The Ford Ranger PHEV is now finally shown to the Australian market. Its introduction has created a lot of talk among drivers, tradespeople and electric vehicle fans. Ford says that its plug-in hybrid ute will be powerful and efficient, but it has also been criticized for being more expensive and having a shorter electric range than the BYD Shark. This in-depth article covers everything consumers need to understand regarding the Ford Ranger PHEV, including it’s price, hauling capacity, hybrid technology and future prospects.

Ford Ranger PHEV Introduction To The Market

Everyone knows that Australians love utes. The Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux have been at the top of the sales rankings for years. They are important for not only trades but also families and adventurers. The Ford Ranger became the best-selling car in the country in 2024, beating out even established SUVs such as the Toyota RAV4. Ford has created a great reputation for the Ranger moniker, with over 62,000 units sold.

But things are changing. Australians are looking at hybrid and electric cars like never before because gasoline prices are going up, pollution rules are getting harsher and people are becoming more concerned of sustainability. Sales of plug-in battery-powered electric vehicles (PHEVs) increased by twofold in just a year, and they now make up 20% of all electric vehicles sold. Sales went up about five times in early 2025, mostly because of their BYD Shark 6, a hybrid plug-in ute that has a greater battery range and is much cheaper.

The Ford Ranger PHEV is coming out at a time when things are changing. Ford’s top people say it’s not just a ute; it’s a link between the diesel heritage people of Australia know and the green future that many are slowly becoming used to.

Ford Ranger PHEV Price Compared To BYD Shark

The first major talking point is price. The Ford Ranger PHEV starts at $71,990 before on-road costs. That figure positions it firmly at the premium end of the plug-in hybrid ute market.

In contrast, the BYD Shark 6 begins at $57,900 plus costs—a difference of nearly $15,000. For buyers, that gap is significant. While Ford can argue that its engineering pedigree and heritage justify the higher cost, many customers will inevitably compare price to value. The Shark offers a much bigger battery, a longer all-electric range and similar worksite-friendly features at a fraction of the price.

Yet, Ford is confident that its brand reputation and loyal Ranger customer base will be key. As Andrew Birkic, President and CEO of Ford Australia, explained: “Our Aussie engineering and design team have created a plug-in hybrid that allows diesel ute buyers to begin their electrification journey without sacrificing the core capabilities they need.”

For Ford, the Ranger is more than just a ute—it’s a symbol of trust. That trust may help it retain buyers even if competitors look cheaper on paper.

Ford Ranger PHEV And The Growing Hybrid Ute Market

Why is Ford getting into that hybrid ute business now? The answer is that people’s needs are changing. In 2023, electric vehicles were still a rare choice. Their sales have doubled by 2024. In addition by February 2025, sales shot up, with utes such as the BYD Shark topping the way.

People in Australia are starting to like the notion of electrification, but a lot of them aren’t ready to switch to all electric vehicles right away. Long distances, significant towing needs, and a lack of charging stations make hybrids a good choice for people who need both. That’s how strong the new Ford Ranger PHEV comes in: it’s an agreement that lets owners experience some of the benefits of electricity without losing the convenience of a gas backup.

Ford is also planning for the future. The company is getting ready for the future where electric cars play a far bigger role in both work and family life. Soon, models such as the Electric Transit Custom and Shuttle Custom PHEV will be added to its inventory.

Ford Ranger PHEV Engine And Hybrid Powertrain

The new Ford Ranger PHEV has an hybrid system that was carefully developed. The ute has a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost® fuel engine and a 75 kW electric motor. Together, they make 207 kW of power and 697 Nm of torque.

The motor lies between the engines and a 10-speed Automated Module Electric Transmission which makes sure that power is delivered smoothly. This design makes the ute feel responsive on the highway as well as offers it a lot of pulling power when it is towing or transporting heavy loads.

Torque is the most important thing for many Australians when it comes to utes. The Ranger PHEV has around 700 Nm of pulling power, which is similar a diesel engine but more efficient. It’s a comforting number for tradespeople who need their car’s power to get their work done.

Ford Ranger PHEV Battery And Range

One of the more divisive aspects of the Ford Ranger PHEV is its battery. Ford equips the ute with an 11.8 kWh usable battery pack, mounted safely between reinforced frame rails under the tray. The design ensures it doesn’t compromise load space or off-road ability.

However, the electric-only driving range is just 49 km under NEDC testing. While this is enough for short commutes or running errands around town, it falls well behind the BYD Shark 6, which uses a much larger 29.6 kWh LFP blade battery and delivers a range close to three times longer.

For buyers prioritizing electric-first driving, this short range is disappointing. But for those who see the hybrid system primarily as a way to save fuel rather than replace petrol, it may be sufficient.

