A LEGENDARY car brand has axed its “beast” 4×4 in Europe despite its increasing popularity.
This move represents a significant transition for the company.
Legendary car brand is axing ‘beast’ 4×4 in Europe next year despite its increasing popularity[/caption]
Ford‘s Ranger pickup, with the popular 2.0-litre diesel engine is set to be axed as the brand shifts focus to its new plug-in hybrid model.
The 2.0-litre EcoBlue engine, often described as a beast of machine, will be removed from the Ranger in early 2026.
What does this mean?
A Ford spokesperson confirmed the decision to Professional Pickup, leaving the pickup relying on the 3.0-litre V6 EcoBlue engine and the new 2.3-litre EcoBoost plug-in hybrid.
Ford of Europe will continue offering the Ranger with the 3.0-liter EcoBlue V6 turbo diesel.
The Ranger Raptor is presently available with either 2.0-liter EcoBlue or 3.0-liter EcoBoost muscle in this part of the world.
This move represents a significant transition for Ford’s best-selling pickup, and shows the brand’s confidence in the PHEV as a viable mainstream option for both work and leisure buyers.
The shift to a PHEV powerplant will raise entry costs, with the plug-in model commanding a premium of around £2,500 over the existing 2.0-litre diesel models.
However, Ford is positioning the Ranger PHEV as a highly capable alternative, with up to 27 miles of electric-only driving and a total power output that exceeds the current four-cylinder and even V6 diesel models.
Crucially, the PHEV will retain the Ranger’s full one-tonne payload limit and 3,500kg towing capacity — a key requirement for many business users.
Why did they make the decision?
New tax changes have created headaches for company pickup drivers, but Ford’s decision to drop the EcoBlue engine is unrelated.
Instead, EU emissions regulations require manufacturers to meet stringent fleet CO₂ averages or face substantial fines.
With diesel variants like the Wildtrak emitting 230g/km, switching to a low-emission PHEV cuts pickup emissions by more than half, to 72g/km, helping the manufacturer towards its fleet average targets.
The Ranger PHEV nets 68 grams of carbon dioxide for every kilometer in WLTP testing, whereas the high-output version of the 2.0-liter EcoBlue is listed with 230 grams.
By comparison, the 3.0-liter EcoBlue and EcoBoost emit 264 and 315 grams, respectively.
Available in single- and bi-turbo flavors, the 2.0-liter EcoBlue made its debut in February 2018 with the unveiling of the original Ranger Raptor.
When is this going to happen?
The 3.0-litre V6 diesel, currently used in high-spec models such as the Wildtrak and Platinum, will continue for the foreseeable future.
With 240hp and 600Nm of torque, it offers strong performance for operators needing extra muscle, and is likely to remain a core part of the range until at least the end of the decade.
The Ranger Plug-in Hybrid arriving with dealers now, with customer deliveries expected to begin shortly.
Production of the 2.0-litre models will cease in early 2026. The Sun has approached Ford for comment.
Meanwhile, a major recall issued by Ford over concerns for passenger safety will also affect its UK models.
The recall was issued earlier this week in the US over a major safety defect that could leave passengers trapped in their cars.
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