Ford won’t do a Prado!

Ford has no plan to introduce a plug-in hybrid version of the top-selling Everest SUV in Australia because it would be subject to the same packaging issues that have compromised the new mild hybrid 250 Series Toyota Prado.

Instead, despite the pressure of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) that has already forced it to chop its 4x2 Everest models, Ford will continue with its current all-diesel powertrain line-up for its top-selling large SUV.

For our NVES explainer, click here.

“We will not compromise on the key things our customers are seeking,” declared Ford Australia marketing director Ambrose Henderson when asked about the prospect of an Everest PHEV joining the Ranger ute PHEV due within months.

“Others have made decisions and based on what customers are saying and what is being reported in the media and social media, those decisions have compromised the key capability of those cars and [are] moving away from what people are buying that car for.

“That large SUV segment is about space, it’s about drive, it’s about towing and carrying, so that’s absolutely key for us and we won’t compromise on that.

“Other people have and you can see the results of it.”

Ranger and Everest ride on the same fundamental T6 ladder frame architecture, hence the PHEV system being theoretically available to it.

But carsales understands the installation of the PHEV’s battery pack under the floor of the Everest would impact luggage capacity and the ability to fit a third row of seats.

The rear of the Ranger PHEV is understood to be higher and longer than the standard turbo-diesel Ranger, enabling the battery to be fitted and a one tonne payload maintained.

“They [Ranger and Everest] are two very different products and two very different platforms,” said Henderson.

“As we progress towards launch you’ll see how that technology is packaged within Ranger and that will become very clear as to why that is a very different proposition for an SUV.”

The Ford PHEV system fitted to Ranger comprises a 2.3-litre petrol engine, an e-motor within the transmission housing and an 11.8kWh battery pack.

The 250 Series Prado’s boot area is compromised because its floor is raised to fit the battery of the mild-hybrid system that assists the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine sold in Australia, as well as the full hybrid petrol-electric system deployed in the US models.

The raised boot level and reduced space has resulted in significant customer and media criticism of the Prado and cancelled orders.

The Everest was the number one selling large SUV in Australia in 2024 with a record 26,494 sales, while the Prado dropped down the order as stock of the old 150 Series ran out and Toyota waited for the arrival of the 250 Series.

In 2025 the two large SUV heavyweights appear locked in a potentially record-breaking tussle for segment superiority.

The Prado was widely expected to resume top spot, but Ford clearly thinks its packaging issues can be exploited and is keen to amplify that weakness.

Henderson referred to the Prado’s packaging – without ever uttering the words “Toyota” or “Prado” – as a key reason a PHEV Everest would not happen.

“Some others have gone and started doing some things in this space and they have taken significant compromises to the package of the car.

“When we look at our car and look at the customer research and what we need to deliver we don’t think that that delivers that for Australian customers.

“They need the space in the car, they need the power and torque, they want the full 4x4 and they want to be able to tow and right now that package and the technology that is available doesn’t support that.

“So number one before we pass go we need to deliver what customers want and that’s our absolute guiding light.

“That is how we approach it,” he concluded.

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