With a plug-in hybrid model now available, Ford Ranger utes with four-cylinder diesel power will be discontinued in Europe early next year – but there will be no impact for Australia.
Affordable four-cylinder diesel versions of the Ford Ranger ute will reportedly be axed in Europe next year, but there will be no impact for Australia.
UK commercial-vehicle outlet Professional Van reports single-turbo and bi-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel Rangers will be removed in early 2026, according to a Ford UK spokesperson.
The 3.0-litre diesel V6 and 2.3-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid – also offered in Australia – will remain available in Europe and the UK, while the Raptor should retain its detuned-for-Europe twin-turbo V6 petrol.
However, a Ford Australia spokesperson said there is "no news" about changes to the local Ranger line-up.
"To better meet the needs of Ranger pick-up customers in Europe, and to align with future EU emissions regulations, Ford of Europe is introducing a number of changes to its Ranger and Ranger Raptor product line-ups," the spokesperson said.
"There is no news to share about changes to the Australian line-up."
The 2.0-litre 'EcoBlue' diesel was first used in 2018 to replace the previous 'Duratorq' 2.2-litre engine, and is available in Europe in single-turbo and bi-turbo form with a six-speed manual, six-speed automatic or 10-speed automatic.
In the UK, plug-in hybrid versions of the Ford Ranger command a premium of around £2500 ($AU5240) over an equivalent four-cylinder diesel version, while the diesel V6 is currently limited to Wildtrak and Platinum grades.
It is unclear if Ford will introduce single-cab versions of the plug-in hybrid or diesel V6, which are only offered as a dual-cab.
The decision to axe four-cylinder diesel versions of the Ranger in Europe and the UK is likely to assist Ford in meeting fleet CO2 averages, as the plug-in hybrid model cuts emissions by more than half in WLTP lab testing.
Ford Rangers sold in Europe and the UK are built in South Africa, while diesel versions are manufactured in Thailand for Australia, along with the twin-turbo petrol V6 Raptor.
All Ranger Plug-In Hybrids are made in South Africa, including the Australian-market model.
Ford Transit and Transit Custom vans also use the 2.0-litre diesel in Europe, but Ford has not announced if it will be replaced by electrified models to meet stringent emissions regulations, such as the E-Transit EV and Transit Custom PHEV.
A range-wide facelift for the Ford Ranger could arrive in local showrooms as early as next year, with potential changes set to include styling revisions likely inspired by the Super Duty, and an all-new 'Ford Digital Experience' infotainment system with Google built-in.
Jordan is a motoring journalist based in Melbourne with a lifelong passion for cars. He has been surrounded by classic Fords and Holdens, brand-new cars, and everything in between from birth, with his parents’ owning an automotive workshop in regional Victoria. Jordan started writing about cars in 2021, and joined the Drive team in 2024.
