2026 Ford Ranger & Everest: V6 Power, Butcher than Ever

Ford’s 2026.5 Ranger & Everest: Darker, Stronger, Smarter

Ford Australia has rolled out its 2026.5 Ranger and Everest updates, and this is more than a mid-cycle nip and tuck. Bigger engines, smarter tech, and bolder styling signal that Ford knows the ute game is shifting fast — especially with Chinese brands muscling in hard.

The recent arrivals from Kia, MG, LDV — and the runaway-hit BYD Shark 6 — are reshaping the landscape once ruled by the Triton, HiLux and Ranger. The competition is no longer just fierce; it’s modern, electrified, and very, very hungry.

The average buyer is one who once only considered an SUV. It is neither a tradie nor a grey nomad to make up the majority of ute drivers, but Mr and Ms Average. Towing? Important but how many utes have a tow bar let alone anything attached to it.

V6 Power Goes Further

Ford’s 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel (184kW/600Nm) now appears in more Ranger variants — including the base XL — and joins the refreshed Everest line-up in the new Everest Active. The updated 2.0L turbo-diesel gains a timing chain and upgraded injection for smoother, punchier torque from just 1750rpm.

10-Speed Automatic: Farewell to the Old Clunkers

Ford has finally standardised the 10-speed auto across nearly the entire Ranger and Everest ranges (Raptor aside). This single move alone lifts refinement, shift quality, and driver confidence both on-road and off it.

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ABOVE: 26.5 Ranger and Everest

Sharper, Darker Design

Chrome is out; black is in. XLT, Wildtrak, and Platinum now get gloss and matte-black accents, new wheel designs, and beefier lines. Wildtrak steps out in Ignite Orange, Platinum goes Acacia Green, and the freshly minted Wolftrak appears in Traction Green.

Ranger Highlights

• Black Edition becomes permanent.
• XL scores a 12-inch touchscreen and dual-zone climate. V6 variants add 17-inch all-terrain steel wheels, rear discs, and selectable drive modes.
• Wildtrak now includes Matrix LEDs and a 10-speaker B&O system.
• Wolftrak: V6-only, 4WD, Zest-accented 17s, sports bar, 360º camera, trailer assist.
• Tremor returns with V6 power and off-road upgrades — Bilsteins, wider track, extra clearance, Rock Crawl mode, Trail Turn Assist, and more.

Everest Updates

Ambiente and Trend bow out, replaced by the Everest Active: leather-accented seats, 12-inch infotainment, LED headlights, TPMS, 18-inch wheels, and five or seven seats from $58,990. Sport, Tremor, and Platinum continue with new standard gear including a 360º camera (Sport/Tremor) and TPMS for Sport. Tremor gets premium seats with optional third-row delete. New colours include Acacia Green and Alabaster White.

Big Question: Is It Enough?

Ford has polished the hardware, sharpened the look, and improved refinement — but whether it keeps pace with the Chinese offensive is another story.

Holden once said it would never chase price. We all know how that ended. Today, Chinese brands aren’t just cheaper — they’re fresher, smarter, and in some cases, simply better.

Look at the BYD Shark 6: $62k drive-away, 100km EV range, six power outlets (five external), 1,000km total range, fast charging, campsite power, under 2L/100km in town, a genuinely modern cabin, cooled/heated seats, and a unicorn-in-the-ute-world HUD. All of this sits mid-way up the Ranger’s price list. Despite what some media say, the Shark 6 doesn’t need to do what Ranger and Hilux does, but better, it is the other way round.

Ford’s update is solid — but the market it once dominated is changing faster than a tradie switching from beer to kombucha. They’ll need to stay sharp.

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