Ford is determined to maintain the domination of its Ranger to continue its success as the segment’s top seller in Europe for ten consecutive years.
Available with the efficient 3.0 litre V6 turbo diesel engine developing 240PS and 600Nm torque, it also comes with the versatile 2.3 litre EcoBoost 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine.
This unit is well established in Ford models used in both the Focus ST and is the better option for our roads in the Mustang.
This is the choice for the review model – the recently added Ranger PHEV.
It is rated at 281PS at 4,600rpm with a torque figure of 697Nm at 2,500 rpm.
As a PHEV ( plug-in hybrid), it has the added advantage of electric support, which comes from a 75kW electric motor and 11.8 kWh battery.
This supports output to all four wheels through the 10-speed automatic transmission, as well as providing an electric-only range of up to 26 miles. Off the mark, it will reach 62mph in just under ten seconds.
Three standard specifications are on offer in addition to special editions and the review model is in top Stormtrak trim.
This version carries unique exterior detailing including a honeycomb grille, ‘Ranger’ script along the bonnet edge and twin fuelling caps on the rear nearside panel – one for petrol and the other for electric charge.
On road, and there is an initial need to adjust to its approximately 5 x 2 metre footprint.
The petrol engine adds a touch of refinement compared to the diesel with the option of a totally quiet getaway if the battery is fully charged.
Driving solo and with an empty load bay, suspension and ride is biased towards the recreational appeal of the vehicle as opposed to its workhorse capabilities.
Steering provides good response and the brakes are clearly planned for competent response when loaded or towing.
A choice of driving modes allows you to drive on petrol, battery power, or a combination of both.
Further choices are available on a rotary dial which offers Normal, Eco or Sport for road use and additional choices for off-road.
These are Tow / Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, and Sand.
The interior provides spacious five-seater accommodation, and in this top spec level has comfortable appointments.
Driver display is a 12.4-inch configurable unit while the 12-inch central infotainment screen has Ford’s SYNC 4A infotainment system with connected navigation, and phone connectivity.
Driver’s seat has power adjustment with heating to both front seats and leather leather-trimmed steering wheel.
A comprehensive list of driver assistance technologies includes Blind Spot Information System with Trailer Coverage, Collision Mitigation System, front and rear parking sensors, Hill Descent Control, and Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control.
Also standard in the Wildtrak are Pro Trailer Backup Assist, Reverse Brake Assist, Reverse Parking Aid, Terrain Management System, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Trailer Reverse Guidance with 360-degree camera.
Expanding the latest technologies, Ford is offering its advanced ‘BlueCruise’ technology in 2026 making the Ranger PHEV the first pickup in Europe to offer “hands-off, eyes-on” driving.
For the commercial user, the load bay has a length of 1.6 metres with a 1.2 metre clearance between the wheelhouses and a 940kg payload.
Its maximum braked towing weight is 3,500kg. This specification also features a flexible rack system and roof rails as well as the 2.3kW ‘Pro Power Onboard’ 240 volt supply.
In terms of ownership, this Hybrid pick-up benefits from a flat-rate annual road tax (VED), and a lower rate of Benefit in Kind taxation due to its lower CO2 emissions of 70-72g/km, currently 19%.
It is also VAT-free for registered users.
With regards to running costs, the official WLTP figure is 91mpg, taking in the electric-only drive element.
Exclusive colours to this specification level are Chill Grey and Agate Black, with pricing at just under £50,000 (ex VAT).
Motoring editor for Derry Journal Newspapers
