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Ford updates Europe’s best-selling pickup with two new PHEV trims
Ford’s Ranger, Europe’s long-time best-selling pickup, gains two new high-end variants as the Blue Oval doubles down on electrification and tech. The new Platinum and Limited trims arrive built around the Ranger’s plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain and introduce darker styling cues, upgraded interiors and a package of driver assistance features that ripple across the entire lineup.
What’s new: Platinum and Limited overview
The Platinum and Limited are not standalone powertrain experiments — they use the Ranger PHEV’s hybrid system that pairs a combustion engine with an electric motor to deliver a combined 277 hp and 697 Nm of torque, the highest output yet for a pickup in this class. The PHEV allows up to 27 miles (43 km) of electric-only driving, ideal for short commutes, city stops and emission-restricted zones.
Key highlights:
- PHEV powertrain: 277 hp and 697 Nm torque
- EV range: up to 27 miles (43 km)
- Towing capacity: up to 3,500 kg (7,700 lb)
- Payload: up to 1,000 kg (1 tonne)
Design and interior: darker, premium finishes
Both trims introduce a darker visual language. The Platinum, the range-topping option, features Ebony Gloss Black accents on the front fascia, grille surround, special badging and a gloss black mesh grille with dark chrome and silk chrome foil highlights. New 18-inch alloy wheels have been specifically designed to complement the electrified drivetrain and Ford also offers an eye-catching Acacia Green pearlescent paint as an option.
Inside, expect ebony seats with a new quilting pattern, Urban grey contrast stitching and dark chrome trim on the steering wheel and doors. These cosmetic updates are being rolled out to other Ranger models too, allowing buyers to mix and match finishes previously reserved for higher trims.
Tech upgrades and safety: bringing BlueCruise to the segment
The Ranger’s tech spec gets a notable bump. The 12-inch center touchscreen from the PHEV becomes standard across the range, paired with an available 12.4-inch configurable digital instrument cluster. Software and connectivity enhancements include Trailer Theft Alert — a practical feature that notifies the owner via the Ford App if a trailer is disconnected from the tow bar.
But the headliner is BlueCruise: Ford’s hands-off, eyes-on assisted driving system. The Ranger PHEV is the first pickup in its segment to offer BlueCruise. It comes standard on the Platinum PHEV and optional on the Wildtrak PHEV. BlueCruise controls steering, acceleration and braking in approved highway sections (so-called Blue Zones) and uses cameras and radar to read lane markings, speed signs and traffic flow. In Europe, BlueCruise coverage spans a cross-border network totaling roughly 84,000 miles (135,000 km) of suitable roads across 16 countries.
How BlueCruise works
- Uses radar and cameras to monitor road environment
- Maintains lane position and safe following distance
- Operates only in designated Blue Zones on compatible highways
Performance, towing and practical use
Beyond the PHEV, European buyers can still opt for the traditional 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel that produces 237 hp and 600 Nm, routed through a 10-speed automatic gearbox. For work and leisure customers who need real capability, the Ranger continues to impress: a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kg (7,700 lb) and a payload rating near one tonne keep it competitive with rivals in the midsize pickup segment.
These mixed-drivetrain options — PHEV for efficiency and urban flexibility, diesel for range and heavy-duty use — reflect Ford’s strategy to offer choice across commercial and private buyer profiles.
Market positioning and outlook
The Ranger’s decade-long dominance in Europe hasn’t been accidental. By expanding the lineup with premium PHEV trims and transferable styling and tech upgrades across the range, Ford is reinforcing the Ranger as a versatile all-rounder: capable on job sites, comfortable on family runs and relevant in a market shifting toward electrification and advanced driver assistance.
Quote:
'The introduction of Platinum and Limited trims shows Ford’s playbook: push tech and premium touches down the range, while keeping core capability intact,' an industry analyst commented.
Ordering, availability and pricing
Ford will open orders for the Ranger PHEV Platinum and Limited in Europe from the end of December, with deliveries scheduled to begin in May 2026. Ford has not published MSRP for the new trims at the time of launch; expect pricing to position Platinum at the top of the range, with Limited slotting just below it.
Bottom line
For buyers who want a midsize pickup that balances capability with modern tech and electrified efficiency, the Ranger’s new Platinum and Limited PHEV trims broaden the appeal. The combination of a potent hybrid powertrain, BlueCruise availability, and refreshed premium styling makes the Ranger a strong contender for those who need both utility and next-generation features in Europe’s evolving truck market.
If you’re considering a pickup for mixed urban and rural use, the Ranger PHEV lineup now offers genuine options for both greener daily driving and serious towing duties.
Source: autoevolution
Comments
mechbyte
27 miles EV range on a pickup? Seems half-baked. BlueCruise on 84k miles of roads sounds neat, but who pays for it and whats the winter range, pricing pls..
driveline
Wow, Ranger PHEV with BlueCruise? Finally! Dark trim looks slick, 27 miles though.. hope real world is better, but if it tows 3.5t and handles city EV runs, sign me up
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