Test-Driving The 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV
Ford Ranger PHEV
Ford Ranger PHEV: Iceland. As its 'Land of Fire and Ice' moniker suggests, the Nordic island is steeped in mystery and packed with geological wonder.
Its lunar landscape would have you question whether you've accidentally booked a NASA moon trip instead of an Icelandair Boeing 737. It's out of this world.
Whenever my family and I go back, we always try to do something completely different. Thus, I was buzzing when my recent trip involved traversing Iceland's remarkable plains, and the odd volcano, in a luxurious moon buggy known as the Ford Ranger PHEV.
But before diving into the car and adventure, it's worth noting that Ford has no plans to introduce this to America.
Ford Ranger PHEV in Iceland
Ford Ranger PHEV Facts And Figures
I've driven every Ranger, including the full-fat Raptor, something that secured its place in my dream garage since.
Each variant is capable, and Ford has diversified the Ranger lineup to include performance guises (like the previously mentioned Raptor) and luxury family haulers (the Wildtrak and Platinum). And the cherry on the Bakewell tart is the latest plug-in hybrid version.
Ford Ranger's were offered in 2.0-litre and 3.0-litre form until now. The PHEV's 2.3-litre petrol engine is mated to a 75kW (100 bhp) electric motor, a 11.8kWh battery pack that sits under the load bed and a 10-speed automatic gearbox.
Ford Ranger PHEV in Iceland
It produces a mighty 277 bhp and 514lb ft, numbers that don't fall far from the Raptor tree. However, don't expect it to move like the small dromaeosaurid dinosaur-named pick-up, as 0-to-62 mph takes 9.2 seconds—just 0.5 seconds faster than its diesel counterpart.
Likewise, its 25.5-mile electric range is hardly inspiring, but the resulting 70-72g/km means lower benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax, an important factor as double-cab pick-ups are now classed as cars in the UK.
Driving The Ford Ranger PHEV
Our 200km route began at Reykjavik. Through its busy streets, the Ford Ranger PHEV emitted a gentle hum at low speeds and easily handled deep road ruts and drain covers with little fuss.
When out of town, its 2.3-litre powerplant quickly kicked in while en route to 56 mph (90 kph). Again, it remained humble and arrived at that speed swiftly as the 10-speed 'box swapped cogs as smoothly as the lava that likely flowed beneath us. It'll also hustle along twisty tarmac at a respectable pace in Sport mode without making your passengers feel sick.
A swift detour off the high-speed tarmac onto loose gravel caused a fair bit of shudder, forcing us to reduce our speed slightly. But this is a workhorse, not a Dakar Rally machine.
Ford Ranger PHEV
As we approached our first river crossing, we locked the diffs and selected Slippery from the array of drive modes; this car has an 800mm wade depth, but we still feared we'd be left bobbing around like a rubber duck in one of the 26 river crossings awaiting us.
Thanks to the Terrain Management system and multiple four-wheel drive controls, however, the Ranger PHEV effortlessly swam like an amphibian. With each river crossing came further challenges, like sharper rocks, steeper declines and inclines, and not once did it break a sweat.
Ford Ranger PHEV
But the acid test was mighty. This was a trial that would surely force many SUVs and pick-ups to tinkle a puddle of oil in fear—a steep volcano climb.
Engaging the Ford Ranger PHEV's low-range setting forced the previously smooth gearbox to show its clunkier traits. But with gentle throttle input, it effortlessly ascended without any wheel slip despite the loose volcanic terrain beneath it—the digital instrument cluster showing a 26-degree pitch. Descending was just as simple: Engage hill descent via the 12.0-inch touchscreen, and you're off—slowly.
Yes, you could bark at its woeful electric range, and the £4k price hike versus the diesel, but the benefits out way the negatives, in my opinion.It's mighty impressive, but should you have it over a diesel? There's no denying the diesel will do the same steep ascent party trick. But the major benefits come from tax savings. You get that little bit of extra oomph, and peace of mind that you're doing your bit for the Polar bears.
Ford Ranger PHEV Verdict
The Ford Ranger PHEV will still tow 3.5 tonnes and carry a 1.0-tonne payload capacity. And like other commercial Ford products, it features the brand's nifty Pro Power system, which means three plug sockets—one in the cab, two in the load box— that can provide silent power for tools and, well, anything.
Ford Ranger PHEV
Yes, you could bark at its woeful electric range, and the £4k price hike versus the diesel (£32,150 excl. VAT), but the benefits out way the negatives, in my opinion.
It's a can-do vehicle, regardless of whether you're taking the kids to school, towing a jet ski or traversing a mountain, and it could be the best Ford Ranger yet.
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