be charged directly from the vehicle’s battery. This feature effectively turns the Ranger into a mobile generator for work or adventure.

Inside, the cabin is familiar but enhanced for hybrid duties. The dashboard features a 12-inch vertical touchscreen running Ford’s SYNC 4 system with voice control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging and digital instrumentation showing hybrid energy flow. Materials are more refined, especially in upper trims, with soft-touch finishes and contrast stitching. Noise insulation has been improved thanks to additional sound-deadening around the cabin and underbody. The overall feel is more premium and refined than in previous Ranger generations.

Trims and Variants

Ford offers the Ranger PHEV in four trims: XLT, Sport, Wildtrak and Stormtrak. Each variant combines the same powertrain but differs in design details, interior appointments and standard equipment.

The XLT serves as the functional entry point, featuring body-colored bumpers, durable seat materials, LED headlights, an 8-inch driver display and the full hybrid drivetrain with selectable drive modes. It is built for customers prioritizing practicality and value.

The Sport trim adds dark exterior accents, unique wheel finishes, sports seats and upgraded connectivity features. This variant balances comfort and toughness, appealing to urban and fleet buyers who need capability without excessive luxury.

The Wildtrak introduces a more lifestyle-oriented approach with additional chrome elements, premium leather upholstery, 18-inch alloys and an advanced driver-assistance package. The top-tier Stormtrak stands out with bespoke paint options, exclusive wheels, soft-touch cabin materials and the most complete safety and infotainment package in the lineup. In markets such as Australia, the Stormtrak also includes a 6.9 kW onboard generator as standard.

Payload capacities vary slightly depending on trim: approximately 993 kg for the XLT, 940 kg for the Wildtrak and 808 kg for the Stormtrak. Despite the hybrid system’s added weight, towing capacity remains impressive at up to 3,500 kg.

Powertrain, Performance and Capability

Under the hood, the Ranger PHEV combines Ford’s proven 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbocharged petrol engine with a 75 kW electric motor and an 11.8 kWh usable lithium-ion battery. Total system output reaches approximately 207 kW and 697 Nm of torque, distributed through a 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive.

The hybrid system enables pure electric driving for up to 43 km in Europe and 45 km in Australia according to test cycles. Charging from a 7.4 kW wall box takes about 3.5 hours. The driver can select between four modes: EV Auto, EV Now, EV Later and EV Charge, allowing flexibility depending on journey type.

Off-road capability remains identical to other Ranger models with a 31-degree approach angle, 800 mm wading depth and 237 mm ground clearance. The hybrid’s torque delivery improves control during low-speed maneuvers and towing operations. The battery placement under the bed lowers the center of gravity, improving stability when loaded.

Acceleration from 0 to 62 mph is achieved in around 9.2 seconds, while fuel economy in Australian testing averages 2.9 L/100 km and emissions are rated at 66 g/km CO₂. These figures make the Ranger PHEV one of the most efficient vehicles in its class while preserving full utility strength.

Market Positioning and Pricing Across the UK, Europe, the USA, Australia

The Ranger PHEV enters global markets with a focus on combining professional utility and sustainability, but its positioning and pricing differ across regions.

In the UK, the Ranger PHEV is promoted as the first plug-in hybrid pickup available for commercial and private use. Prices start at approximately £51,000 for the XLT and rise to around £62,000 for the Stormtrak. Its classification as a Light Goods Vehicle grants lower Benefit-in-Kind tax rates for business users, enhancing its appeal to fleet operators.

Across Europe, similar versions are available with local adjustments. European buyers benefit from reduced CO₂-based registration taxes and access to low-emission zones, making the Ranger PHEV more attractive than diesel models in many cities. Charging infrastructure across Western Europe also supports the plug-in functionality, making daily electric use more practical.

In the USA, the Ranger PHEV is expected to complement the lineup alongside the EcoBoost and V6 petrol variants. Ford positions it as an efficiency-oriented alternative aimed at professionals who do not require the size or fuel consumption of a full-size truck. It also represents part of Ford’s wider electrification strategy which includes models like the F-150 Lightning and Maverick Hybrid.

In Australia, the PHEV is marketed as a high-tech evolution of the country’s most popular pickup. Prices begin at around AUD 71,990 for the XLT and reach approximately AUD 86,990 for the Stormtrak. It maintains the same payload and towing benchmarks as diesel versions while providing lower fuel consumption, making it one of the most advanced utes available.

Globally, the Ranger PHEV targets markets where work capability, versatility and environmental compliance are essential. It symbolizes Ford’s strategy to electrify commercial and lifestyle vehicles without compromising rugged performance.

Implications for Buyers

For professionals, tradespeople and adventurers seeking a pickup that can operate both as a workhorse and a low-emission daily vehicle, the 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV delivers an impressive balance of power and efficiency. The ability to drive short distances on electric power alone reduces fuel costs and emissions during city use, while long-distance flexibility remains intact thanks to the petrol engine.

In regions with hybrid tax incentives or low-emission benefits, the Ranger PHEV could prove financially advantageous. However, those whose driving involves frequent heavy towing or extended highway travel may find diesel versions more efficient for their needs.

The new Ranger PHEV stands as a milestone in Ford’s transition to hybrid and electric vehicles, combining innovation with proven durability. It shows that electrification does not need to compromise practicality, and that pickup trucks can be both tough and environmentally conscious. With its global rollout, Ford redefines what a modern hybrid pickup can achieve in real-world conditions.

 

Source: 4x4Australia, CaravanWorld, CarExpert, CarSales, CarZone, CompleteCar, Ford, KeyWestFord, PistonHeads, Shop-EU Maxliner, UteGuide, YouTube

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