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Powering the Future of a Workhorse
The latest Ford Ranger plugs in a 2.3‑litre EcoBoost engine with a 75‑kW electric motor and an 11.8‑kWh battery. Together they deliver 277 brake horsepower and 697 newton‑metres of torque, allowing the truck to sprint from 0 to 62 km/h in roughly nine seconds. Ford advertises a pure‑electric range of 27 miles and a CO₂ output of 71 g/km, while the combined fuel consumption sits around 4.5 litres per 100 km. In practice, the hybrid can cover about 25 miles on battery alone and adds roughly 410 miles of petrol range, giving a total of just under 450 miles.
Trim Levels and Styling Choices
The Ranger is offered in several trim levels that cater to different tastes. The entry‑level XLT provides the essentials, while the Limited adds a touch of refinement. The Platinum trim takes luxury further with chrome accents, quilted seats, memory functions and a more sophisticated interior. For enthusiasts, the MSRT package offers a motorsport‑inspired body kit, wing‑back seats and a distinctive look. The Wild Track variant focuses on off‑road capability, featuring a roof rail, side steps and a rugged exterior. Colour options are plentiful, with a free‑cost frozen‑white finish and a range of grays, silvers, blacks, blue lightning and even orange.
Inside the Cab: Tech and Comfort
Inside, the Ranger feels more like a modern SUV than a traditional work truck. The dashboard hosts a large touchscreen that runs Ford’s SYNC 4 system, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a suite of driver‑assist features. Climate control is dual‑zone, with heated windscreen and rear windows, and the steering wheel can be heated as well. The cabin is equipped with USB‑C and USB‑A ports, a wireless phone charger, and a variety of storage pockets. Seat options include standard cloth, quilted leather and memory seats on higher trims. The rear seats offer ISO‑FIX anchors, cup holders and a generous amount of legroom.
Safety and convenience are highlighted by a 360‑degree camera, parking sensors, and a reverse‑camera system that appears automatically when the vehicle is in reverse. Higher trims add a 360‑degree camera and a 10‑speed automatic transmission that smooths gear changes. The vehicle also offers multiple drive modes—normal, off‑road, towing, wet conditions—accessible via a rotary knob on the centre console.
Driving Dynamics and Real‑World Performance
The Ranger’s 10‑speed automatic and the hybrid powertrain give it a surprisingly car‑like feel. The steering is responsive, and the suspension, while firm, is tuned to handle both on‑road comfort and off‑road demands. The vehicle’s high driving position and large mirrors provide good visibility, though tight parking can still be a challenge due to the vehicle’s width.
On the road, the hybrid’s electric mode keeps engine noise to a minimum, but a small amount of noise still enters the cabin, which is typical for a pickup. The regenerative braking system is active even in normal mode, and the vehicle can switch between front‑wheel and all‑wheel drive without entering a dedicated high‑ or low‑gear mode. The Ranger can tow up to 3.5 tonnes and carries a payload of up to one tonne, making it suitable for both work and leisure.
Practicality and Everyday Use
Dimensions of 5.3 m in length, 2.2 m in width and 1.88 m in height give the Ranger a commanding presence on the road. The rear cargo area is spacious, with a side step and a roof rail for accessories. The charging plug is a 7‑kW home charger, which takes about half an hour to fill the battery. While rapid charging is not available, the hybrid’s electric range is sufficient for most daily commutes.
Ford’s build quality is solid, with no rattling or squeaking reported during the test drive. The interior materials feel durable, and the vehicle’s overall refinement surpasses many other pickups in its class. However, the suspension is firmer than expected, which may transmit road imperfections more noticeably than a typical van.
Final Thoughts
The Ford Ranger plug‑in hybrid blends the practicality of a work truck with the efficiency of a modern hybrid. Its powertrain delivers respectable acceleration, while the electric range covers everyday driving needs. Trim options allow buyers to choose between a utilitarian base model and a more luxurious, off‑road‑ready variant. For those who need a versatile vehicle that can tow, haul and drive efficiently, the Ranger FE offers a compelling package.