FORD RANGER PLUG-IN HYBRID: TOO EXPENSIVE AND SMASHED BY CHINA | AUTO EXPERT JOHN CADOGAN

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John Cadogan delivers a scathing review of the Ford Ranger plug-in hybrid, deeming it "too little, too expensive, and too late." He highlights its significantly lower power output (138kW) and smaller battery capacity (11.8 kWh) compared to Chinese competitors like the BYD Shark and GWM Cannon Alpha. Cadogan criticizes Ford for detuning the 2.3L EcoBoost engine from its Mustang specification, resulting in a substantial loss of power and torque. The vehicle's high price point, approximately $25,000 more than the GWM Cannon Alpha, is also a major point of contention. While acknowledging the Ranger's 3.5-ton towing capacity and Pro Power Onboard feature (offering up to 6.9kW AC power), he questions its practicality due to payload limitations and the short duration the battery can sustain high power output. Cadogan concludes that the Ranger plug-in hybrid is fundamentally uncompetitive against its Chinese rivals, suggesting that Ford has failed to understand the market and is making a "joke" or "cynical" attempt at competing.