The new Ford Ranger PHEVRead Caroline’s Ford Ranger PHEV review for everything you need to know about buying Ford’s plug-in hybrid pick-up truck in Ireland.
The Ford Ranger is one of Ireland’s favourite pick-up trucks and has been for a long time. Now Ford has added a plug-in hybrid to the range that will be sold alongside the diesel.
It adds a new dimension to the Ranger’s capability, while also boasting some zero emissions benefits. Not bad for a pick-up that can still tow and haul like a diesel Ranger.
Let’s take a closer look
Ford Ranger PHEV Design
The Ford Ranger has always had a strong road presence and the plug-in hybrid doesn’t dilute that tough image. It’s available in three different trim levels for Ireland, from the utility-focused XLT to a fully-loaded Stormtrak edition.
I tested the mid-range Wildtrak and it has plenty of kerb appeal with 18-inch alloy wheels, aluminium roof rails and a sports hoop over the load bed. There’s a PHEV badge on the side, plus separate filler caps for fuel and charging.
Otherwise it’s business as usual for Ford’s popular pick-up.
Inside the Ford Ranger PHEV WildtrakFord Ranger PHEV Interior
Inside it’s almost identical to a diesel Ranger except for a few extra buttons and screen displays for the hybrid system.
Wildtrak versions add leather upholstery and little luxuries like heated front seats, heated steering wheel and power adjustment for the driver’s seat. The large, portrait-style touchscreen comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but there are proper buttons and dials for things like the heating and fan speed. A reversing camera with view of the tow hitch makes it easier to attach a trailer.
Many buyers use their pick-up for work during the week and family at the weekends, and the Ranger fits this brief well. The PHEV is double cab only and will seat three across the rear bench. Isofix points are included on the outer two seats as well as power sockets, USBs and separate climate vents for rear passengers.
How practical is it?
Despite the plug-in hybrid’s battery positioned under the load bed, Ford has managed to retain up to 1 tonne payload and a Euro pallet can fit between the wheel arches. There is a slight 20mm reduction in the height of the load box, but it’s not much of an impact in reality. Otherwise, the Ranger PHEV can do all the work you need with the same 3.5 tonne towing capacity as the diesel.
One standout feature of the plug-in hybrid is Ford’s ‘Pro Power’ option that allows you to power tools or camping equipment directly from the hybrid battery. Two sockets are located in the load bed, handy for off-grid work or camping trips.
The load bed in the Ford Ranger PHEV with two onboard socketsDriving the 2026 Ford Ranger PHEV
Under the bonnet is a 2.3-litre Ecoboost turbo petrol engine paired with an electric motor and 11.8kWh battery, producing a combined 281hp and an impressive 697Nm of torque, the highest torque figure of any Ranger. Paired with a 10-speed automatic, it’s smooth and comfortable to drive and notably much more quiet and refined than the diesel.
The handling is very good for a pick-up, feeling surprisingly sporty and tight through bends. The precise steering makes it easy to place on the road and keep in lane on the motorway.
The 11.8kWh battery is a modest size and that is reflected in its range – up to 43 kilometres of EV driving is possible if you keep the battery charged however that will depend on your driving. It’s not particularly fast to charge either, taking nearly 4 hours to charge and no DC fast charging option. It is possible to charge the battery via the engine but that is not the most efficient way to do it.
However, if you are driving on an empty battery, fuel consumption is not criminally high considering there’s a big petrol engine onboard. During my time with it, my average fuel consumption was about 9 litres per 100 kilometres. Not fuel-sipping but similar to a diesel in real world driving.
What’s it like off-road?
Ford has also managed to keep the off-road capability intact. There’s an easy switchable 4×4 system with high and low range four wheel drive, which also includes dedicated drive modes (Normal, Sport, Eco, Slippery, Tow/Haul, Mud/Ruts and Sand). There’s also a rear differential lock as standard and a hill descent control, making it as capable off-road as any Ranger.
The Ford Ranger PHEV adds refinement and even more versatility to the popular pick-upFord Ranger PHEV Pricing
The Ranger PHEV is available in XLT, Wildtrak and Stormtrak trims. In the entry level XLT trim, the Ranger PHEV does carry a significant premium over the 2.0-litre diesel (€59,881 vs €50,053). However there’s only about €1000 separating them in the more appealing Wildtrak trim, which comes in at €64,975. The Stormtrak is a special edition for the PHEV only and retails at €77,081. But for business users, it’s a shame fuel costs cannot be reclaimed in the same way as diesel.
Verdict
The Ford Ranger PHEV can do all the work you need it to do, with the added bonus of the extra refinement and versatility of its plug-in hybrid powertrain. The relatively small battery and slow charging limit its EV credentials, and it’s a shame there are no real incentives for business users to make the switch. It won’t replace the diesel for everyone but for buyers who do short daily trips, urban work or want the added flexibility of the Pro Power onboard sockets, the plug-in hybrid makes a lot of sense.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year