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    Ford Ranger PHEV Review: A Powerful and Efficient Pickup Truck

    autoexpresscarBy No Comments3 Mins Read

    Ford Ranger PHEV Review: A Powerful and Efficient Pickup Truck

    The Ford Ranger pickup truck is now available with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, offering a compelling blend of performance, efficiency, and capability. This new variant doesn’t replace the existing diesel models but provides an alternative for those who can charge their vehicle regularly.

    Ford Ranger PHEV
    The Ranger PHEV retains the utility and performance expected of a pickup truck, with the ability to tow 3.5 tonnes and handle a gross payload of over 1.0 tonne, although not simultaneously. The ground clearance remains unchanged, and it can still ford water up to 800mm deep. In fact, the PHEV variant has more performance than its diesel counterpart, thanks to the combined petrol-electric powertrain delivering 697Nm of torque.

    One of the significant advantages of the Ranger PHEV is its potential for lower running costs, particularly for those who can maximize the electric-only driving range through a low-cost electric car tariff. With official CO2 emissions of 70-72g/km, benefit-in-kind company car tax is around £350 a month for 20% rate payers, compared to over £520 for a diesel Ranger. The hybrid system also enables the Ford Pro Power Onboard feature, allowing the vehicle to act as a mobile generator to power tools or camping equipment.

    The Ranger PHEV uses a new 2.3-litre TIVCT EcoBoost petrol engine combined with an electric motor integrated into the 10-speed automatic transmission, producing a total output of 281PS. According to WLTP measurements, it’s capable of up to 26 miles of zero-emissions driving, although real-world testing yielded around 21 miles. An 11.8kWh battery pack is used, which required re-engineering the rear chassis rails and some adjustments to the suspension to accommodate it.

    Ford Pro Power on board
    Despite the changes, the Ranger PHEV maintains the ride comfort and handling characteristics that make the Ranger line-up stand out. It features nicely judged power-assisted steering, plenty of grip, and minimal body roll, making it easy to handle in various driving conditions. The electric motor provides sufficient oomph for zero-emission mode, which is very quiet, and the active noise cancellation technology helps keep the cabin quiet even when the petrol engine kicks in.

    The Ranger PHEV offers four EV modes: EV Auto, EV Now, EV Later, and EV Charge, providing flexibility in how the hybrid system is used. While the official fuel economy figure is 88-91mpg, real-world economy will vary depending on how the vehicle is used, potentially dropping to around 30mpg if the battery is charged on the move.

    Ford Ranger towing
    Off-road capability remains uncompromised, with the four-wheel-drive system, hill descent control, and rear differential lock functioning as expected. The vehicle’s ground clearance and axle articulation make it well-suited for tackling challenging terrain.

    Priced from £40,830, the Ranger PHEV is positioned between the 2.0-litre and 3.0-litre diesel models in terms of cost but offers significant savings in benefit-in-kind tax and potentially lower running costs. For those with the ability to charge their vehicle regularly, the Ford Ranger PHEV presents an attractive option in the pickup truck market, combining impressive performance, efficiency, and capability.

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