Ford uprates Ranger and Everest with addition of V6 diesel
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Authors: Paul Murrell
ALONG WITH A REVISED DESIGN, most buyers will be more interested in Ford’s decision to include the powerful V6 turbo-diesel across more variants.
“The Ford Ranger has always set the standard for capability and versatility, and now we’re raising the bar again,” said Ambrose Henderson, Marketing Director, Ford Australia. “We’re giving customers more value, more power, and the trusted, clever features they rely on, whether they’re on a job site or heading out for a weekend adventure.
“At the same time, the Everest has become a favourite of adventure-ready families around the country. We’ve listened to those customers and added more equipment as standard to our entry model, the Everest Active.”
An Optimised and Powerful Powertrain
For 2026, Ford is optimising the Ranger and Everest powertrain lineup to deliver confident, responsive performance across the board. The 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel, which produces 184kW of power and 600Nm of torque, is now available on more variants, including for the first time, the Ranger XL, and Everest Active.
The sturdy 2.0L turbo-diesel engine has been enhanced with a new timing chain and an updated fuel injection system. It delivers a solid 125kW of power and 405Nm of torque, with peak torque arriving at just 1750rpm.
Ford’s proven 10-speed automatic transmission is now standard on all variants, offering real-time adaptive shift scheduling that ensures the vehicle is always in the right gear at the right time. This robust powertrain lineup ensures every Ranger and Everest (bar Ranger Raptor) maintains its impressive maximum braked towing capacity of 3500kg.
“By expanding the availability of our powerful 3.0L V6 and standardizing the 10-speed automatic, we’re putting more of the performance and refinement customers love within their reach,” said Michael Ferguson, Ranger and Everest Product Marketing Manager, Ford Australia.
Smarter, More Confident Design
The 2026 Ranger and Everest lineups introduce a refreshed design treatment that is both muscular, functional and modern, giving each variant a unique and unmistakable presence.
“Ranger and Everest have an unmistakable look,” said Max Tran, Chief Designer, Ford Australia.
“For this update we’ve focused on updating what our customers have told us they love. You’ll notice we’ve replaced contrasting greys and chrome accents on some models for blacks. The result is a more contemporary way of communicating confidence, the personality of each variant, and premium finishes.”
Across the lineup, chrome has been replaced with modern gloss and matte black finishes and a cascading of features delivering customers more bang for their buck.
The new, darkened look applies to exterior and interior elements including blackened trim and darkened accents, updated wheel designs and bolder lines. These updates apply to Ranger XLT, Wildtrak and Platinum series.
A Ranger for Everyone
Previously offered as a limited-edition model, the Ranger Black Edition joins the line-up permanently, available with either 2.0L Turbo or 3.0L V6 engines. Ranger Sport is no longer available from MY26.5, while the Ranger XLS is now only available as a double cab-chassis with the 3.0L V6 engine, adding over the XL the following features: side steps, carpet floor and driver floor mat, and 17-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres as standard.
Now available with a V6 engine for the first time, the work-ready Ranger XL also gains more equipment as standard, 12-inch infotainment screen, dual-zone climate control rear air vents. If you select a V6-powered XL, 16-inch steel wheels with all-season tyres get swapped for 17-inch steel rims with all-terrain tyres, rear disc brakes are added, as well as an e-shifter and adjustable drive modes.
The ever-popular Wildtrak continues to make a bold statement with the eye-catching Ignite Orange as its new hero colour, accenting the all-new 18-inch wheels. It also gains Ford’s sophisticated Matrix LED headlamps and a premium 10-speaker B&O sound system for a truly first-class experience as standard. As the most luxurious choice of the lineup, the Platinum elevates the Ranger experience, boasting a new Acacia Green hero colour.
For the first time, cab-chassis variants will feature the Driver Assist Technology (DAT) bar, which packages advanced driver-assist systems2 like BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert. This allows owners to switch from a tray to a service body without compromising on driver assist features.
