Ford Claims No Rivals for the Ranger PHEV, Shunning Competition from BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha

Ford has just pulled back the curtain on its latest innovation – the Ranger PHEV – and it’s causing quite a stir. In a bold move, Ford isn’t holding back any praise for its new plug-in hybrid, confidently dismissing the BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV as serious competitors. Let’s dive into what makes this new ute so compelling.

A Price Tag with a Purpose

Ford’s recent reveal of the Ranger PHEV comes with some impressive details. The XLT variant starts at $71,990 (plus on-road costs), while the Stormtrak hero model climbs to $86,990. Yes, these figures sit above the drive-away prices of BYD and GWM at $56,990 and $63,990 respectively, but Ford argues that you’re paying for a product built on the “no compromises” philosophy. For ute buyers looking for performance and reliability, this is exactly the selling point.

 

Unrivalled Towing and Payload Capabilities

When it comes to getting the job done, the Ranger PHEV truly stands out:

• Towing: Up to 3500kg – a robust figure for any worksite.
• Payload: An impressive 937kg, making it a strong contender in its class.
• 4×4 Capability: Genuine off-road performance without any trade-offs.

In contrast, the BYD Shark 6 offers a towing capacity of only 2500kg and a payload of 790kg. The GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV matches the towing limit but lags behind in payload with just 685kg. This clearly positions the Ranger PHEV as the better option for those who need real power and functionality.

Electric Range: A Considered Trade-off

While the Ranger PHEV excels in traditional capabilities, it does fall short in one key area – its electric-only range. Ford claims it offers a modest 49km on electric power, compared to 100km from the Shark 6 and up to 110km from the Cannon Alpha. However, according to Ford Australia’s marketing chief, Ambrose Henderson, this isn’t a deal-breaker. For many ute buyers, overall capability and practical performance outweigh a longer electric range.

 

What Industry Experts are Saying

Ambrose Henderson is clear about Ford’s vision. Speaking to CarsGuide, he remarked that Ford’s strategy is to deliver products without making any compromises. He emphasised that the Ranger PHEV:

• Tows up to 3.5 tonnes,
• Offers robust payload capabilities, and
• Delivers true 4×4 performance.

He added, “It’s the only product in its segment that offers an electrification solution without sacrificing any of its essential capabilities. Our focus is on what customers want – a powerful, reliable, and practical ute.”

Even the differences within the Ranger PHEV lineup highlight its versatility. The XLT model is rated at a payload of 973kg, while the Stormtrak, though slightly lower at 808kg, still outperforms the competition from BYD and GWM.

Video Spotlight: A Closer Look at the Ranger PHEV

For those who enjoy a more in-depth analysis, check out this revealing video by Paul at CarExpert, where he dives deep into the specs of the new Ranger PHEV. In his review, Paul outlines the steep pricing, starting at just under $72,000 for the base plug-in hybrid XLT and nearing $88,000 for the top-tier Stormtrak model. He contrasts these figures with the more affordable offerings from the Chinese competitors—BYD Shark and GWM Cannon Alpha—highlighting how these models come with larger batteries and are priced significantly lower.

Paul doesn’t hold back as he discusses key performance issues, such as the detuned 2.3L EcoBoost engine delivering only 138 KW (a far cry from its expected power) and the challenges posed by the Ranger’s smaller 11.8 kWh battery. He raises concerns about whether the Ranger PHEV can truly match up to its rivals when it comes to heavy-duty towing and real-world performance once the battery depletes. Despite Ford’s claims of uncompromised capability, Paul questions if the premium price tag is justified when the Chinese models offer more in terms of battery capacity and overall specs.

If you’re keen to understand the full picture behind these numbers and see a candid breakdown of how the Ranger PHEV stacks up against the competition, we highly recommend watching the video. It offers a detailed, critical perspective that complements our written review perfectly. Click here to watch and join the discussion on whether Ford’s latest offering truly lives up to its hype.

The Final Word

While Ford proudly champions the Ranger PHEV as the perfect blend of robust performance and modern electrification, not everyone is convinced. As highlighted by Paul in his recent YouTube review, the Ranger PHEV comes with a hefty price tag and several compromises that may give buyers pause. Paul points out that the detuned 2.3L EcoBoost engine delivers a surprisingly modest 138 KW of power, and the vehicle’s 11.8 kWh battery pales in comparison to the larger capacities found in competitors like the BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha. Despite its impressive towing and payload capabilities, these factors raise questions about whether the Ranger PHEV can truly deliver the all-round performance that Ford promises once the battery depletes.

Ultimately, while Ford’s flagship model maintains the iconic Ranger spirit, potential buyers should consider whether its premium pricing and technical trade-offs align with their needs. As the debate continues and Ford refines its electrified lineup, only time will tell if the Ranger PHEV can overcome these early concerns and truly stand out in a competitive market.