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2025 Ford Ranger PHEV: Is This the Future of Aussie Utes?

  • Mar 6
  • 3 min read

The 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV is set to hit Australian roads in mid-2025, bringing a plug-in hybrid option to the country’s best-selling ute. It promises lower fuel consumption, electric driving modes, and the same 3500kg towing capacity as its diesel siblings. Sounds good on paper—but with a hefty price tag and a few controversial changes, is this the hybrid ute Aussies have been waiting for?

Let’s dive into what you need to know about the new Ranger PHEV.


A Ford Ranger PHEV Stormtrak plugged into a charging station, parked on the side of the road at sunset.
Fancy a hybrid ute? The Ranger PHEV Stormtrak will do the job—just don’t ask how much

Key Features: What You’re Getting Under the Hood

  • 2.3L Turbocharged EcoBoost Petrol Engine + 75kW Electric Motor

  • Total Power Output: 207kW / 697Nm

  • 10-Speed Modular Hybrid Transmission (MHT)

  • 48km Electric-Only Range (NEDC Cycle)

  • 4 EV Driving Modes: Auto EV, EV Now, EV Later, and EV Charge

  • Pro Power Onboard System: 2.3kW cabin outlets & 3.45kW tray power outlet

  • Towing Capacity: 3500kg braked

  • Payload: Between 808kg – 973kg depending on trim

On the surface, Ford’s hybrid ute packs some solid numbers. Good torque, reasonable electric range, and full towing capacity. But there are a few elephants in the room…


Rear quarter view of the Ford Ranger PHEV Stormtrak parked in a scenic area with trees in the background.
Power, style, and brains—this Ranger PHEV Stormtrak isn’t just about looking good, or is it?

How the Ranger PHEV Stacks Up Against the Competition

Price vs. Diesel Rangers & Chinese Ute Rivals

If you’re thinking of going hybrid, get ready to pay up. The Ranger PHEV starts at $71,990 (XLT) and climbs to $86,990 (Stormtrak) before on-road costs.

For context:

  • A Ranger V6 Diesel? Around $5000 cheaper.

  • BYD Shark PHEV? A whopping $57,900—making the Ranger $14K more expensive.

  • GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra hybrid? $64,990, also significantly cheaper.

Ford is banking on the Ranger name and reputation to justify the premium, but with China’s cheaper hybrid utes gaining traction, buyers might hesitate.


Performance: What Happens When the Battery Runs Dry?

On paper, 207kW and 697Nm sounds solid. But there’s a catch—the petrol engine alone is detuned to 138kW/411Nm. That’s only marginally more than the BYD Shark. Once the battery depletes, you’re left with a four-cylinder turbo-petrol hauling a big 4WD.


And yet, Ford still expects this thing to tow 3500kg? That’s 1000kg more than the Shark, with less power when the battery runs out. That’s a tough ask.


The Ford Ranger PHEV Wildtrak at a boat ramp, preparing to tow a wake boat.
More expensive than its diesel twin, pricier than rivals, and still unproven. The Ranger PHEV Wildtrak is here

Trim Levels & Features: What You’re Paying For

The Ranger PHEV comes in XLT, Sport, Wildtrak, and Stormtrak trims. Each gets unique styling tweaks, but there are a few cost-cutting decisions raising eyebrows:


The Good:

  • Pro Power Onboard: Built-in power outlets in the cabin & tray. Handy for tradies, campers, and off-roaders.

  • Tows 3500kg Braked: On par with the diesel Rangers.

  • More EV Modes: Gives drivers control over battery usage.


The Bad:

  • XLT Gets Halogen Headlights?! Meanwhile, the diesel XLT has LEDs standard.

  • Spare Tire Is Optional on Lower Trims. Let’s hope you don’t cop a puncture in the bush.

  • Smaller Battery Than Some Rivals. Raises concerns about real-world usability.


Ford’s Stormtrak gets the best of the bunch—Chill Grey paint, exclusive wheels, thicker roof racks, and more standard features.


A Ford Ranger PHEV XLT climbing a rugged mountain trail with mountain bikes in the tray.
Off-road capable? Sure. But the hybrid tax is real

Should You Buy the Ford Ranger PHEV?

If you’re a loyal Ford Ranger owner who wants to dip into hybrid tech while keeping full towing capacity, the PHEV version could make sense. But if you’re looking for the most cost-effective hybrid ute, the BYD Shark and GWM Cannon Alpha offer better bang for buck.

The biggest concerns?

  • The detuned petrol engine when the battery is low.

  • The higher price tag over its diesel counterpart.

  • Feature downgrades in lower trims.

For now, it’s a bold move from Ford—but it remains to be seen if Aussie ute buyers are ready to pay more for hybrid power.


Final Thoughts: A Hybrid Workhorse or a Hard Sell?

The Ford Ranger PHEV brings hybrid tech to one of Australia’s most popular utes, but the price tag and real-world performance questions could hold it back. If Ford can prove the petrol engine won’t struggle when towing, they might have a winner. Until then, it’s a bit of a gamble.


Would you take a hybrid Ranger over a diesel?

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