Importantly, Ford includes multiple drive modes to help owners maximize the battery’s usefulness. EV Now allows fully electric driving, EV Later preserves charge for later, Auto EV balances performance with efficiency, and EV Charge uses the petrol engine to top up the battery. For tradies, this means they can save the battery for powering tools at worksites or conserving fuel during stop-start city driving.

Ford Ranger PHEV Towing Capacity Advantage

If there’s one area where the Ford Ranger PHEV decisively outshines the BYD Shark, it’s towing. Like other Ranger models, the hybrid version can tow up to 3,500 kg with a braked trailer. The Shark tops out at 2,500 kg—an entire tonne less.

This matters in Australia, where towing caravans, boats, and trailers is common. For many buyers, towing ability can make or break a purchase decision. Ford knows this and by maintaining class-leading towing, the Ranger PHEV positions itself as a serious workhorse despite its hybrid status.

It also comes with Ford’s proven off-road capability, including a full-time 4WD system, a locking rear differential and suspension built to handle rough terrain. Whether it’s dusty tracks, muddy sites or long hauls, Ford has ensured the PHEV doesn’t lose the ruggedness that made the Ranger so popular in the first place.

Ford Ranger PHEV Vehicle To Load Functionality

The Ford Ranger PHEV’s Pro Power integrated system is another great feature. This function turns the ute to a generator that can produce as much as 6.9 kW of power. That’s more than enough electricity for tools, gear for camping, or even a trailer.

There is a ten A, 2.3 kW outlet inside the cabin and 2.15 A, 3.45 kW plugs in the tray. This lets owners use the system in different ways. Most importantly, it still works while the car is secured or plugged in. The gas engine kicks in to maintain the power going when the battery runs out.

This is a big deal for tradies. They don’t have to carry around loud generators anymore; they can just use the ute itself. For tourists, it means they may stay off-grid longer without giving up modern luxuries. Ford clearly put a lot of attention into how people in Australia use their cars and made the Ranger PHEV to be flexible.

Ford Ranger PHEV Drive Modes And Customization

Ford Ranger PHEV has 4 different drive modes that provide owners control.

• Auto EV: Automatically balances power and efficiency.
• EV Now: Only works on electric power till the battery runs out.
• EV Later: Keeps the battery charged for later usage.
• EV Charge: While driving, the petrol engine charges the battery.

Owners can change the ute to fit different needs because it can be customized this much. For instance, a trades person might utilize EV Later on highways to save battery power and then convert to EV Now at the job site to operate tools silently on electricity. It works well and understands that people in Australia use their utes in many different ways.

Ford Ranger PHEV Compared To BYD Shark

It’s easy to see the pros and cons of a Ford Ranger PHEV and the BYD Shark.

• Price: That Shark is a lot less expensive.
• Battery and Range: The previously Shark has a considerably bigger battery and a longer range when only using electricity.
• Towing: The Ranger has an additional tonne of towing power, making it the best.
• Vehicle-to-load: Both have significant V2L capabilities, although Ford’s many sockets may be easier to use.
• Brand Reputation: the Ford brand has been trusted in Australia for decades, whereas BYD is still working on its reputation.

In the end, consumers will have to choose between hauling strength and brand-backed engineering or price and range..

Ford Ranger PHEV And The Future Of Utes In Australia

The Ford Ranger PHEV represents far more than simply a new car; it’s a sign of how the car industry in Australia is changing. Diesel has been the most popular fuel for utes for decades. Ford thinks that hybrids will be the first step toward complete EVs becoming popular, and now electrification is coming.

Ford also recognizes that the competition is getting tougher. Toyota is a major player in hybrids around the world. In the next few years, they will likely release hybrid and battery-powered hybrid variants of the HiLux. Chinese manufacturers like BYD are rapidly undercutting established rivals on price and functionality. And new electric vehicle companies are interested in Australia’s burgeoning demand for electric utes.

This gives buyers more options than ever before. The Ranger PHEV isn’t flawless, but it’s a big step ahead for one of Australia’s most famous cars.

FAQs About The Ford Ranger PHEV

1. What is the price of the Ford Ranger PHEV in Australia?
The Ford Ranger PHEV is priced from $71,990 before on-road costs, making it more expensive than competitors like the BYD Shark.

2. How far can the Ford Ranger PHEV drive on electric power?
It offers a modest electric-only range of 49 km under NEDC testing, enough for short commutes or worksites but less than rivals.

3. How much can the Ford Ranger PHEV tow?
It maintains Ford’s class-leading towing capacity of 3,500 kg braked, a full tonne more than the BYD Shark.

4. Does the Ford Ranger PHEV include vehicle-to-load power?
Yes, Ford’s Pro Power Onboard system provides up to 6.9 kW of output, ideal for tools, camping, or caravans.

5. Who are the main competitors to the Ford Ranger PHEV?
The biggest competitor is currently the BYD Shark 6, but future plug-in hybrids from Toyota and other brands are expected soon.