The Ford Ranger Plug-In Hybrid: Everything You Need to Know

It could pack more torque than the Ranger Raptor’s 440 lb-ft.

Published January 11, 2024

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Last year, Ford debuted the all-new Ranger for America that’s arriving in showrooms in 2024. We’re getting a Ranger Raptor model this time around, unlike in the past — but Ford did not follow Toyota’s lead and bring a hybrid version of the Ranger for the U.S.

That said, Ford has introduced a PHEV version for global markets. Will Ford bring a plug-in hybrid Ranger pickup to America? Here’s what we know so far.

Ford has a plug-in hybrid Ranger for other parts of the world

Ford has already unveiled a Ranger PHEV for global markets, based on the 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four engine. Ford has not provided the full performance specs for it yet, but we do know that it offers 28 miles of EV-only range (admittedly, under the generous WLTP standard, not the EPA’s test), 7,700 pounds of towing capacity, Ford’s Pro Power Onboard system and at least 443 lb-ft of torque.

Ford has NOT said America will get the Ranger PHEV …

Discussing a PHEV Ranger for America, Ford told Car and Driver that it believes it offers sufficient electrified alternatives, what with the hybrid Maverick and both hybrid and all-electric versions of the F-150 available.

… but Ford HAS said it’s pivoting toward hybrids

2024 ford ranger preproduction model shown available late summer 2023 actual production vehicle may vary

Ford CEO Jim Farley pumped the brakes a bit on Ford’s transition to EVs in 2023, noting that Ford would lean into new hybrids (in non-traditionally hybrid vehicles) with plans to quadruple hybrid sales by 2028. A Ranger PHEV sounds like it would fit in with that movement.

Ford could still add a Ranger PHEV to U.S. showrooms on schedule

While the Ranger PHEV has been announced for global markets, it’s not arriving until the 2025 calendar year. There’s typically a time lag between Ranger developments abroad and in America; the new Ranger did not debut for the U.S. until more than a year after the global model emerged.

A similar delay would see the PHEV arriving in America for 2026–2027, right when Automotive News is predicting one will arrive with the Ranger’s mid-cycle refresh.

Ford does have a “Ranger Thunder” trademark

Ford did file a trademark application back in 2022 for Maverick Thunder, Ranger Thunder and F-150 Thunder vehicles. Trademarks are no guarantee a nameplate makes it into the lineup. And “Thunder” recently appeared as a Ranger appearance package in Europe. But if Ford were launching a PHEV powertrain, using Thunder could make sense as a companion to Ford’s Lightning branding.

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