The Australian launch of the Ford Ranger plug-in hybrid (PHEV) will take place closer to the middle of 2025 than the start, which means it could be beaten to market by not one but two rival utes.
Ford Australia has confirmed the Ranger PHEV is due to arrive in mid-2025, after initially saying it’d be here early in the new year.
It’s already been beaten by the BYD Shark 6 to become the first PHEV ute in Australia, while the GWM Cannon Alpha Hi4-T is due in the second quarter of 2025 (April to June), likely arriving a handful of weeks or even months ahead of the Ford.
100s of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Ford has previously confirmed the PHEV powertrain will be available in the Ranger XLT, Sport and Wildtrak – all of which are currently available with both bi-turbo 2.0-litre and single-turbo 3.0-litre V6 diesel engines – as well as the new plug-in-only Stormtrak flagship.
Ranger PHEVs will also be the only variants of the ute to include external power outlets, consisting of a 2.3kW (2300W) outlet in the cabin and two 3.45kW (3450W) outlets in the bed.
The Ford Ranger PHEV is powered by a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, with a 75kW electric motor sandwiched between it and the 10-speed automatic transmission.
Ford is targeting 45km of electric-only driving range, allowing owners to complete short journeys without burning any fuel.
Ranger PHEV Stormtrak
Drivers will be able to switch between four drivetrain modes for the best-suited engine and electric motor usage: Auto EV, EV Now, EV Later and EV Charge.
According to a survey of Australian motorists commissioned by Ford, 60 per cent of drivers would be “more likely” to buy an electrified vehicle – which encompasses traditional hybrids, PHEVs and full electric vehicles (EVs) – if it offered greater towing capability.
The Ranger PHEV boasts the same 3500kg braked towing capacity as a majority of the turbo-diesel ute’s Australian lineup.
Additional data from the National Automotive Leasing and Salary Packaging Association (NALSPA) showed local PHEV owners are using their vehicle’s electric-only driving capabilities for about 65 per cent of their trip, while 57 per cent charge their cars every night.
Ranger PHEV lineup
“Thanks to [the] Ranger PHEV’s EV drive modes, we’re confident that owners will enjoy the flexibility to use the battery for short electric-only journeys or in conjunction with the petrol engine for long range touring and towing,” said Ford Australia marketing director Ambrose Henderson.
Ford is yet to announce pricing for the Ranger PHEV, though it’s expected to come at a premium compared to the V6 turbo-diesel versions of equivalent dual-cab pickup variants.
As the Ranger PHEV is exclusively built in South Africa, it’ll incur a five per cent import duty as we don’t have a free-trade agreement with the nation, unlike Thailand from where others Rangers are sourced.
For context, the Ranger XLT is priced at $68,840 before on-road costs in V6 pickup guise, while the Sport V6 starts at $71,340 before on-road costs and the most expensive Wildtrak is $74,840 before on-road costs.
MORE: Everything Ford Ranger
MORE: 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV: Here’s what the whole lineup looks like
MORE: 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV: Key stats revealed ahead of Australian launch
