Ranger Celebrates 10 Years as Europe’s Best-selling Pickup
The Ford Ranger has been Europe’s best-selling pick for the past 10 years, 1 and now the all-new Ranger PHEV (plug-in hybrid) is also the International Pick-up Award winner for 2026.
Just like its owners, Ranger hasn’t achieved its success by standing still. Constant improvement has kept the innovative pickup on the top of its game.
New enhancements for the Ranger PHEV are designed to deliver stylish, versatile, no-compromise electrified pickup capability to an even wider range of customers.
Q: What are the most significant updates to the Ford Ranger PHEV line-up?
A: We're expanding the Ranger PHEV line-up with two new models: Platinum and Limited.
We're also introducing segment-first Ford BlueCruise 2,3 hands-free highway driving technology to Ranger PHEV.
Beyond that, customers will see new styling upgrades, including a more up-to-date dark theme inside and out, and advanced technology like a 12-inch touchscreen and 12.4-inch digital instrument display that is now standard across every Ranger model.
Q: Tell us more about the expanded Ranger PHEV line-up.
A: Put simply, the new line-up means the award-winning Ranger PHEV offers more choice to customers.
The electrified pickup is offered in luxurious Platinum specification for the first time. Its premium standard specification includes BlueCruise, Matrix LED headlamps, 360 Zone Lighting, 10-way power adjustable heated and vented front seats and Pro Trailer Backup Assist. 3 That means ultimate pickup comfort with no compromise on performance or capability.
There’s now the sporty Limited model too – perfect for customers that need a stylish, adventure-ready electrified pickup.
Both new PHEV models get the latest Ranger styling inside and out, as do the existing rugged XLT model and expressive Wildtrak model.
There’s also a rally-inspired Ranger MS-RT PHEV – an ultimate street machine that we unveiled earlier this year.
Q: What is Ford BlueCruise and how does it enhance the Ranger PHEV?
A: Ford BlueCruise is our advanced hands-free highway driving technology, and its introduction makes the Ranger PHEV the first pickup in Europe to offer "hands-off, eyes-on" driving.
This technology takes PHEV pickup refinement to the next level, helping drivers reach their destination refreshed and ready for the day ahead.
BlueCruise is standard on the new Ranger PHEV Platinum series and optional on the Ranger PHEV Wildtrak. To help ensure drivers keep their eyes on the road while their hands are off the wheel, a driver-facing camera checks the driver’s eye gaze and head position – even when they are wearing sunglasses
Q: What design changes can we expect to see across the Ranger line-up?
A: We've drawn inspiration from the latest design trends, focusing on textured blacks for the interior and exterior.
Across the Ranger line-up, you'll find Ebony Gloss Black, Asphalt Black Matt, and Dark Chrome finishes for exterior elements like the grille mesh, surround and centre bar; door mirrors and handles; load bed sports hoop; skid plate and even the roof where applicable.
Inside, Gloss Black and Magnetite painted decorative elements replace chrome or brushed silver accents for the steering wheel, door panels, instrument panel, and centre screen surround.
Q: Are there specific details for individual models?
Absolutely. For example, we’ve introduced a striking new Ignite Orange Metallic paint colour for the athletic Ranger Wildtrak model. The interior stitching is Ignite Orange too.
And we’ve even enhanced the Wildtrak seat emblems; they’re now “welded” rather than stitched, just like premium adventure gear.
For Ranger Platinum models, there’s a new Acacia Green pearlescent metallic paint. It’s designed to really pop when it catches the sun.
Q: Can you tell me more about the new Ranger PHEV Platinum’s styling? What makes it so special?
A: Ranger PHEV Platinum really dials up the luxury kerb-appeal. It features Ebony Gloss Black finishes for the H-shaped front fascia element, grille surround, "Platinum" badges, bonnet lettering, and the load bed sports hoop.
These details are complemented by a gloss black mesh grille with a Dark Chrome centre bar and Silk Chrome foil accents.
The new 20-inch machined-face alloy wheels also have Ebony Gloss Black detailing, but they don’t just look good, they maximize aerodynamics too.
