The current-generation Ford Ranger has consistently been one of South Africa’s top-selling vehicles since its launch three years ago – both in overall sales and in the crucial bakkie segment. Now, Ranger fans can look forward to a refreshed model range that adds even greater excitement and capability to this award-winning vehicle.
Set for introduction in the first half of 2026, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (Manufacturing) (Pty) Limited (“Ford South Africa”) is injecting new vigour into the locally assembled Ranger offering with a revised line-up that’s even better suited to customers’ needs – whether used for work or play, and everything in-between.
This will coincide with the recently announced revised engine line-up that will debut next year, which introduces the dynamic 2.3L EcoBoost petrol engine for the first time in a Ranger, producing 222kW and 452Nm. Customers will also benefit from the wider availability of the powerful 3.0L V6 turbodiesel engine in selected existing models, and the launch of all-new derivatives too. The adoption of an upgraded 2.0-litre single-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine – which incorporates a new timing chain for improved durability – is complemented by the standardisation of Ford’s advanced 10-speed gearbox on all automatic models.
“Our customers’ requirements continue to evolve, and we have reinvigorated the line-up for next year to ensure that the Ranger is even better equipped to complement and enhance people’s everyday lives, whether it’s as a workhorse, a family vehicle, for leisure or taking on challenging off-road terrain and adventures,” says Sunil Sewmohan, Director: Product Marketing, Ford South Africa. “We focused on building on the Ranger’s trusted reputation for exceptional performance, efficiency, technology and safety while raising the bar further in the key areas of capability and excitement.”
One of the most exciting changes is the launch of a new Ranger Sport series, which slots in between the XLT and Wildtrak models. It will be available in Super Cab and Double Cab variants with a choice of the 2.3L EcoBoost engine in 4×2 specification, or the 3.0L V6 turbodiesel on the 4×4 – all equipped with the 10-speed automatic transmission.
As with the new Sport derivatives, the Wildtrak Double Cab switches to the 2.3L EcoBoost engine for the 4×2 model, while retaining the silky smooth 184kW/600Nm 3.0L V6 turbodiesel engine for the 4×4 version. Furthermore, in response to customer interest, Ford is equipping both the Super Cab Wildtrak 4×4 and the Ranger Tremor Double Cab 4×4 with the revered 3.0L V6 turbodiesel engine in place of the 2.0L Bi-Turbo diesel unit, which is being discontinued. This significantly ramps up the performance capabilities of these popular, versatile and extremely capable models.
The Wildtrak X will no longer be available as a stand-alone model, but can be ordered as an option pack on the Wildtrak Double Cab 4×4 – which also means it will now be equipped with the more powerful V6 diesel engine.
The Ranger XLT is ideally suited to both fleet and individual customers looking for a comprehensive range of comfort, safety and convenience features at a compelling price. All XLT derivatives, which will continue to be available in Super Cab and Double Cab body styles, will feature the upgraded 2.0L turbodiesel engine (125kW/405Nm), now in combination with the 10-speed automatic, and a choice of 4×2 or 4×4 drivetrains.
Where the 3.0L V6-powered 4×4 models use Ford’s intelligent Electronic Switch On The Fly (ESOF) permanent four-wheel drive system for enhanced traction in all types of terrain, including on-road driving, the 2.0L turbodiesel 4×4 retains selectable part-time four-wheel drive.
Low running costs, efficiency and value for money for business operators, big and small, will now be the preserve of the Ranger XL series, with the Base models being dropped from the portfolio.
The updated Ranger XL will feature the same engine package as the XLT, with Single Cab buyers having the option of two and four-wheel drive models paired with the 10-speed automatic, or a six-speed manual 4×4. The XL Super Cab will be exclusively offered with the automatic transmission in 4×2 or 4×4, while Double Cab customers can select from manual or automatic gearboxes paired with the option of two or four-wheel drive.
The peerless, ultra-luxurious Ranger Platinum, which is also powered by the 3.0L V6 turbodiesel engine, continues largely unchanged. However, there will be selected specification and feature enhancements across the Ranger line-up that provide even greater value, connectivity, practicality and safety.
Ranger Raptor remains in a class of its own, delivering unparalleled performance and off-road capability with its race-developed suspension and mighty 292kW/583Nm 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine.
More detailed information on the model range, specifications and features will be released closer to launch, which is scheduled for the first half of 2026.
2026 Ford Ranger model range:
Single Cab
– 2.0L Diesel Single Cab XL 10AT 4×2
– 2.0L Diesel Single Cab XL 6MT 4×4
– 2.0L Diesel Single Cab XL 10AT 4×4
Super Cab
– 2.0L Diesel Super Cab XL 10AT 4×2
– 2.0L Diesel Super Cab XL 10AT 4×4
– 2.0L Diesel Super Cab XLT 10AT 4×2
– 2.0L Diesel Super Cab XLT 10AT 4×4
– 2.3L EcoBoost Super Cab Sport 10AT 4×2
– 3.0L V6 Diesel Super Cab Sport 10AT 4×4
– 3.0L V6 Diesel Super Cab Wildtrak 10AT 4×4
Double Cab
– 2.0L Diesel Double Cab XL 6MT 4×2
– 2.0L Diesel Double Cab XL 10AT 4×2
– 2.0L Diesel Double Cab XL 6MT 4×4
– 2.0L Diesel Double Cab XL 10AT 4×4
– 2.0L Diesel Double Cab XLT 10AT 4×2
– 2.0L Diesel Double Cab XLT 10AT 4×4
– 2.3L EcoBoost Double Cab Sport 10AT 4×2
– 3.0L V6 Diesel Double Cab Sport 10AT 4×4
– 3.0L V6 Diesel Double Cab Tremor 10AT 4×4
– 2.3L EcoBoost Double Cab Wildtrak 10AT 4×2
– 3.0L V6 Diesel Double Cab Wildtrak 10AT 4×4
– 3.0L V6 Diesel Double Cab Platinum 10AT 4×4
– 3.0L V6 EcoBoost Double Cab Ranger Raptor 10 AT 4×4