The wider MY26.5 Ranger line-up introduces the following changes:
- Driver Assist Technology ‘DAT’ Bar is now standard on XL and XLT Cab Chassis variants and includes the following:
- Digital Reverse Camera
- Reverse Brake Assist
- Rear Parking Sensors
- BLIS with Rear Cross Traffic Alert. XLT includes Trailer Coverage feature.
- Lane Change Warning and Aid
- Matrix LED Headlamps now standard on Wildtrak.
- B&O Premium Audio including 10 Speakers now standard on Wildtrak.
- Heavy Duty Suspension now standard on XLT Double Cab Chassis.
- 12-inch Infotainment Touchscreen now standard on XL, XLS and XLT.
- Dual-Zone Climate Control now standard on XL with Second Row Air Vents standard on double cab variants.
Options changes:
- Flexible Rack System price revised to $1990 (from $2800)
- Auxiliary Switch Bank now available on all 3.0L variants of XLT and on Wildtrak.
- Cargo Management System now available as a standalone option on Wildtrak.
- Touring Pack is available only on 3.0L variants of XLT and on Tremor.
- XL 17-inch Wheel Pack (steel wheels with all-terrain tyres and 17-inch steel spare) is available on XL 2.0L variants.
A new series, Ranger Wolftrak, will be introduced at MY26.5, with the limited-edition model introducing a new hero colour, Traction Green. The Ranger Wolftrak will feature distinctive Zest accents on the nostrils, with 17-inch Asphalt Black wheels. It combines rugged, off-road-inspired styling with practical features like the long-legged sports hoop and LED headlamps. Ranger Wolftrak will be offered exclusively with the 3.0L V6 engine in a Double Cab Pick-Up body style and features the following content:
- Advanced full-time 4WD system
- 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel engine and 10-speed automatic transmission, including Auto Stop-Start
- 17-inch Asphalt Black alloy wheels with Wolftrak-unique ‘Zest’ accents and all-terrain tyres
- Pro-Trailer Backup Assist and 360-degree Camera with Trailer Guidance
- Heavy Duty Terrain Management with Rotary Dial including two additional drive modes: Mud/Rut, Sand
- Cargo Management System
- 2x Front Tow Hooks
- Long-Legged Sports Bar
- Honeycomb Radiator Grille
- All-Weather Front & Rear Floor Mats
- Power Fold Mirrors with Heater & Puddle Lamps
- Vinyl seats with ‘WOLFTRAK’ embroidery (front), front door and tailgate ‘zest’ decal, and Traction Green accents throughout the interior
- Overhead Auxiliary Switch Bank for fitment of accessories
- Availability of an exclusive exterior paint – Traction Green
Returning for a limited time to the Ranger line-up for MY26.5 is the Ranger Tremor, this time reintroduced with the 3.0L V6 engine, transforming the Ranger Tremor into an unparalleled combination of rugged durability and commanding performance for the most challenging terrains. This highly anticipated addition responds directly to customer demand for even greater power and torque in this adventure-ready Ranger variant, complementing Tremor’s existing off-road features, including its advanced suspension, General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres and robust underbody protection, making it the ultimate tool for tough terrain. Ranger Tremor features the following content:
- Advanced full-time 4WD system
- 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel engine and 10-speed automatic transmission, including Auto Stop-Start.
