It has a towing rating of 3500kg and a claimed EV only range of 50 km However the best we could get in real life was 35km and it took nearly 7 hours overnight to charge.

Inside it’s the same as a normal Ranger Sport, only with a gauge for EV range etc.

Driving the Ranger PHEV with available range is smooth enough and mostly quiet. It operates like a normal hybrid for the most part. However, the EV range disappears rapidly.

There are a few PHEV Utes available now and the others have a realistic EV range of 100km or so. That’s a big difference and motivates owners to charge them.

I feel that a range of 35km will move owners to the why bother thoughts.

Priced from $75,990 plus the usual costs it’s also very expensive. That’s some $9,500 more expensive that a 2.0L diesel Ranger Sport.

And I just cant justify the price difference. I feel the segment of buyers for the Ranger PHEV are fairly small and specific. It made great headlines, but my guess is that it won’t translate to sales.

I’m happy to be proven wrong. It happens a lot. But for my money I would buy the Diesel every time.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Ranger Sport PHEV – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Ranger Sport PHEV – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Instead of the Ranger Sport PHEV – buyers could look at:

There is of course the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV and the BYD Shark 6 PHEV

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That is to drive very fast over sand and dirt roads.

Well to prove that point the Raptor has just been victorious for the third time in a row at the 2025 Tatts Finke Desert Race. This solidifies its reputation as a true desert-racing champion. I’ve driven the course, not in a race, and I can tell you it’s challenging.

Driven by the experienced duo of Brad and Adam Lovell, the Ranger Raptor navigated the challenging 460-kilometre course from Alice Springs to Finke and back in record-breaking time.

Their performance set a new benchmark for the Production 4WD class, overcoming particularly demanding track conditions this year.

This victory extends this Ranger Raptor’s remarkable undefeated streak in major off-road races. Following its class win at the 2022 Baja 1000, the Ranger Raptor has now conquered the Tatts Finke Desert Race in 2023, 2024, and 2025, remaining unbeaten in every event it has entered.

Unfortunately, most Range Raptors that are bought end up being boulevard cruisers or expensive tow vehicles for jet skis.

But at least the owners look cool doing that.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Ranger Raptor at Finke Desert Race – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Finke Desert race – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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The Sport comes with the 2.0L Bi turbo 4 Cylinder engine diesel engine. This is matched to a 10 speed AT with part time 4WD. There is an optional 3.0L V6 Turbo diesel engine with full time 4WD. This is the model I drove.

The V6 comes with 184kW of power and a very handy 600Nm of torque. As you might expect this allows for plenty of performance and lots of low-down torque makes towing a breeze.

The Ranger Sport adds a rotary select for up to six drive modes and has a locking rear diff.

Off road the Ranger Sport excels. It remains quite composed over dirt and corrugated roads. Sand driving is almost too easy and difficult terrain is managed with ease.

On road its relatively smooth, quiet, and responsive.

Up front there are LED Headlights, DRLs and fog lights. This is in addition to two front recovery points and a frontal skid plate.

Inside there is dark leather trim, 8 ways electrically adjustments for the driver’s seat, an off-road screen and wireless smart phone charging.

Pricing for the 3.0L V6 Ranger Sport is from $71,340 plus the usual costs.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Ranger Sport – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Ranger Sport – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

What is good?

• V6 performance
• 4WD and towing capability
• Interior layout and ergonomics

What is not so good?

• Starting to get expensive
• Difficult to place child seats.
• No tie down points in front of tub

Ranger Sport buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Ranger Sport could look at: Toyota HiLux Rogue, Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain, Mazda BT-50, Kia Tasman X-Pro, Nissan Navara Pro-4x Warrior, Mitsubishi Triton GLS.

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The post Ford Ranger Sport 4WD Dual Cab Ute 2025 review appeared first on Motoring Minute.

It certainly stands out with its bright orange colour, contrasting with black wheel arch fenders, grill inserts , and lower body highlights.

The Raptor is all about performance. It comes with a 3.0 L V6 petrol engine that has power of 292 kW and torque of 583 Nm. This drives through a 10 speed AT and selectable 4WD.

