What Makes the Ford Ranger a Top-Selling Car in Australia?

The Ford Ranger is a winner

🏆 Market Leadership Backed by Sales

• In 2023, the Ford Ranger became Australia’s #1 vehicle in new‑car sales, with 63,356 units sold, surpassing the Toyota HiLux for the first time in the ute segment and giving Ford its first overall top-seller title since 1995 WhichCar+15Just 4x4s+15WhichCar+15.

• It continued this dominance in 2024, selling 62,593 units, again ahead of the RAV4 and HiLux despite SUVs being the largest overall segment AGS+6WhichCar+6The Guardian+6.

• Into 2025, it remains the best-selling vehicle through the first half of the year and topped March with 4,687 unit sales just for the 4×4 variant The Times+15CarExpert+154X4 Australia |+15.

🔧 Australian-Tuned, Global Reliability

• The Ranger was designed by Ford Australia for local conditions and built overseas, combining home-grown engineering with global production efficiency @RACV+11Ford From the Road+11Wikipedia+11.

• The current generation (launched July 2022 in Australia) offers a broad lineup: XL, XLS, XLT, Sport, Wildtrak, and Raptor, with engine options from turbo‑diesels to V6 petrol — plus upcoming plug‑in hybrid (PHEV) models Wikipedia.

🚙 Work and Weekend Versatility

• With best‑in‑class towing (3.5 tonne), payload up to one tonne, and strong 4×4 capability, the Ranger appeals to tradies, small business owners, and outdoor enthusiasts alike The Times.

• Its terrain management system, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, and rugged construction make it equally suited to job sites and off‑road adventures AGS+1The Times+1.

✨ A Tech‑Loaded, Comfortable Zeppelin

• The Ranger now offers modern amenities such as a 12‑inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, and advanced driver‑assist features under Ford Co‑Pilot360 AGS.

• The interior is more refined than ever, with comfort and usability geared toward both work and family use.

🌆 Cultural & Economic Alignment

• In Australia’s love affair with utes and large vehicles, Ranger fits perfectly: light commercial vehicles make up about 22% of all new‑car sales, and SUVs another 57% carsales | Business+15ShunCulture+15Ford Australia+15carsauce.com+7The Guardian+7The Guardian+7.

• Emotional factors like perceived safety, utility, and identity drive purchases of big vehicles in Australia—and Ranger's marketing taps directly into these sentiments The Guardian.

📈 Innovation & Future-Readiness

• In 2024, Ford introduced the Ranger PHEV, offering hybrid efficiency alongside full 4×4 utility. It provides electric-only driving for short trips, high torque, and even power export for tools or camping—offering strong total cost of ownership benefits too The Times.

• The hybrid variant positions Ranger ahead of the curve as emission standards tighten and buyers seek greener transport options.

✅ Summary: Why Australians Choose the Ranger

Here’s a more detailed look at the Ford Ranger’s trim lineup in Australia and how it compares against its longtime rival, the Toyota HiLux as of the 2025 model year—helping explain why Ranger is often the go‑to choice.

---

🚙 Ford Ranger 2025: Trim Breakdown & Feature Highlights

The 2025 Ranger is offered in 11 main trims (plus plug-in hybrids and special editions), ranging from the entry-level XL to the high-performance Raptor Ford Australia+9footyradio+9CarsGuide+9. Pricing spans from about AU $36,880 for a Single‑Cab XL Hi‑Rider to nearly AU $99,934 for the Raptor dual‑cab 3.0L petrol variant CarExplore+11CarsGuide+11Carsales+11.

Key trims:

• XL / XL Hi‑Rider: Basic dual‑cab/hi‑rider versions with 2.0 L single‑turbo diesel (125 kW / 405 Nm), six‑speed auto, modest tech—ideal for trades or budgets (~7.9 L/100 km) CarExpert+9CarsGuide+9Carsales+9.

• XLS / XLT variants: Add twin‑turbo diesel (154 kW / 500 Nm), ten‑speed auto, improved towing setup, better infotainment and comfort (~7.6–8.4 L/100 km) CarsGuideCarsGuide.

