Ford SA rings in exciting changes: new engines and wider specs update for Ranger bakkie and Everest SUV

Ford South Africa has announced a significant overhaul of its Ranger and Everest range with new engines, revised derivatives and wider specification updates set to launch in the first half of 2026. 

The company says it forms part of Ford South Africa’s broader product strategy to strengthen its presence in both the bakkie and large SUV segments, while responding to shifting customer demands across work, leisure and family-focused vehicles.

The current Ranger, introduced three years ago, has been a consistent top-seller and remains one of South Africa’s most popular bakkies. The refreshed range includes a new engine line-up, new derivatives, and specification alignment across XL, XLT, Sport, Wildtrak, Platinum and Raptor variants.

New engines

As we reported earlier, for the first time, the 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbocharged petrol engine will be offered in the Ranger. With 222kW and 452Nm, it becomes the main petrol option in the line-up.

Ford is also expanding the availability of its 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine with 184kW and 600Nm output into more models across the range, including the new Sport derivatives, selected Wildtrak models and the Tremor.

All automatic bakkies will shift to Ford’s 10-speed gearbox, meaning the six-speed auto falls away, while the updated 2.0-litre single-turbo diesel engine producing 125kW and 405Nm, which has been upgraded with a new timing chain for better durability and performance, will serve as the main powertrain for XL and XLT models.

Sport and Wildtrak

A major change to the line-up is the introduction of a new Ranger Sport series that fits between XLT and Wildtrak. It will be offered in Super Cab and Double Cab body styles, with the 2.3-litre EcoBoost available in 4x2 and the 3.0-litre V6 diesel offered on 4x4 derivatives, both with the 10-speed automatic transmission.

The Wildtrak series sees several updates, including the 2.3-litre EcoBoost for the 4x2 Double Cab and the V6 diesel on the 4x4. According to Ford, in response to customer demand, they are upgrading the Super Cab Wildtrak 4x4 and the Ranger Tremor Double Cab 4x4 to the V6 diesel, replacing the outgoing 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo mill.

The Wildtrak X is no more as a standalone model and becomes an optional package on the Wildtrak Double Cab 4x4, with the V6 engine

XLT and XL

All XLT variants, whether Super Cab or Double Cab, will be fitted with the 2.0-litre turbodiesel paired with their 10-speed automatic transmission and available in 4x2 or 4x4. 

Part-time selectable four-wheel drive remains on 2.0-litre models, while V6-equipped 4x4 derivatives continue with Ford’s Electronic Switch On The Fly permanent four-wheel-drive system.

The entry-level XL becomes the new starting point of the range, with the Base model falling away. There’s a wider drivetrain choice, including the option of a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox depending on body style, and 4x2 or 4x4 across Single Cab, Super Cab and Double Cab. All XLs have the 2.0-litre diesel engine.

The Platinum bakkie remains the premium model in the line-up, continuing with the 3.0-litre V6 diesel and receives selective specification updates. 

The flagship Ranger Raptor, with its 292kW 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V6, continues unchanged and remains the performance halo for the range.

Everest gains new engines, active series and broader specification upgrades

Alongside the Ranger updates, Ford will introduce a revised Everest range with new engine options, a new Active series replacing the XLT, and model-specific enhancements.

The most notable change is the introduction of the Everest Active as the entry derivative. It will have the same 2.0-litre single-turbo diesel with 125kW and 405Nm coupled to the 10-speed automatic transmission with 4x2 and part-time 4x4 versions. 

The Everest Sport receives a significant mechanical upgrade, with the 4x2 model adopting the 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine. The 4x4 Sport loses the binned 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo to the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel with permanent four-wheel drive. This aligns it closer with the higher-end derivatives by offering more torque for towing and off-road performance.

The Wildtrak and Platinum models remain at the top of the range, retaining the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine, along with permanent 4x4. 

Interestingly, the 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine is not found in any of the 4x4 versions of either the Ranger or Everest. 

Across the line-up, Ford will introduce tailored specification improvements aimed at modern family usability. These include improvements to connectivity, practicality and convenience, and enhancements supporting adventure travel on tar or gravel.

Full specifications and pricing of the updated Ranger and Everest models will be released closer to the 2026 launch

Ranger model range

Single Cab

• 2.0L Diesel Single Cab XL 10AT 4x2
• 2.0L Diesel Single Cab XL 6MT 4x4
• 2.0L Diesel Single Cab XL 10AT 4x4

Super Cab

• 2.0L Diesel Super Cab XL 10AT 4x2
• 2.0L Diesel Super Cab XL 10AT 4x4
• 2.0L Diesel Super Cab XLT 10AT 4x2
• 2.0L Diesel Super Cab XLT 10AT 4x4
• 2.3L EcoBoost Super Cab Sport 10AT 4x2
• 3.0L V6 Diesel Super Cab Sport 10AT 4x4
• 3.0L V6 Diesel Super Cab Wildtrak 10AT 4x4

Ranger Double Cab

• 2.0L Diesel Double Cab XL 6MT 4x2
• 2.0L Diesel Double Cab XL 10AT 4x2
• 2.0L Diesel Double Cab XL 6MT 4x4
• 2.0L Diesel Double Cab XL 10AT 4x4
• 2.0L Diesel Double Cab XLT 10AT 4x2
• 2.0L Diesel Double Cab XLT 10AT 4x4
• 2.3L EcoBoost Double Cab Sport 10AT 4x2
• 3.0L V6 Diesel Double Cab Sport 10AT 4x4
• 3.0L V6 Diesel Double Cab Tremor 10AT 4x4
• 2.3L EcoBoost Double Cab Wildtrak 10AT 4x2
• 3.0L V6 Diesel Double Cab Wildtrak 10AT 4x4
• 3.0L V6 Diesel Double Cab Platinum 10AT 4x4
• 3.0L V6 EcoBoost Double Cab Ranger Raptor 10AT 4x4

Everest model range

• 2.0L Diesel Active 10AT 4x2
• 2.0L Diesel Active 10AT 4x4
• 2.3L EcoBoost Sport 10AT 4x2
• 3.0L V6 Diesel Sport 10AT 4x4
• 3.0L V6 Diesel Wildtrak 10AT 4x4
• 3.0L V6 Diesel Platinum 10AT 4x4