The wait is finally over. After years of development and testing, the Ford Ranger Hybrid plug-in PHEV ute has arrived in NZ.
Being a Ute driver myself, I’ve been looking forward to seeing how this electrified workhorse stacks up against both its diesel siblings and the growing field of hybrid utes.
After analysing what the new Ford Ranger Hybrid PHEV ute brings to the Ranger family, I’m convinced Ford has achieved something quite remarkable: they’ve created a plug-in hybrid ute that doesn’t compromise on the core capabilities that made the Ranger New Zealand’s best-selling vehicle.
What Makes the Ford Ranger Hybrid Special?
Some manufacturers have bolted electric motors onto existing platforms as an afterthought. Not Ford. They’ve engineered the Ford Ranger Hybrid PHEV from the ground up to maintain everything that makes a Ranger, well, a Ranger.
At its heart sits a 2.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 138kW and 411Nm, working alongside a 75kW electric motor.
Combined, this setup delivers 207kW of power and an impressive 697Nm of torque – actually more twist than any other Ranger variant, including the mighty Raptor.
The 11.8kWh battery might seem modest compared to some competitors, but there’s method to Ford’s madness.
This smaller battery allows the Ford Ranger plug-in hybrid to maintain the same 3,500kg towing capacity as diesel Rangers whilst keeping payload figures respectable across the range.
Real-World Performance That Impresses
What strikes me most about the Ford Ranger Hybrid is how refined it feels compared to its diesel counterparts.
The electric motor provides instant torque from zero revs, making city driving remarkably smooth and quiet.
For the first 40-odd km of your journey, you can operate in near-silence – a revelation for anyone accustomed to the characteristic diesel rumble.
The transition between electric and petrol power is seamless. Ford’s engineers have calibrated the system so well that you barely notice when the engine kicks in, unless you’re actively monitoring the displays.
Off-road capability remains uncompromised. The plug-in hybrid ute retains the same four-wheel-drive system as other Rangers, complete with low-range gearing, rear differential lock, and 800mm wading depth.
What’s particularly impressive is watching this ute tackle steep inclines on electric power alone – the instant torque delivery makes even challenging climbs feel effortless.
The Pro Power Onboard Game-Changer
Perhaps the most compelling feature of the Ranger Hybrid plug-in ute is Ford’s Pro Power Onboard system. With up to 6.9kW of available power through multiple 240V outlets, this ute essentially becomes a mobile generator.
This can be quite transformative for tradies and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re running power tools on a remote worksite, operating a coffee machine whilst camping, or providing backup power during outages, the Ranger Hybrid offers genuine utility that goes well beyond transportation.
The system is smart enough to automatically start the engine if battery charge drops too low, ensuring you’ll never be left stranded without power.
Ford even showcased the Ranger Hybrid PHEV powering a fully-stocked pie warmer!
How It Compares to the Competition
The plug-in hybrid ute market has become increasingly competitive, with the BYD Shark and GWM Cannon Alpha offering compelling alternatives at significantly lower price points.
Both Chinese rivals boast larger batteries and longer electric-only ranges.
BYD Shark 6 seems to be primarily an EV with more of a range-extender type of ICE powertrain.
GWM Cannon Alpha seems more comparable to the Ranger for off-road and towing use. But its big battery and longer EV range does come with a significant weight penalty.
The Ford Ranger Hybrid takes a different approach.
Where the Shark and Cannon prioritise maximum electric range, Ford has focused on maintaining traditional ute capabilities whilst adding hybrid efficiency.
The result is a vehicle that feels like a proper Ranger first, and a hybrid second.
For businesses requiring genuine off-road capability, maximum towing capacity, and proven reliability, the Ranger Hybrid offers something its cheaper competitors can’t quite match.
Model Variants to Suit Different Needs
The Ford Ranger Hybrid PHEV lineup consists of four variants:
- XLT
- Sport
- Wildtrak
- And the range-topping Stormtrak
Each offers the same mechanical package but with varying levels of equipment and styling.
The Ranger XLT hybrid provides the essentials whilst maintaining the highest payload capacity at 973kg, just shy of the magic tonne.
The Ranger Sport hybrid adds leather-accented trim and improved comfort features.
The Ranger Wildtrak hybrid brings luxury touches including matrix LED headlights and a premium audio system.
The Ranger Stormtrak hybrid sits at the top of the range with exclusive styling, a flexible rack system, and unique interior appointments. However, all that additional equipment does impact payload, dropping to 808kg.
Efficiency Reality Check
Ford claims combined fuel consumption of 2.9L/100km under laboratory conditions. In real-world driving though, expect figures closer to 6-9L/100km depending on how you use the ute.
The key to maximising efficiency lies in understanding the four drive modes:
- Auto EV (system chooses optimal power source)
- EV Now (electric only)
- EV Later (preserves battery charge)
- EV Charge (uses engine to charge battery whilst driving)
For many businesses, the daily commute could be completed entirely on electric power, with the petrol engine providing backup for longer journeys or when towing.
Who Should Consider the Ford Ranger Hybrid PHEV?
This ute makes particular sense for several types of buyers…
Fleet operators looking to reduce emissions without compromising capability will find the Ranger Hybrid compelling.
The Pro Power Onboard system also appeals strongly to tradies and outdoor enthusiasts who regularly need portable power solutions.
Companies with sustainability goals will appreciate the ability to significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions for their vehicle fleets.
The fact that it can do this whilst maintaining full Ranger capability is the key differentiator.
Final Thoughts on the Ford Ranger Hybrid
Ford has achieved something genuinely impressive with the Ranger Hybrid. Rather than creating a compromised PHEV, they’ve developed a vehicle that enhances the Ranger formula with electric capability and mobile power generation.
Yes, it commands a premium over diesel variants, and yes, its electric range isn’t class-leading.
But for businesses that need a ute to be a proper ute first and foremost, Ford Ranger Hybrid offers the best of both worlds.
The refinement, capability, and innovative features like Pro Power Onboard make this a compelling proposition for forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace electrification without sacrificing utility.
