Updated Ford Everest Range Offers Premium Quality, Performance and Value

• Introduction of more accessible Everest Active powered by a 2.0L turbodiesel engine with 4×2 or 4×4
• Everest Tremor to join the line-up later this year with enhanced off-road capability
• 3.0L V6 Diesel with permanent 4WD powers Everest Sport, Wildtrak and Platinum

Ford South Africa has introduced its updated 2026 Everest range, offering customers a wider range of models, trim levels and engine options to suit their individual needs for an SUV that delivers market leading value.

The new line-up starts off with the more affordable Everest Active, which serves as the new entry point to the Everest range, and replaces the previous XLT. The next step up is the Everest Sport, with the 3.0L V6 Diesel engine paired with the electro-mechanical permanent four-wheel drive system. The Wildtrak and range-topping Platinum remain the pinnacle of premium SUV luxury, and retain the proven 3.0L V6 Diesel and 4WD drivetrain.

“The updated 2026 Everest range strengthens Ford’s presence in the popular SUV segment, building on the attributes that have made the current generation model the benchmark in its class,” says Sunil Sewmohan, Director of Product Marketing at Ford South Africa.

“Customers now have a wider choice to suit their needs, from the more affordable and fuel-efficient Everest Active with its 2.0L diesel engine, or the trio of 3.0L V6 diesel 4WD models in Sport, Wildtrak and ultra-luxurious Platinum trim levels, there’s something to suit everyone,” Sewmohan says. “We can’t wait to add the all-new Everest Tremor to the line-up later this year, as it takes the Everest’s exceptional all-round capability to even greater heights.”

Everest Active

The Everest Active is the most affordable model in the updated Everest range, and is exclusively offered with the latest version of Ford’s 2.0L four-cylinder turbodiesel engine. Benefitting from the fitment of a timing chain for improved durability, this engine delivers exceptional fuel economy, matched to superb all-round performance thanks to its 125kW of power and 405Nm peak torque.

Customers have the option of a two-wheel drive version, or a part-time four-wheel drive model for those who require greater off-road capability. All Everest models, including the Active, are equipped with Ford’s advanced 10-speed automatic gearbox. The transmission has been updated with a new calibration that is smoother and more responsive than before. On the 4×2 model the Terrain Management System has four drive modes (Normal, Eco, Tow Haul, Slippery), while the 4×4 has an additional pair of off-road modes (Mud & Ruts, Sand) and a locking rear differential.

Despite being the most affordable model in the Everest range, the Active features an impressive list of standard comfort, convenience and safety features. The advanced driver assist technologies include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop/Go and Lane Centring – both are firsts for the lowest-tier Everest models – along with the Lane Keeping System (with Lane Keeping Aid, Lane Keeping Alert, Road Edge Detection, and Driver Impairment Monitor), and the full array of ABS and Electronic Stability Programme features.

Dual front, side and curtain airbags provide occupant protection in a collision, while front and rear parking sensors and a rear camera aid parking manoeuvres. All Everest models are fitted with a Thatcham-grade security system with perimeter, interior, motion and inclination sensors.

Key exterior features include 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps with automatic activation and high-beam switching, body-coloured bumpers, black roof rails and side steps. The 4×4 version gains underbody protection as well for tackling more challenging terrain.

The Everest is renowned for its spacious, comfortable and versatile seven-seater cabin, and the Active variant is no different, accessed via smart keyless entry and push-button start. Cloth seats include eight-way power adjustment for the driver and four-way manual adjustment for the front passenger.

The integrated infotainment system comprises a 12-inch colour touchscreen, incorporating SYNC 4 with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless charging. This is complemented by an eight-inch digital instrument cluster, plus the built-in modem that allows remote start, locking and unlocking and status info on the vehicle via the Ford app. Customers can option 18-inch all-terrain tyres, as well as Zone Lighting that includes heated exterior mirrors with puddle lamps.

Everest Sport

Although the Sport has been carried over as a trim level on the updated Everest, it sees significant upgrades compared to the outgoing models.

The Everest Sport is equipped with Ford’s revered 3.0L V6 Diesel engine, which produces 184kW and a substantial 600Nm of torque that makes it ideally suited to towing heavy loads. The four-wheel drive system on all V6 models is Ford’s proven electronically controlled on-demand two-speed electro-mechanical transfer case (EMTC) that enables the vehicle to be driven in the default 4A (Auto) mode both on and off-road, seamlessly adjusting the power delivery to the front and rear axles for enhanced traction. The driver can also select 2H for rear-wheel drive only, as well as 4H (high-range) that locks the centre differential, and 4L (low-range) for confidently tackling challenging off-road conditions. An electronically controlled locking rear differential improves traction in undulating off-road terrain.

The 3.0L V6 Diesel engine is equipped with the Auto Stop/Start system to reduce fuel consumption and emissions in city driving, while the V6 models all feature the electronic E-Shifter for the 10-speed automatic transmission.

In line with its dynamic character, the Everest Sport retains the distinctive black painted radiator grille and bumper treatment, black mirrors and door handles, and sporty 20-inch black alloy wheels. The enhanced Sport specification now includes several additional features, including the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, 360-degree camera, Blind Spot Information System with trailer coverage, and Zone Lighting which can be activated from the vehicle and via the Ford app.

Compared to the Everest Active, the Sport also benefits from the inclusion of a powered tailgate, full-size alloy wheel, 400W inverter, windscreen-mounted USB port, eight-way power adjustment for the front passenger seat, and leather trim for the gear shift knob, steering wheel and seats.

As before, the Sport retains Blue Lightning as an exclusive colour option. Stand-alone options include the 18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres that are perfectly suited to off-road driving, and Ford’s Pro Trailer Back-up Assist that makes reversing with a trailer an absolute cinch.

Everest Wildtrak

Introduced with the current-generation Everest in 2022, the Wildtrak is the adventurous model in the range, reinforced by the adoption of the distinctive new Ignite Orange paint colour that is unique to this variant.

The level of luxury is stepped up several notches on the Wildtrak, from its bold exterior to the upmarket interior appointments. A black front bumper and raised roof racks set the latest Wildtrak apart from the previous model, as do the Matrix LED headlamps with automatic levelling, which was previous reserved for the range-topping Platinum.

Premium leather seats adorn the cabin, along with adjustable ambient lighting and a black roof lining that frames the distinctive dual panel powered moon roof – all of which enhances the sense of space, comfort, luxury and refinement. The third-row seats now include a power-folding function for greater convenience and ease of use. The options available on the Wildtrak match the Everest Sport.

Everest Platinum

The Everest Platinum represents the ultimate in luxury and sophistication, and continues largely unchanged with its fully-equipped status that includes classy 21-inch wheels, Pro Trailer Back-up Assist, 10-way power adjustable front seats with heating and cooling, heated steering wheel, 12-speaker B&O audio system and a 12-inch LCD instrument cluster.

Changes for the latest model include wheel lip mouldings with painted flares, and the new attractive new Acacia Green paint colour. The 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tyres are available as an option.

Vehicle will be available at dealers in the coming weeks at the following recommended retail prices (includes VAT):