2025 Ford Ranger PHEV to be offered in multiple forms

Original: The 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV has been detailed almost in full ahead of its global release next year, with the big news being the turbo-petrol-electric powertrain’s availability in four trim levels.

According to Ford Australia, the turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder plug-in hybrid system will be offered in XLT, Sport, Wildtrak and limited-run Stormtrak guises as opposed to just one flagship grade, however we’re still yet to hear of a combined power output or fuel consumption figure.

The system combines the aforementioned petrol engine – outputting 222kW/452Nm in the VW Amarok TSI – with a 75kW electric motor and an 11.8kWh (net) battery, the former mounted within the housing of the 10-speed automatic transmission, meaning the system can function in any drive configuration: 2H, 4A, 4H and 4L.

Ford is still targeting a WLTP electric range of “over 45km” for the Ranger PHEV and has reiterated the electrified ute retains all the capabilities of the diesel examples, headlined by the 3500kg braked towing capacity and 800mm wading depth.

One of the PHEV system’s party tricks is its 6.9kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, aka Pro Power Onboard, accessed via a pair of 3.45kW outlets in the tub and/or a 2.3kW socket in the cabin.

Like most modern PHEVs, the Ranger’s powertrain can be run in a number of different modes – away from the traditional Normal, Eco, Slippery, Tow/Haul, Mud/Ruts, Sand and now Sport drive modes – depending on the situation or intent: Auto EV (hybrid), EV Now (EV), EV Later (battery save) or EV Charge (battery charge).

All of the usual 4x4 suspects like a dual-range transfer case, locking rear differential and hill descent control etc are present as well, helped in rough terrain by the immediate response, torque and energy recuperation of the e-motor.

“Not all hybrid vehicles are the same, and our mission was to ensure the Ford Ranger was as versatile and capable as possible,” Ranger PHEV chief engineer Rob Sharples said.

“Our engineering teams worked very hard on keeping Ranger’s core off-road capability while adding in the performance and efficiency of a hybrid powertrain.”

Local pricing and finer specification details will be announced at a later date, but Ford has at least announced the headline inclusions of the new Stormtrak: 18-inch alloy wheels, honeycomb grille, fender vents, decal kit, Matrix LED headlamps, flexible rack system, pro trailer backup assist, a 360-degree camera, exclusive Chilli Grey paint, a B&O sound system some other “unique interior materials”.

Unlike the Thai-sourced diesels, the Ranger PHEV will be produced in South Africa alongside the VW Amarok.

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