Ranger Raptor also has 272 mm of ground clearance and excellent approach and departure angles. It also has Ford Performance developed FOX 2.5” Live Valve internal bypass shock absorbers. They are awesome.

Drivers can choose from seven different drive modes. They can also adjust the steering input, damper modes as well as exhaust note.

Other features include

• 850 mm of water fording depth,
• front and rear performance disc brakes,
• 17” Alloy wheels,
• LT 285/70 R17 BF Goodrich KO2 High Performance All-Terrain tyres
• And Trail control, which allows cruise control off road for constant speeds.

The Ranger Raptor is designed for a specific purpose and does that extremely well. It’s also a lot of fun to drive.

Being priced from $90,440 plus the usual costs doesn’t deter the large number of buyers.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Ranger Raptor – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Ranger Raptor – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

What is good?

• Big bold – look at me styling
• Performance, ride and handling
• Adjustable everything – steering, shocks, drive mode and exhaust

What is not so good?

• Poor towing capacity
• Can be thirsty
• Attracts unwanted attention

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Pricing starts from $71,990 through to $86,990 plus the usual costs.

There are four models available. XLT, Sport, Wildtrak, and the special launch edition Stormtrak

Power comes from combining a 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine with a 75kW electric motor (e-motor) and 11.8kWh (usable) battery. Total power is 207kW and maximum torque is 697Nm.

This will allow the Ute to have a payload of up to 937kg and tow 3500kg.

RANGER PHEV comes with a 10-Speed Automatic Modular Hybrid Transmission. There is a choice of both drive and EV only drive modes.

The full-time 4WD system was first introduced to Ranger with the 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel.

One really clever feature is the availability of standard Pro Power Onboard.

There is a single 10-amp, 2.3kW socket in the cabin, and twin 15-amp, 3.45kW sockets in the tray.

Pro Power Onboard uses the 11.8kWh battery to provide potentially hours of energy to worksite equipment, campsites, or even a caravan directly from the Ute.

The new model is due in Australia sometime mid-year and I for one am looking forward to driving it.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Ranger PHEV  – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Ranger PHEV  – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Other articles

• Ford Ranger PHEV – everything you need to know
• Ford Electric Ute
• Ford Electric Hybrid 4WD Ute coming 2025
• Ford Ranger PHEV – Plug-in Hybrid announced due in 2025

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The post Ford Ranger PHEV details appeared first on Motoring Minute.

The Platinum model joined the range in 2023 and sits as the top spec model. It adds luxury and comfort to the significant capability of the Ranger.

The Ranger Platinum comes with a unique grill, 20-inch alloy wheels, Matrix headlights. Inside it adds Heated and ventilated quilted leather front seats, heated steering wheel, as well as a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster.

With a 3.0L V6 turbo diesel engine there is plenty of performance for towing, long distance cruising or off road.

There is some 184kW of power and 600 Nm of torque available. This is delivered through the Ranger’s electronically controlled full-time four-wheel drive system, combined with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Overall, the Ranger Platinum drives more like a premium SUV, with Ute capability.

It’s priced from around $80,640 plus the usual costs and a few years ago that would have seemed expensive for a Ute, but not now

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Ranger Platinum HERE 

TO LISTEN TO THE Ranger Platinum  RADIO SEGMENT, CLICK BELOW

Instead of the Ranger Platinum 4WD Ute buyers could look at:

Premium dual cab Utes are becoming more popular.

Buyers could look at the: Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain, Mazda BT-50 Thunder or SP, VW Amarok, Toyota HiLux Rogue,

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Due here in early 2025, the Ranger PHEV will combine electric driving capability with the adventure-ready versatility and work-ready dependability.

The Ute will come with a 2.3-litre Ford EcoBoost turbo petrol engine paired with an electric motor and rechargeable battery system. It can be driven in pure electric mode for about 45 kilometres.

Ford says the Ranger PHEV will still maintain the 3500kg towing capacity along with the benefit of powering remote campsites or worksites. This could be a bonus if you leave the generator at home.

The idea of a PHEV Ute is interesting. Some say they are the best of both worlds; others say they are a poor compromise. In reality 40kms isn’t much of a range for daily driving, even though Ford say most drivers only cover that. My preference would be for closer to 100kms.

