No Ford Everest PHEV! Hybrid Toyota Prado packaging compromises explain why top-selling large SUV won’t go plug-in

March 4, 2025March 3, 2025 Bruce Newton 342 Views 0 Comments Everest, ford, mild hybrid, PHEV, Prado, ranger, Toyota

Having axed its cheapest and cleanest Everest large SUVs last week because of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, Ford says it won’t add a plug-in hybrid version to help drive down CO2 emissions.

That’s despite a PHEV version of the Ranger ute, which sits on fundamentally the same T6 ladder platform, being scheduled for launch later this year.

Ford says fitting the PHEV system’s battery pack would mean sacrificing too much interior space, hence it will stick with the current all-diesel powertrain line-up.

And without naming it specifically, Ford says the packaging compromises in the new Toyota Prado 250 Series and the criticism it has copped are evidence why it shouldn’t head down the same path.

“We will not compromise on the key things our customers are seeking,” said Ford Australia marketing director Ambrose Henderson.

“Others have made decisions and based on what customers are saying and what is being reported in the media and social media, those decisions have compromised the key capability of those cars and [are] moving away from what people are buying that car for.

“That large SUV segment is about space, it’s about drive, it’s about towing and carrying, so that’s absolutely key for us and we won’t compromise on that.

“Other people have and you can see the results of it.”

The Ford PHEV system fitted to Ranger comprises a 2.3-litre petrol engine, an e-motor within the transmission housing and an 11.8kWh battery pack.

But it is understood that the installation of the PHEV’s battery pack under the floor of the Everest would impact luggage capacity and the ability to fit a third row of seats.

The rear of the Ranger PHEV is understood to be higher and longer than the standard turbo-diesel Ranger, enabling the battery to be fitted and a one tonne payload maintained.

“They [Ranger and Everest] are two very different products and two very different platforms,” said Henderson.

“As we progress towards launch you’ll see how that technology is packaged within Ranger and that will become very clear as to why that is a very different proposition for an SUV.”

The 250 Series Prado’s boot area is compromised because its floor is raised to fit the battery of the mild-hybrid system that assists the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine sold in Australia, as well as the full hybrid petrol-electric system deployed in the US models.

The raised boot level and reduced space has resulted in significant customer and media criticism of the Prado and cancelled orders.

The Everest and the Prado are likely to fight it out to be Australia’s top selling large SUV in 2025.

The Everest was the number one selling large SUV in Australia in 2024 with a record 26,494 sales, while the Prado dropped down the order as stock of the old 150 Series ran out and Toyota waited for the arrival of the 250 Series.

No doubt, Ford sees the Prado’s packaging compromise as a weakness it can capitalise on in the sales race.

Hence Henderson’s comments, which he basically repeated just to make sure the media got the message.

“Some others have gone and started doing some things in this space and they have taken significant compromises to the package of the car,” he said.

“When we look at our car and look at the customer research and what we need to deliver we don’t think that that delivers that for Australian customers.

“They need the space in the car, they need the power and torque, they want the full 4×4 and they want to be able to tow and right now that package and the technology that is available doesn’t support that.

“So number one before we pass go we need to deliver what customers want and that’s our absolute guiding light.

“That is how we approach it.”