- 17-inch Asphalt Black Alloy Wheels, General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres, large wheel arch mouldings and 30mm increased track width
- Off-road suspension and steering:
- Bilstein Position-Sensitive Dampers with external reservoirs
- Springs that, in conjunction with the tyres, deliver 26mm in total additional ground clearance
- Heavy Duty EPAS (Electric Power Assisted Steering) gear with shielding
- Two off-road specific driver assistance features:
- Trail Turn Assist: When enabled off-road and at low speeds, this feature reduces the vehicle’s turning radius by applying brakes to the inside rear wheel, when navigating tight bends or turning in narrow areas
- Trail Control: Also available on Raptor, this feature lets the driver focus on steering during off-road and low-speed use by controlling the vehicle’s acceleration and braking to maintain a set speed
- Rock Crawl Drive Mode provides optimal slow-speed traction and momentum on loose and rocky surfaces
- Tremor badging and styling, including 3D tailgate badging, Tremor-embroidered vinyl seats (front) and availability of the Command Grey hero colour
- Front Steel Bash Plate, Composite Side Steps and Long-Legged Sports Bar
- 2x Front Tow Hooks and Tow Tongue Hitch
- Overhead Auxiliary Switch Bank for fitment of accessories
- Honeycomb grille with Auxiliary Grille LED Lamps
- All-Weather Front and Rear Floor Mats with ‘Tremor’ insert
- Power Fold Mirrors with Heater & Puddle Lamps
Along with the updated design and features, there has been an update to the available colours across the Ranger line-up. Blue Lightning is no longer available for Wildtrak, though it remains an option for XLT, Tremor and Raptor. Wildtrak and Platinum gain the exclusive colours Ignite Orange and Acacia Green respectively, replacing Luxe Yellow and Equinox Bronze. The new Wolftrak variant introduces Traction Green to the local Ranger line-up, with the limited-edition model also available with Shadow Black or Command Grey as no-cost options.
| Exterior Paint | XL | XLS | Black Edition | XLT | Wolftrak | Tremor | Wildtrak | Platinum | Raptor |
| Arctic White (NCO) | S | S | S | S | – | S | S | S | S |
| Aluminium | O | O | O | O | – | O | O | O | – |
| Meteor Grey | O | O | O | O | – | O | O | O | O |
| Shadow Black | O | O | O | O | S | O | O | O | O |
| Command Grey | – | – | – | – | S | O | – | – | O |
| Blue Lightning | – | – | – | O | – | O | – | – | O |
| Code Orange | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | O |
| NEW Traction Green | – | – | – | – | S | – | – | – | – |
| NEW Ignite Orange | – | – | – | – | – | – | O | – | – |
| NEW Acacia Green | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | O | – |
Pricing
| 4×2 Ranger | MY26.5 (incl. GST) |
| 4×2 XL Single CC 2.0L Turbo | $37,130 |
| 4×2 XL Super CC 2.0L Turbo | $39,630 |
| 4×2 XL Double PU 2.0L Turbo | $43,530 |
| 4×2 XLT Double PU 2.0L Turbo | $52,990 |
| 4×4 Ranger | MY26.5 (incl. GST) |
| 4×4 XL Single CC 2.0L Turbo | $45,600 |
| 4WD XL Single CC 3.0L V6 | $52,100 |
| 4×4 XL Super CC 2.0L Turbo | $48,100 |
| 4WD XL Super CC 3.0L V6 | $54,500 |
| 4×4 XL Double CC 2.0L Turbo | $50,000 |
| 4WD XL Double CC 3.0L V6 | $56,500 |
| 4×4 XL Double PU 2.0L Turbo | $51,400 |
| 4WD XL Double PU 3.0L V6 | $57,900 |
| 4WD XLS Double CC 3.0L V6 | $58,450 |
| 4×4 Black Edition Double PU 2.0L Turbo | $53,490 |
| 4WD Black Edition Double PU 3.0L V6 | $59,990 |
| 4WD XLT Super PU 3.0L V6 | $63,790 |
| 4WD XLT Double CC 3.0L V6 | $66,590 |
| 4WD XLT Double PU 3.0L V6 | $67,990 |
| 4WD Wolftrak Double PU 3.0L V6 | $70,990 |
| 4WD Tremor Double PU 3.0L V6 | $75,090 |
| 4WD Wildtrak Double PU 3.0L V6 | $75,090 |
| 4WD Platinum Double PU 3.0L V6 | $80,890 |
| Raptor Double PU 3.0L V6 EcoBoost | $90,690 |
