Ford Pro has secured its fourth International Pick-up Award title in the fifteen year history of the election with its newly developed Ranger PHEV. It’s the first time that a plug-in hybrid drivetrain has been honoured by the International Pick-up Award (IPUA) jury, which are members of the International Van of the Year Award (IVOTY) group.
The election of the overall pick-up truck winner for 2026/27 was decided after an extensive on-road/off-road test programme held in Bulgaria last month. Here, there were a number of other 4×4 Double-Cab candidates in contention for the main prize, namely INEOS, Foton and Maxus, the latter two Chinese brands, which all impressed the judging panel with their performances during the exercise.
“In delivering outstanding, class-leading performance with even greater efficiency and lower fuel costs for everyday journeys, the new Ranger PHEV seamlessly combines a 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine with a 75 kW battery-powered motor. A choice of EV driving modes means you can drive on petrol, battery power, or a combination of the two. And with 281 PS of power, 697 Nm of torque, and up to 3500 kg maximum towing capacity – there’s no compromise to the iconic toughness and hard-working capability of Ford Ranger,“ explained Jarlath Sweeney, Chairman of the IVOTY & IPUA.
The announcement and trophy handover was made at the Solutrans 2025 Gala Dinner at EurExpo, Lyon, France on 19 November.
On receiving the coveted prize from Jarlath Sweeney, Hans Schep, General Manager, Ford Pro Europe said: “We are incredibly proud and honoured that the new Ford Ranger PHEV has been named the International Pick-up Award winner for 2026/27. Having won with the all-new Ford Ranger in 2024, we deeply value the recognition the jury has now given to the electrified plug-in hybrid model, demonstrating the consistent excellence and innovative spirit that defines the Ranger lineage. Pick-up customers rely on the capability of their vehicle to get the job done, and this recognition further validates that the Ranger PHEV doesn’t just match the uncompromising performance our customers expect from a Ranger – it elevates it. With its electrification, the Ranger PHEV delivers even more, including the innovative Pro Power Onboard feature, which transforms the vehicle into a mobile power source. This significantly enhances productivity and utility on any job site, truly making it an ultimate partner for businesses across Europe.”