Everything is a trade-off. More range means more weight with a bigger battery.

However, a PHEV Ute may just be a good balance. The idea of powering campsites from the EV capability is appealing. Especially in a vehicle that still has excellent 4WD and towing capability.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THE RANGER PHEV RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

More  Ranger PHEV details

• Ford will introduce Plug-in Hybrid technology to the mid-size truck segment with its first-ever Ranger Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle in early 2025
• Ranger Plug-in Hybrid will offer zero-tailpipe emission driving in addition to the essential Ranger towing, off-road, and payload capabilities, and more torque than any other Ranger
• Pro Power Onboard¹ means customers can leave the generator at home and free up cargo space; with enough energy to power remote camp or worksites

Ford will offer customers a plug-in hybrid version of Australia’s favourite 4×4 pick-up from early 2025. Ranger Plug-in Hybrid will combine electric driving capability with the adventure-ready versatility and work-ready dependability customers have come to expect from Ranger.

The first-ever Ranger Plug-in Hybrid will mark a significant step forward in Ford’s plans to offer a wide range of powertrain options for customers in the mid-sized pick-up segment.

“The Ranger Plug-in Hybrid is a best-of-both-worlds solution for work, play, and family – offering customers zero-tailpipe emissions EV driving for short trips, or hybrid performance that delivers incredible on- and off-road performance,” said Andrew Birkic, President and CEO, Ford Australia and New Zealand.

“Ranger Plug-In Hybrid will bring all of the towing and payload capability our Australian customers expect of Ranger, and with Pro Power Onboard for the first time, Ranger owners will have power for both work and play.”

Ranger Plug-in Hybrid will deliver more torque than any other Ranger, thanks to a 2.3-litre Ford EcoBoost turbo petrol engine paired with an electric motor and rechargeable battery system. It can be driven in pure electric mode for more than 45 kilometres² without using a drop of fuel or producing tailpipe emissions, helping customers save at the pump.

Ranger PHEV flexibility

This EV-only capability will be extremely useful for Australian Ranger customers. With more than half travelling 40km or less per day³.

The targeted maximum braked towing capacity of the Ranger Plug-In Hybrid is 3,500 kg^4.   The same as the rest of the Ranger line-up.

Ranger Plug-in Hybrid will also feature Pro Power Onboard, enabling customers to power their tools and appliances on a worksite or remote campsite by plugging them into power outlets embedded in both the cargo bed and the cabin. That means noisy, bulky, heavy generators can be left at home, leaving more space in the cargo bed for other gear and equipment.

In addition to having on-demand electricity, Ranger Plug-in Hybrid’s EV drive modes will give customers more flexibility in deciding how and when to use the EV battery power.

Ranger Plug-In Hybrid also comes equipped with Ranger’s proven four-wheel-drive capability, selectable drive modes and advanced driver safety and driver assist features⁵.

“The Ranger Plug-in Hybrid will help our customers move into an electrified future, with the confidence and capability that only Ranger can provide. Ranger Plug-in Hybrid will join the Ford Australia line-up as our fifth electrified vehicle alongside Mach-E, E-Transit, E-Transit Custom and Puma BEV,” Birkic concluded.

Notes

1. Pro Power Onboard may vary between models and markets and is subject to regulatory approvals. Electrical outputs to be published closer to the on-sale date.
2. Officially homologated energy efficiency figures including driving range. Will be published closer to the on-sale date for Australia using ADR 81/02 certification. Over 45km is the targeted range based on manufacturer-tested values and calculations. According to the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). Actual range varies with conditions. Such as external elements, driving behaviour, vehicle maintenance, payload, towing, battery age and state of health.
3. Next-Generation Ranger connected vehicle data, 1 June 2022 – 5 September 2023.
4. Maximum towing capacity-braked using a Genuine Ford tow pack. Subject to State and Territory regulations. To comply with these limits. Occupants and/or luggage may need to be restricted to not exceed the GCM and GVM limits. For further details regarding passenger and luggage restrictions, please consult your authorized Ford Dealer and/or refer to the Owner’s Manual.
5. Driver-assist features are supplemental. And do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. May not operate at certain speeds, or in certain driving, road, or weather conditions.

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