Rivervale’s first taste of the plug-in Ranger came at the Henry Ford Academy in Daventry, where three of us – put Ford’s electrified workhorse through its paces on road, off-road and towing loops. Verdict? It still wears the crown, only now it can sneak through town in silence and power your tools when you get there. Even better, you can already lease one from Rivervale – the latest deals sit at the bottom of this page.
Ford pairs its proven 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol four-cylinder with a 75 kW e-motor and an 11.8 kWh battery, served up through a 10-speed Modular Hybrid Transmission and e-4WD. Combined output is a muscular 281 PS and 697 Nm, giving the PHEV more twist than the V6 diesel Ranger. Select Sport and the truck lunges forward with an EV-assisted shove that belies its size; in Normal or Eco it slips into quiet electric running whenever possible.
A full charge on a 16-amp home wall box takes under four hours and provides up to 27 miles of zero tailpipe driving, enough for more than half of current Ranger owners’ daily mileage, according to Ford.
Four EV modes, Auto, EV Now, EV Later, and EV Charge, let you control when to use or save battery power. Ford Pro’s smart scheduling app can also time overnight top ups to take advantage of the cheapest electricity tariffs.
Ford estimates that a business user in England driving 50 miles a day could save around £850 per year compared with a V6 diesel when using a commercial electricity tariff.
Electrification hasn’t reduced the Ford Ranger’s capability. The PHEV keeps a payload of around one tonne and a 3,500 kg braked-trailer rating. Regenerative braking makes descents feel steadier when towing, and near-instant electric torque helps the truck crawl, climb, and haul with ease, even in slippery conditions.
The Pro Power Onboard system adds extra versatility. With a choice of 2.3 kW or 6.9 kW inverters, the Ranger can power tools and appliances directly from the load bed. We ran a circular saw and floodlights without touching the fuel gauge.
Ford’s Ranger PHEV uses batteries packaged in re-engineered rear frame rails, with retuned springs and dampers for an SUV-like ride. Active Noise Control keeps the cabin quiet, and the petrol engine stays unobtrusive unless pushed.
All models feature the SYNC 4A infotainment suite on a 12-inch portrait touchscreen, wireless charging, and an 8-inch digital cluster. Standard safety includes Pre-Collision Assist, Lane Keeping Aid, and a reversing camera, with 360-degree Zone Lighting and Pro Trailer Backup Assist on higher trims.
Trim choices are XLT, Wildtrak, and Stormtrak, the latter adding B&O audio, Matrix LEDs, and the Flexible Rack System. The five-seat double-cab stays roomy, and the battery only slightly raises the load-bed floor, leaving space for a Euro-pallet with the Easy-Lift tailgate.
Powerful yet refined, capable yet cleaner, the Ranger PHEV left the Rivervale crew genuinely impressed. The electric shove makes towing effortless, the ride quality has climbed a division, and being able to juice tools or a campsite fridge from the truck itself is transformative. If you need a pick-up that works like a truck Monday-to-Friday but glides like an EV in city traffic (and saves you money doing it), this is the one.
Production is under way and UK deliveries have started – Rivervale already has allocation. Ready to electrify your working week? Scroll down for our lease offers and drive Britain’s best-selling pick-up into its next era.
Ford Ranger PHEV Leasing Deals
