Ford Ranger review

This is the Ford Ranger, and it's the best-selling pickup truck in the UK and Europe, although admittedly neither market is as intense as in the United States.

There's not a great deal of competition, but any sensible shortlist will include the likes of the Isuzu D-Max, the Toyota Hilux and the VW Amarok. Blame emissions regulations for the lack of other rivals, though there’s a heap of electric pickups on the way, and as of 2025 you can now have the Ranger as a sensible plug-in hybrid too.

Worth noting that the new Ranger – which arrived back in 2022 – and the VW Amarok are essentially the same underneath too courtesy of a tie-up between the two brands (more on that in a bit), while as ever the Ranger is available in single cab and double cab variants.

So, what's new on the latest version?

We’ll start with the looks. At the front it gets an aggressive grille and smart ‘C-clamp’ LED headlights, while wider wheel arches improve the stance. The rear is dominated by the embossed Ranger name stamp in place of the old sticker, while it also gets a new light signature. It’s a smart looking thing, no doubt.

But it’s had more than just a visual glow up from the previous gen truck, because beneath the muscular bodywork is an upgraded chassis that rides on a 50mm longer wheelbase and a 50mm wider track, meaning improved ride, handling and space.

Inside, the cabin is dominated by the 10.1-inch or 12-inch portrait-style centre touchscreen which gets Ford’s latest SYNC 4 infotainment system, while there’s been a general uplift in quality compared with its predecessor to better cater to both work and family duties. More on that over on the Interior tab.

What about under the bonnet?

The Ranger is available with the choice of two 2.0-litre turbodiesels producing 168bhp or 202bhp (though the single cab variant is only available with the lesser engine) plus a new 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 diesel pumping out 237bhp. Customers wanted a choice of more power and torque for towing heavy loads and extreme off-roading, says Ford. That and popping to the shops, presumably.

Of course, if you’re looking for even more grunt there’s also the full-fat Ranger Raptor available with a 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 making 288bhp and 362lb ft of torque. You can read our full review of that monster by clicking here.

Oh, and there’s now also the Ranger PHEV, which pairs a 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder petrol engine with a 10-speed automatic gearbox, an electric motor and an 11.8kWh battery. That allows for 27 miles of all electric range, while the electric assistance means this is also the torquiest Ranger of all with 509lb ft available.

Probably also worth mentioning here that the entry 2.0-litre turbodiesel gets a six-speed manual gearbox, while the upper-powered variant and V6 also get a 10-speed auto. Check out the Driving tab for more.

But what's it like as a pickup?

Headline figures include the ability to tow up to 3,500kg and a payload of up to 1,200kg. Single cab variants get two seats and a loadspace length of 2,332mm, while double cab variants get five seats and a loadspace length of 1,564mm.

Meanwhile shifting the front wheels 50mm further forward has allowed for better approach and exit angles, while the wider track offers increased passenger space and a bed wide enough to fit a full-size pallet loaded sideways.

Additional easter eggs include extra tie-down points to secure loads, dividers to stop timber or toolboxes sliding around, a tailgate that doubles as a work bench and an app-controlled lighting system to help you see what you’re doing in the dark.

Plus, if you go for the plug-in hybrid you can spec Ford’s Pro Power Onboard tech which gives you power outlets in the truck bed and essentially allows you to use the Ranger as a giant power bank.

How much does it cost?

Prices in the UK start at £29,275 excluding VAT (as advertised by Ford because most buyers will be commercial customers) for the single cab, and £30,800 excluding VAT for the double cab. That’s for the 2.0-litre four-pot in its weakest 168bhp tune, your sole available option for the single cab, remember.

The double cab starts from £36,891 for the 2.0-litre in upper 202bhp tune, or £49,291 for the 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6. Again, that’s without the tax added on.

The plug-in hybrid petrol is only available as a double cab, with prices starting at £40,841.

We'll run you through all the trim and engine combos over on the Buying tab, or else you'll be scrolling for a week.

We’re told that Ford held more than 5,000 customer interviews and carried out dozens of workshops when developing the new Ranger, and on this evidence the hard work has paid off.

It drives competently, the cabin is far posher than before (and smarter than the Hilux or D-Max), and there’s more room for passengers and payloads alike. Sure, pickups are generally seen as a work tool rather than a family wagon, but spend some time in the new Ranger – particularly the plug-in hybrid – and it doesn’t take long to convince you it could easily do both.