AUTONEWS

Ford Ranger PHEV is the best international pick-up vehicle in 2026

The Ford Ranger PHEV has won the 2026/2027 International Pick-Up Award, becoming the first hybrid car to receive the prestigious accolade.

This is the Ranger’s fourth such title in the 15-year history of the award, having won it several times with previous versions, including in 2024, the last time the biennial competition was held.

The Ford Ranger PHEV beat out competition from Britain’s Ineos, as well as models from Chinese brands Foton and Maxus. The winner of the 2026/2027 award was decided by an international jury after an extensive testing program, with the new hybrid pick-up garnering the most points from the international jury, while the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster finished in second place, ahead of the Foton V9. The Maxus eTerron 9 and Maxus T60 Max also competed.

Leading performance with greater efficiency and lower fuel consumption...The new Ford Ranger PHEV delivers a powerful combination of electrification and robustness, with a powertrain that combines a 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine and a 75kW electric motor. This hybrid configuration delivers an impressive 281PS and 697Nm, with the ability to use multiple EV driving modes — petrol, battery or combined. The Ranger PHEV offers up to 3,500kg of maximum towing capacity, while maintaining its signature power and capability on and off the road. In addition, the innovative Pro Power Onboard transforms the vehicle into a mobile power source, allowing tools and devices to be connected directly to the vehicle, making this pick-up an even more functional partner for professional and off-road use.

Off-road testing of the finalists...The Ranger PHEV won the award after rigorous on- and off-road testing by a 23-member panel of experienced automotive journalists. The judges were particularly impressed by the fact that it offers hybrid efficiency and zero-emission driving without compromising on power, towing capacity or off-road performance.

One of the judges said: “The Ford Ranger PHEV competed against a diverse, interesting and strong field of competitors for the 2026/2027 IPUA Award. But in the end, the Ranger proved to be the best overall package, with an exceptionally smart powertrain. If BEV is not yet an option – PHEV is the way to go.”

The announcement and award ceremony took place at the Solutrans 2025 gala dinner at EurExpo in Lyon on November 19. Accepting the prestigious award, Hans Schep, Managing Director, Ford Pro Europe, said: “We are incredibly proud and honoured that the new Ford Ranger PHEV has been named the winner of the 2026/27 International Pick-up Award. Following the win with the all-new Ford Ranger in 2024, we are extremely appreciative of the recognition the jury has now given to the electrified plug-in hybrid model, which confirms the consistent excellence and innovative spirit that define the Ranger.”

Fourth major win for the Ranger...The Ranger has already won the title in 2013, 2020 and 2024, proving Ford’s status as a leader in the pick-up segment and confirming its dominance in the European market.

The latest generation Ranger is the result of years of technological development and expertise from a global engineering team, whose continuous progress has been rewarded by being the best-selling pick-up in Europe for the past 10 years.

Source: Ford