The Ford Ranger we've been waiting for? 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV brings plug-in hybrid grunt to tackle the BYD Shark and future electrified Toyota HiLux and Mitsubishi Triton versions

Ford has debuted its ute of the future.

The Blue Oval has officially taken the covers off the Ranger plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ahead of its arrival next year.

Ford announced its plans for a Ranger PHEV in September 2023, but now the petrol-electric workhorse is locked in. 

We now know it ditches diesel grunt beloved by Aussie ute owners and replaces it with a 2.3-litre turbocharged petrol motor, an electric motor combining and a 11.8kWh battery. This is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Ford hasn’t provided total power outputs but the electric motor makes 75kW and the same engine makes 201kW and 420Nm in US-spec Rangers.

Calculating the total output isn’t as simple as adding the two numbers together but expect at least 250kW and lots of torque all at once. Ford has previously stated the PHEV will be the torquiest Ranger ever, so expect more than 600Nm.

Ford claims the Ranger PHEV can be driven on pure electric power for more than 45km.

Fuel use is still a mystery and will be revealed closer to the car’s on sale date.

The federal government's impending New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), will make life difficult for the diesel-powered Ranger but the addition of the PHEV will help[ offset any fines levelled against the workhorse.

The Ranger PHEV will still have all the hallmarks of the diesel Ranger that has made it Australia’s best selling car in the past 18 months, plus a few extra tricks according to Ford Australia boss, Andrew Birkic.

“We ensured our first PHEV pickup in Australia and New Zealand would be a hugely capable tool for work and off-roading, as well as a smart vehicle with the tech, connectivity and EV-only capability for family life,” he said.

It can tow 3500kg, has a low-range transfer case and a locking rear differential for off-road driving.

The Ranger PHEV can also power worksites via two power outlets in the tray and one in the cabin.

Users can choose to drive in hybrid mode, electric mode or petrol-only mode and the battery can be recharged via a household power socket, regenerative braking or by the engine. The latter will likely cause fuel use to skyrocket.

Ford Australia has confirmed the Ranger PHEV will be available in XLT, Sport and Wildtrak grades, as well as a Stormtrak launch edition.

The limited edition Stormtrak has some extra features such as a new grey paint colour, Ford’s flexible rack system that is a sliding rack over the tray to make it easier to carry long items on the roof.

The Ranger PHEV will face some stiff competition when it arrives in Australia.

BYD is preparing to launch the Shark PHEV ute later this year.

The Shark uses 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor for a total 320kW and 650Nm sent to all four wheels. It is claimed to be faster than a Ford Ranger Raptor, too.

Its battery will be close to three times larger than the Ranger PHEV’s, which allows the Shark to drive up to 100km on electric power alone or a 845km total driving range.

It can only muster a 2500kg towing limit, but it can carry a one tonne payload.