All prices plus on road costs
| Option | MY26.5 (incl. GST) |
| Prestige Paint | $750 |
| XL Towing Pack | $1950 |
| XL Wheel Cap | $50 |
| XL 17” Wheel Pack – 2.0L Only | $950 |
| XLT Touring Pack – 3.0L Cab Chassis | $750 |
| XLT Touring Pack – 3.0L Pickup | $1500 |
| Tremor Touring Pack | $1050 |
| Auxiliary Switch Bank | $450 |
| Cargo Management System | $450 |
| Wildtrak 20” Wheel Pack | $800 |
| Power Roller Shutter | $3900 |
| Flexible Rack System | $1990 |
| Less Black Painted Roof | $0 |
| Stylish Lift & Slide Canopy (factory-fit) | $4500 |
| Stylish Dual Lift Canopy (factory-fit) | $4700 |
| Commercial Canopy (factory-fit) | $4000 |
A new entry into the Everest Family
At MY26.5, the Everest Ambiente and Trend will cease production, replaced by a new entry model for the line-up, the Active. Featuring bold new interior and exterior design themes and features not before seen on the Everest entry series, Active balances style and value to present a compelling starting point for the Everest lineup.
Available with both the 2.0L and 3.0L powertrains, the Everest Active will feature as standard; leather accented to seat five, a 12-inch infotainment screen, 18-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, tyre pressure monitoring system, LED headlamps and more. With a price of $58,990 (plus on road costs) the Everest Active offers a healthy mix of premium features at a value-conscious price point. The Everest Active will be available with five seats as standard, with seven seats available as an optional extra.
Sport, Tremor and Platinum will continue as ongoing variants in the Everest lineup. The Everest Sport will be available with both 2.0L and 3.0L powertrains, while Tremor and Platinum are offered exclusively with the V6.
In response to customer demand, the 360-degree camera has been made standard on Sport and Tremor. Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) has also been added as a standard feature on Sport. Tremor’s seating offering has also been updated – the Tremor premium seat pack (heated and vented 10-way power driver, eight-way power passenger) has been standardised, and an option to remove the third-row seating has now been made available.
An updated array of colours, including new additions Acacia Green and Alabaster White will be available for the Everest line-up from MY26.5, while Equinox Bronze will no longer be offered.
| Colour | Active | Sport | Tremor | Platinum |
| Arctic White | S | S | S | S |
| NEW Acacia Green | – | – | – | O |
| Blue Lightning | – | O | – | – |
| Command Grey | – | O | O | – |
| Alabaster White (Pearlescent) | – | O | – | O |
| Meteor Grey | O | O | O | O |
| Aluminium | O | O | O | O |
| Absolute Black | O | O | O | O |
Pricing
| Everest | (incl. GST and LCT where applicable) |
| Active 2.0L Turbo | $58,990 |
| Active 3.0L V6 | $66,990 |
| Sport 2.0L Turbo | $68,990 |
| Sport 3.0L V6 | $76,990 |
| Tremor 3.0L V6 | $79,990 |
| Platinum 3.0L V6 | $83,490 |
All prices plus on road costs
| Option | Model(s) | Option (incl. GST)* | Incl. LCT |
| Prestige Paint | All | $750 | $975 |
| Third Row Seating | Active | $1350 | – |
| Third Row Removal | Tremor | NCO | – |
| Towing Pack with Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (excluding Pro Trailer Backup Assist) | Active | $2000 | – |
| Premium Towing Pack with Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (including Pro Trailer Backup Assist) | Sport, Tremor, Platinum | $2500 | $3,250 |
| 18” A/T tyre option | Active | $750 | – |
| 18” A/T tyre option | Sport, Platinum | NCO | – |
| Body Colour Roof | Platinum | NCO | – |
| Rough Terrain Pack | Tremor | $3,550 | – |
Full specs for both Ranger and Everest line-ups will be published closer to vehicle arrivals.