Pick-up of the Year 2025: Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger is the 2025 Auto Express Pick-up of the Year, with the Toyota Hilux and Volkswagen Amarok commended
A third straight win for the current Ford Ranger (and a seventh overall) comes at a time of change for the pick-up truck class, but Ford’s big-seller still has the strengths to keep it at the top of the pile.
The Ranger’s familiar qualities remain, with a wide range of variants that offer everything from everyday usability to off-road adventuring and premium luxury, while the petrol-powered Raptor continues to offer a different take on the performance machine. Even base models have an air of quality that boosts their appeal over rivals, while the infotainment touchscreen and connectivity options are easy to use.
There’s good space inside the double-cab variants, too, while Ford still offers single-cab and chassis-cab versions that are ready for work, too. Whichever model you choose, the on-road manners are great, and they’re backed up by the knowledge that rough terrain won’t be too much of an obstacle when the need to head off road arises.
Diesel power across the range delivers a good mix of efficiency and pulling power, while the 10-speed automatic transmission that’s found on most variants helps to take the strain out of everyday driving.
Emissions legislation is catching up with the pick-up truck class, but Ford is tackling the new rules head-on with the plug-in hybrid Ranger. This sees CO2 emissions reduced considerably over the diesel versions to help with running costs, while Stormtrak trim is offered exclusively with this model.
At this rate, we can’t see the Ranger’s reign at the top of the class ending any time soon.
Our Find A Car service has the best deals out there on a new car from stock or top prices on used cars...
Our choice
- Ford Ranger 2.5 PHEV Stormtrak (£49,800 ex.VAT)
Business users looking to cut costs but without compromising towing or payload capability are well served by the new plug-in hybrid Ranger. Ford claims that it offers up to 25.5 miles of all-electric range, and when we tested the PHEV, we still managed 35mpg when the battery was flat, which is better than the claimed figures for the diesel model.
Commended
Toyota Hilux
The pick-up class wouldn’t be complete without the Toyota Hilux, and the current version does a great job of delivering reliability and off-road prowess in an appealing package. The GR Sport II offers a link to its Dakar-winning stablemate, while 48-volt hybrid tech helps trim the running costs.
Volkswagen Amarok
The Volkswagen Amarok delivers premium appeal to those looking for a trusty workhorse. Plush cabin trim and an upmarket exterior exude quality, while towing is a breeze. Add in VW’s complimentary 5+ Promise warranty, servicing and roadside assistance package, and it’s a safe place to put your cash.
See all the winners...
Click on the gallery below to see all the winners of our 2025 New Car Awards...
You can find all the information on our New Car Awards 2025 winners and the reasons why we chose them on the pages below. Just follow the links to read more…
New Car Awards 2025: the winners
Special edition of Auto Express
For the full New Car Awards experience, make sure you pick up a copy of our special 2025 New Car Awards collectors' edition of the Auto Express magazine, which is available in shops now.
Subscribe to Auto Express magazine
You can buy individual issues of Auto Express or subscribe for even bigger discounts on the print magazine cover price. You can also subscribe or download individual issues of our digital edition direct to your desktop, phone or tablet as well.
- Visit our secure online shop and subscribe to Auto Express
- Download Auto Express digital edition from Zinio
- Buy single issues of Auto Express
Stay right up to date with the latest from the world of cars in 2025 and beyond, subscribe to our email newsletter and follow us on social media...
- Subscribe to our YouTube channel
- Follow us on Twitter
- Like us on Facebook
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on TikTok
Great leasing deals on other Ford models
Ford Puma
Ford Explorer
Ford Capri
