Ford Ranger Sport Phev

We had three plugin hybrid (PHEV) utes in this year's test - the first time we've ever included any in a 4x4 Ute Of The Year lineup. Each impressed us with its own unique strengths, but one stood out clearly from the pack: the Ford Ranger Sport PHEV.

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What made the Ford stand out? Well, it drives like a Ranger, and that's a good thing in our books.

The Ranger PHEV isn't a bespoke design like some other EVs – it's built on the existing T6 platform that underpins the current Ranger range. It's this proven foundation, combined with Australian-developed and tuned suspension, that helps the Ranger stand out among the PHEVs and even some of the conventional ICE-powered utes.

Significantly, the Ranger PHEV is the only model in the lineup powered by a petrol engine. Under the bonnet is Ford's turbocharged 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder – the same unit VW offers in the Amarok, but one not available in any other Ranger variant.