• Sport / Wildtrak / Wildtrak X: Mid- to high-level trims with diesel or optional petrol V6 (3.0 L), featuring leather or premium seats, 12″ portrait screen, full Co‑Pilot360 safety suite. Fuel economy around ~7.6 L/100 km in diesel, ~11 L/100 km in petrol V6 Sport versions CarsGuide.

• Plug‑in Hybrid (PHEV) trims (XLT, Sport, Wildtrak, Stormtrak): Introduced in 2025, these use a 2.3 L EcoBoost petrol + electric motor (207 kW / 697 Nm), consume just ~2.9 L/100 km (combined) and offer exportable power for tools via onboard sockets. The Stormtrak is exclusive to the PHEV line-up Ford Australia+1CarExpert+1.

• Platinum: Luxury diesel trim with top features, large alloys, premium tech, ~8.4 L/100 km CarsGuideFord Australia.

• Raptor: Performance flagship (3.0 L petrol, 292 kW / 583 Nm), extreme off-road capability, aggressive styling. It costs about AU $90–100K and returns ~11.5 L/100 km fuel consumption CarsGuideCarsales.

All variants share 3,500 kg (braked) towing, strong payloads, modern driver aids, and Ford’s five‑year unlimited‑km warranty Carsales+15CarsGuide+15CarExplore+15.

---

🔍 Ford Ranger vs Toyota HiLux: How They Stack Up

Pricing & Value

The Ranger’s range and pricing overlaps with HiLux, but offers more trims with more standard features—especially at mid and high levels (e.g. Sport, Wildtrak, PHEV Stormtrak) Ford Australia+4CarsGuide+4Carsales+4.

Power & Performance

• Ranger’s engines deliver strong torque earlier, especially the twin-turbo diesel (500 Nm) and PHEV’s combined 697 Nm torque.

• HiLux now also offers a mild-hybrid 48V setup on some trims, but Ranger’s PHEV offers genuine plug-in EV benefits CarExpert+1CarsGuide+1.

Comfort & Interior

• Ranger’s cabin is widely regarded as more refined—larger touchscreen, wireless phone integration, spacious rear seating—whereas HiLux’s rear seats remain notably cramped CarsGuidewesternford.com.au.

• Overall ride quality and interior ergonomics tend to favour the Ranger in tests CarsGuidewesternford.com.au.

Off-Road & Towing

Both offer 4×4 capability with torsion-resistant chassis and strong towing capacity. Ranger’s Terrain Management system and accessories like trailer-backup assist shine for ease on tricky towing or trail conditions CarsGuideCarExpert.

Tech & Safety

Ranger includes Ford Co‑Pilot360 across many trims: adaptive cruise, lane‑centering, sign recognition, 360‑camera, automated emergency braking, etc. HiLux lags in availability of some advanced active safety features, particularly in higher tiers Ford AustraliaCarsGuide.

Hybrid Leadership

• Ranger’s PHEV options are currently unmatched in the ute segment: real electric driving for daily commutes, charging options, lower fuel use.

• HiLux has not yet introduced a plug-in hybrid version; Toyota's 48V mild-hybrid is less capable in EV-only operation Ford AustraliaCarExpertCarsGuide.

Perceived Reliability & Brand

• Toyota's reputation for longevity remains high—but Ranger has strengthened credibility, especially after a successful generation tailored for Aussie conditions. Plus, Ford Australia engineered the Ranger suited to local needs CarExpertASFA Auto Care.

---

✅ Why the Ranger Leads in Sales

1. Extensive trim and engine choices, suiting everything from work to weekend luxury.

2. Cutting-edge hybrid option that appeals to eco-conscious buyers and cost-savers.

3. Superior comfort and tech, especially in rear seating and infotainment.

4. Strong off‑road and towing capacity, matched to Australian tradie and lifestyle use.

5. Modern safety features widely available across the range.

6. Cultural fit with Australia’s preference for versatile, rugged, yet comfortable vehicles.

---

🧩 Summary Table

Ford.com.au