Inside, there’s Dark Chrome detailing and Urban Grey stitching for the doors, steering wheel, and Ebony leather seats, which feature a new quilting design inspired by the pickup's exterior design shapes.
Q: What advanced technologies are now standard or available in the Ranger?
A: A 12-inch portrait touchscreen with Ford’s SYNC 4A infotainment and navigation system 4 is now standard across every Ranger model, as is a 12.4 inch configurable instrument display.
We've also introduced a more advanced Driver State Monitoring System, 3 which issues alerts if the driver’s attention is not focused on the road.
And Trailer Theft Alert is also now available. It can notify owners via the connected Ford app 5 if a trailer is disconnected from the tow bar.
Q: How does the Ranger PHEV deliver "no-compromise performance"?
A: Ranger PHEV produces 281 PS and up to 697 Nm of torque 6 – that’s more torque than any production Ranger before. Its party piece is that it can drive up to 43 km using just electric power. 7
It does this using an all-new powertrain that combines a 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine and 10-speed automatic gearbox with a 75 kW electric motor and an 11.8 kWh (useable) lithium-ion traction battery. The electric motor is seamlessly integrated into the gearbox bellhousing.
Crucially for hard-working Ranger drivers, the PHEV powertrain delivers full Ranger capability. That means the same 3,500 kg towing capacity 8 and one-tonne payload 9 as the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel Ranger powertrain. 10 It also has the same electronically controlled full-time all-wheel drive system for go-anywhere off-road performance.
Add to that the refinement of an electrified powertrain and double-cab comfort, and you can see why we call it “no-compromise”.
Q: What is Pro Power Onboard?
A: Pro Power Onboard 11 is an available feature for the Ranger PHEV that turn it into a mobile power plant.
It enables customers to choose electrical outputs of 2.3 kW or 6.9 kW to power tools or other equipment directly from the onboard battery, eliminating the need for a separate generator.
Q: When will the enhanced Ranger line-up be available?
A: The enhanced Ranger line-up will be available to order from December, with deliveries beginning May 2026.
Kyle Shearer is the Segment Chief Engineer, Europe, for the Ford Ranger
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1 Based on S&P Global Mobility sales data 2024. Austria, Belgium, Britain, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
2 Available in selected countries on selected Ranger PHEV models. Driver’s eyes must remain on the road ahead to enable use of BlueCruise hands-free driving. It does not replace safe driving.
3 Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. It does not replace safe driving. See Owner’s Manual for details and limitations.
4 Don’t drive distracted. Use voice operated systems where possible and don’t use handheld devices while driving. Some features may be locked out while the vehicle is in gear. Not all SYNC features are compatible with all phones. SYNC screen appearance and functionality may change over time due to software updates.
5 Ford app, compatible with select smartphone platforms, is available via a download. Message and data rates may apply.
6 Horsepower and torque are independent attributes and may not be achieved simultaneously.
7 Ford Ranger Plug-In Hybrid homologated CO2 emissions 143-145 g/km WLTP Euro, homologated fuel efficiency 6.2-6.4 l/100 km WLTP Euro and pure electric driving range up to 43 km WLTP. The declared WLTP fuel/energy consumptions, CO2 emissions and electric range are determined according to the technical requirements and specifications of the European Regulations (EC) 715/2007 and (EU) 2017/1151 as last amended. The applied standard test procedures enable comparison between different vehicle types and different manufacturers. A range of up to 43 km can be achieved with a fully charged battery - depending on the existing series and battery configuration. The actual range may vary due to various factors (e.g. weather conditions, driving style, route profile, vehicle condition, age and condition of the lithium-ion battery).
8 When properly equipped. Max towing varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories and number of passengers.
9 Max payload varies and is based on accessories and vehicle configuration. See label on doorjamb for carrying capacity of a specific vehicle. Always properly secure cargo.
10 Ranger 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel homologated CO2 emissions 262-277 g/km and homologated fuel efficiency 10.0-10.6 l/100 km.
11 See Owner’s Manual for important operating instructions.
