The Ford Ranger Hybrid has been updated with a new, more affordable base model as part of a model-year update, following previously announced changes to the diesel-powered models and petrol Ranger Raptor.
The updated ‘MY26.5’ Ranger Hybrid starts at $59,000 drive-away for the new XL entry-level version, significantly less than the $71,990 before on-road costs ask for the previous XLT, now dropped from the lineup.
Its key rival, the BYD Shark 6 – a runaway success in Australia – is priced at $55,900 before on-road costs for the entry-level dual-cab/chassis Dynamic, with the popular Premium an additional $2000.
That makes the Shark 6 Premium more expensive than the new Ranger Hybrid XL’s $59,000 drive-away offer once on-road costs are added to the BYD’s price.
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Expected to arrive in local dealerships in the third quarter (July-September) of 2026, the three-model dual-cab pickup plug-in hybrid (PHEV) lineup sees the Sport and Wildtrak continue, with the limited-edition Stormtrak no longer offered.
The Sport is priced at $66,000 drive-away compared to its previous $75,990 before on-road costs listing, while the Wildtrak, previously priced at $79,990 before on-road costs, will now be $70,000 drive-away.
While still more expensive than the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV (from $54,480 drive-away) and the upcoming JAC Hunter PHEV (to be priced from “less than $50,000”), the repositioning makes a stronger case for the Ranger Hybrid.
In addition to the $57,900 plus-on-road-costs Shark 6 Premium, BYD recently added the Shark 6 Performance, priced at $62,900 before on-road costs.
It brings a larger 2.0-litre petrol engine with 350kW/700Nm total system output to match the Ford’s 3500kg braked towing rating, with the other Shark 6 models rated at 2500kg.
There are no changes to the Ranger Hybrid’s PHEV powertrain for MY26.5, and it retains the same 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, electric motor and 11.8kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) lithium-ion battery.
Combined power remains 207kW/697Nm, with claimed combined fuel economy of 2.9L/100km and an electric-only driving range of 49km (NEDC).
While Ford Australia is yet to release a full equipment list, the MY26.5 Ranger Hybrid XL comes with 17-inch alloy wheels with all-season tyres, steel underbody protection, a drop-in tub liner, and halogen headlights.
Its standard features appear to match the diesel-powered Ranger XL.
This includes a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and 12-inch centre touchscreen, as well as dual-zone climate control and advanced driver-assist technology including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality.
The Sport adds 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, side steps, a sports bar, leather-accented upholstery, a surround-view camera and Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist system.
There’s a new hero colour for the Wildtrak, with Ignite Orange replacing the previous Cyber Orange – the same change made to the diesel Wildtrak for MY26.5 – alongside orange cabin accents.
Current MY26 Ranger Hybrid models saw prices cut by as much as $10,000 last month, while record fuel prices saw Ford Australia offer a $4000 fuel card for some diesel-powered Rangers.
This month, Ford increased the offer to $5000 and included a $4000 fuel card for MY26.5 diesel-powered Rangers, however, this offer has not been applied to any Ranger Hybrid models.
Competition is heating up with more PHEV utes heading to Australia, including the Chery KP31 – currently the subject of a naming competition – as well as the GWM Cannon Hi4-T, both due here by the end of 2026.
