The Ford Ranger Wildtrak has relied on conventional diesel and gas engines since its debut in 2015. The adventure-focused midsize pickup truck recently gained a plug-in hybrid system to meet stricter emissions requirements in Europe.
Following the standard and the MS-RT PHEV trims, had a chance to explore the European-spec Wildtrak in person recently, and here are the main observations that we made:
Design
The Ford Ranger Wildtrak PHEV variant features a sportier and more aggressive styling compared to the standard plug-in hybrid model. The plug-in hybrid model debuts a new Ignite Orange Metallic color exclusive to the Wildtrak trim.
At the front, the plug-in hybrid truck has a gloss black grille featuring hexagonal openings and body-coloured accents. On the sides, it sports gloss black mirrors and exclusive 18-inch six-spoke alloy wheels featuring body-coloured accents. There’s also a black Wildtrak badge at the lower-left corner of the front door panels.
Ford equips the Ranger Wildtrak PHEV with roof rails and a sport bar as well. At the rear, the plug-in hybrid model comes with a black Wildtrak badge on the upper-right corner of the tailgate.
Interior
Inside, the Ford Ranger Wildtrak PHEV features grade-specific stitching on the dashboard, steering wheel, door panels, gear shift lever, and seats. The passenger-side dashboard features the Wildtrak inscription, and the same is seen on the front seats as well.
Before Ford offered the plug-in hybrid option on the Wildtrak grade, the Wildtrak seat emblem was stitched. Now it’s welded instead, which should improve durability.
The company offers the Ranger Wildtrak PHEV with features like front seat heating, 8-way power driver seat adjustment, a heated steering wheel, a dual-zone automatic climate control, a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and BlueCruise.
Specifications
The Ford Ranger Wildtrak PHEV uses a combination of a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged gas engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission, along with a 75 kW (101 hp) electric motor and an 11.8 kWh (net) battery pack. The two power sources together deliver 207 kW (278 hp) and 697 Nm (514 lb.-ft.) of torque.
The heavily electrified truck offers a maximum payload capacity of 1,046 kg (2,306 lbs.) and a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs.). The traction battery pack provides 26 miles of electric range, as per WLTP.
It can also supply up to 6.9 kW via Ford’s Pro Power Onboard system, allowing users to power tools, appliances, electronics, or charge equipment such as e-bikes directly from outlets in the load bed.
Price
Also See: Ford Ranger-like $30k electric truck packs simple interior & bespoke platform
In the UK, the Ford Ranger Wildtrak PHEV retails for GBP 44,900 (approximately USD 61,000), excluding VAT. Ford has no plans for the Ranger Plug-in Hybrid in the U.S. and Canada.
International Automotive News Editor since 2014, covering global motor shows, industry events, and test-driving various vehicles, with a focus on hybrid and electric cars in recent years.
