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Fresh look for Ranger and Everest — Australia first
Ford has unveiled the mid-cycle refresh for the 2026 Ford Ranger and its body-on-frame SUV sibling, the Everest, and Australia is the launch market. The update keeps the popular T6-based Ranger competitive in the global mid-size pickup segment while bringing new equipment, styling tweaks and wider availability of the 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel.
Background: a truly global model, with local input
The second-generation Ranger (P703) debuted in November 2021 — developed in large part by Ford Australia with contributions from other regions — and reached more than 100 markets from production hubs in Thailand and South Africa in 2022. North America saw the Ranger a little later for the 2024 model year, which means the Wayne, Michigan-built Ranger might not receive identical updates at the same time.
What’s new: design, powertrains and tech
The refreshed 2026MY line-up focuses on subtle but meaningful changes: a cleaner, more modern exterior and interior treatment, upgraded tech, and more powertrains across the range. Chrome accents have been pared back in favor of gloss or matte black finishes inside and out, creating a tougher, more contemporary look. New wheel designs are available for the XLT, Wildtrak and Platinum trims, and the Ranger Black Edition is now a permanent fixture in the range.
Ford has also expanded availability of its 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel — rated at 184 kW and 600 Nm (247 hp and 443 lb-ft) — to more variants, including the Ranger XL and Everest Active. Meanwhile the base 2.0-liter turbo diesel has been retuned to deliver 125 kW and 405 Nm (168 hp and 299 lb-ft). The company standardises its well-known 10-speed automatic transmission across the range.
Trim changes and special editions
To sharpen the line-up, Ford has retired a few variants (Ranger Sport Plus, Everest Ambiente and Trend) and expanded the Everest Active as the entry level for the SUV. The ever-popular Tremor returns for MY2026.5 now featuring the larger 3.0-liter V6. A new limited-run model, the Ranger Wolftrak, injects personality into the range with a signature Traction Green paint, Zest contrast accents, 17-inch Asphalt Black wheels, LED headlights and a Long-Legged Sports Bar.
- Engine highlights: 3.0L V6 — 184 kW / 600 Nm; updated 2.0L — 125 kW / 405 Nm
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic standard across all models
- Styling: blacked-out trims, new wheel options, permanent Black Edition
- New special editions: Wolftrak (limited) and Tremor with 3.0 V6
"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."
Market positioning and competition
With these updates Ford aims to keep the Ranger and Everest competitive against rivals such as the Volkswagen Amarok and other mid-size pickups and body-on-frame SUVs. The Everest continues to be pitched at families and adventure buyers who want Bronco-like capability in an SUV that doubles as a practical people-mover.
Pricing in Australia starts at AUD 37,130 (MLP) for the Ranger and AUD 58,990 for the Everest. Expect higher prices for Wildtrak, Platinum, Tremor and the limited Wolftrak editions, depending on options and local specification.
Overall, the 2026 refresh is about refinement rather than revolution: smarter styling, stronger diesel options, and tightened trim offerings that give customers clearer choices. For buyers prioritising towing, off-road capability or a bold visual statement, the updated Ranger and Everest remain compelling options in a crowded market.
Source: autoevolution
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