Ford has rolled out refreshed versions of its Ranger pickup and Everest SUV for the Australian market, arriving just as the latest Toyota Hilux and Nissan Navara begin competing in the segment. These updated models bring subtle styling tweaks, enhanced equipment lists, and a streamlined engine lineup—most notably, the discontinuation of the bi-turbo diesel option. The current era of the Ranger launched in late 2021, with the Everest following a few months later in early 2022.
Approaching the midpoint of their life cycles about four years later, both vehicles have been given thoughtful updates rather than dramatic redesigns, signaling Ford’s intention to keep the lineup modern while avoiding major overhauls.
From the outside, the Ranger does not receive new sheetmetal, but various trims gain refreshed styling elements. Instead of previous grey or chrome accents, many versions now incorporate glossy or matte black details. Other variants benefit from fresh paint choices and updated wheel styles. One of the biggest highlights is the introduction of the latest Ranger Wolftrak edition. This variant wears a distinctive new Traction Green finish—alongside Shadow Black and Command Grey—and is accented by Zest-colored highlights on the grille. It also rides on 17-inch Asphalt Black alloy wheels and is distinguished by special Wolftrak badging and an elevated sports bar that enhances its rugged appearance.
Across the Ranger lineup, standard features have been boosted considerably. The base XL model now comes equipped with a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, and Ford’s full Driver Assist Technology suite, even on the single cab-chassis configurations. The XLT adopts Heavy-Duty suspension as standard, while the XLS gains practical updates such as side steps, carpeted floor mats, and 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires. While the Sport trim has been removed from the lineup, the previously limited Black Edition becomes a permanent offering. The Tremor variant, well-loved for its off-road enhancements, also makes a temporary return. However, Australian customers will still miss out on the sporty Ranger MS-RT model, which remains limited to European and UK markets. Higher-end versions have been refined as well: the popular Wildtrak now includes Matrix LED headlights, new 18-inch alloy wheels, and a premium 10-speaker B&O sound system. The flagship Platinum trim gains a new Acacia Green color option. The top-tier Raptor carries over unchanged and will soon be joined by the heavy-duty Ranger Super Duty, which will be detailed separately.
Under the hood, the most significant change for the MY26.5 update is the elimination of the 2.0-liter bi-turbo diesel engine, likely due to increasingly strict emissions regulations. The new entry engine is a revised version of the single-turbo 2.0-liter diesel, now equipped with an upgraded timing chain and optimized fuel injection. This unit produces 168 hp and 405 Nm of torque. Above it is Ford’s familiar 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel generating 247 hp and 600 Nm. This V6 remains optional on XL, XLT, and Black Edition models, while coming standard on XLS, Wolftrak, Tremor, Wildtrak, and Platinum. Both diesels pair with Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission and are available in rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive configurations depending on trim. As expected, the high-performance Ranger Raptor retains its 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, producing 392 hp. Ford made no reference to the plug-in hybrid Ranger, which is still anticipated to use a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine combined with an electric motor for a total of 277 hp.
The Everest SUV receives a similar round of updates, most notably replacing its former 2.0-liter bi-turbo diesel entry engine with the less powerful single-turbo version. The stronger 3.0-liter V6 remains an option on the Active and Sport grades and is standard on the Tremor and Platinum models.
Ford says it will begin taking orders for both revised models in December 2025, with first deliveries expected around mid-2026. Pricing for the MY26.5 Ranger lineup ranges from AU$37,130 to AU$90,690. Meanwhile, the updated Everest will start at AU$58,990 and reach up to AU$83,490, excluding the yet-to-be-detailed Super Duty Ranger variant.