Ford Australia spotted benchmarking BYD, Denza and Rivian
Local engineering team descends on Bacchus Marsh with a trio of electrified rivalsThe News
Ford Australia has been spotted putting a trio of electrified off-roaders through their paces alongside its own Ranger Stormtrak, Super Duty, Wildtrak and Raptor, plus a US-spec Ranger EcoBoost. The competitor set comprised a BYD Shark 6, Denza B8 and Rivian R1T – a clear indication of how important electrification is becoming in the off-road scene.
The Key Details
- Ford spotted testing BYD, Denza and Rivian products in VIC
- Blue Oval entourage included Ranger Raptor, Super Duty, Stormtrak, Wildtrak and a left-hook EcoBoost
- Outing confirmed to be benchmark testing of key competition
- Rivian’s inclusion likely relates to upcoming Fathom EV ute
The Finer Details
The group was spotted at the Lerderderg 4x4 Area near Bacchus Marsh by bikesales editor Dylan Ruddy while shooting an upcoming review, with the silver R1T being the initial beacon of attention.
Less conspicuous were the B8 and Shark 6, both of which have had major impacts on the local market since their respective introductions in February and early 2025 – hence their presence on what Ford has since confirmed was a benchmarking excursion.
“Ford Australia is the global development hub for Ranger and Everest,” a spokesperson told carsales.
“As part of Ford’s global design and engineering programs, Ford’s Australian team plays a key role in benchmark testing key competitor vehicles with Ford vehicles to ensure competitiveness in the ever-evolving market.
“The vehicles shown in the supplied photos are part of this global development program, in which Ford Australia’s product development team is proud to participate.”
A low-profile cameo captured in the background of one of the attached images was a left-hand drive – North American – Ranger EcoBoost fitted with the optional FX4 off-road package.
The Road Ahead
The findings of this excursion, and indeed all the other local benchmarking efforts, will directly inform the development of future T6 Ranger and Everest updates both here and abroad, as well as the next-generation models which will have to tap more seriously into electrification.
On that note, the monocoque Rivian’s presence and assessment will also undoubtedly shape the development of the upcoming Ford Fathom electric ute that’ll debut the Blue Oval’s new low-cost Universal EV Platform.
While not confirmed for Australia, the open-back monocoque could one day find its way into local showrooms (post-2028), however it’ll more than likely show up incognito a long time before that for Aussie testing and validation – even though it’s intended primarily for North America.
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