Al Suttie kicks off a new series of articles by testing the Ford Ranger Wildtrak PHEV, highlighting five key takeaways on its plug-in hybrid performance, real-world economy, off-road
Al Suttie kicks off a new series of articles by testing the Ford Ranger Wildtrak PHEV, highlighting five key takeaways on its plug-in hybrid performance, real-world economy, off-road capability and everyday usability.
List price (BiK): £45,840 CO2: 71g/km Official figures: 91.1mpg (weighted combined) / 28.8mpg (charge-depleting) / 25.5-mile EV range Test efficiency: 28.3mpg (charge-depleting) / 17-mile EV range
Ford has hit a sweet spot with its current Ranger for versatility, practicality, looks and general off-road ability. Now with plug-in hybrid help and a healthy 281hp on offer, it keeps running costs on a tight rein thanks to a claimed weighted combined fuel economy of 91.1mpg. In my week with the Ranger, I didn’t have many opportunities to charge it, so 28.8mpg was the norm on just petrol, but that’s still ahead of Ford’s official figure.
The one time the Ranger had its battery brimmed to full, it managed around 17 miles before the electricity was mostly spent. This was spread across a 25-mile journey as the petrol motor would come into play to help with steeper inclines or when a dose of acceleration was needed. There is an EV button to keep the pickup on battery power, but I preferred to leave the Ford in its auto setting to make the best choices.
The Ranger’s off-road skills are well known and the PHEV model continues in the same tracks. There is no discernible drop in its talents when you head into the fields and lanes, with selectable four-wheel drive and a rear diff lock to help out. Put the Ranger in low-range, four-wheel drive and the petrol engine run permanently to offer its help, which is most apparent when trickling down steep, slippery slopes.
If ultimate carrying capacity is your number one concern when choosing a pickup, the Ford Ranger PHEV might slip down your list. The reason is the cargo capacity of the plug-in hybrid model is slightly smaller due to the battery pack positioned under the load bed. It’s not a dramatic difference but anyone switching from a diesel Ranger to this one will notice it. On the upside, the PHEV retains the full 3,500kg towing capacity of its brethren.
Using the Ranger Wildtrak PHEV as an everyday vehicle demonstrates why we see so many on the roads. The high-up driving position gives a fine view of the road ahead and around the Ford, while the 2.3-litre Ecoboost motor and 10-speed automatic transmission are a refined and happy combo. Performance is more than decent for a machine of this size and refinement is easily among the best for this class. It also covers bumpy tarmac well, though as with most pick-ups it’s better with a bit of weight in the back. Overall, though, the Ranger PHEV makes a fine fist of everything it’s tasked with.
