Ford Australia has unveiled a significantly updated MY26.5 Ranger and Everest line-up, expanding access to V6 power, increasing standard technology and introducing new variants designed to better match customer needs.
Speaking at the launch event, Josh Murua, Product Marketing Manager – Ranger at Ford Australia, and George Thomas, Product Marketing Manager – Everest, said the updates were driven by customer feedback around capability, technology and value.
According to Ford, customers wanted greater access to performance, technology that made everyday life easier and styling that better reflected the vehicles’ capability.
V6 Expansion Headlines Ranger Updates
A key highlight of the MY26.5 Ranger range is the expansion of the popular 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine across more variants, including for the first time in Ranger XL.
Murua said the V6 continues to be highly sought after by customers who tow, tour and carry heavy loads.
“Our V6 is incredibly popular with our core customers, the tow, tour and carry load customers,” Murua said.
“At 26.5 model year, we’ve expanded the availability of the V6 across the range, top to bottom, which includes first time ever on Ranger XL. Now every customer has access to the power and capability that they need to get the job done.”
The expanded V6 availability also brings full-time four-wheel drive and selectable drive modes to more customers.
Ford has also standardised the 10-speed automatic transmission across the entire Ranger line-up while introducing a 12-inch infotainment screen as standard equipment across the range.
Additional technology upgrades include the introduction of a Driver Assist Technology (DAT) Bar for cab-chassis variants, allowing fleet and trade customers fitting trays or service bodies to retain key safety features including a digital reversing camera, reverse brake assist and blind spot monitoring.
Another new feature is Trailer Connection Alarm, which activates the vehicle alarm if a connected trailer is disconnected after the vehicle has been locked.
“As soon as that gets disconnected, the car alarm goes off,” Murua explained.
New Editions and Added Value
Ford has refreshed the Ranger’s exterior styling with darker finishes replacing chrome accents, while updated wheels and trim details deliver a more modern appearance.
The company has also expanded its special edition offering.
Wolftrak joins the line-up as a value-focused adventure-oriented model, while Tremor returns with V6 power for the first time. Black Edition continues as an ongoing offering across both four-cylinder and V6 powertrains.
For Wildtrak buyers, Ford has added matrix LED headlamps, matrix LED tail lamps and a premium B&O audio system as standard equipment.
“We’ve standardised the matrix LED headlamps and tail lamps, as well as the B&O audio for no extra cost,” Murua said.
Ranger PHEV Demand Growing
Ford also used the launch to highlight growing demand for the Ranger Plug-in Hybrid.
The MY26.5 Ranger PHEV range now consists of XL, Sport and Wildtrak variants, with Ford introducing the new XL grade to provide a more affordable entry point into electrified Ranger ownership.
Murua said the company has experienced a noticeable increase in interest in the Ranger PHEV.
“Unsurprisingly, we’ve seen a big uptick in demand for our Ranger hybrid over the past few months,” he said.
The Sport variant now gains a 360-degree camera and Pro Trailer Backup Assist as standard equipment without a price increase.
Everest Range Simplified
For Everest, Ford has introduced a new Active variant which replaces the departing Ambiente and Trend grades.
Thomas said the new model was designed to provide a more accessible entry point into the Everest range while delivering features that retail buyers value most.
“The model year update makes it easier for customers to find the right Everest model to suit their needs,” Thomas said.
“With the introduction of the Everest Active, it allows customers to have an accessible entry point to come into the Everest family.”
The Everest Active includes leather-accented seating, a 12-inch infotainment screen, black 18-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, tyre pressure monitoring and six selectable drive modes.
Importantly, buyers can now specify either the proven 2.0-litre turbo-diesel or the 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel in the Active grade.
“That provides customers the torque and the towing capability that they really value,” Thomas said.
More Standard Features Across Everest
Ford has added several customer-requested features to Everest Sport and Tremor models.
A 360-degree camera system is now standard, along with heated and ventilated front seats and driver memory settings.
For Tremor buyers, Ford is also offering a new option to remove the third-row seats, creating a larger and flatter cargo area better suited to touring and off-road accessories.
Tyre pressure monitoring is now standard across the entire Everest range.
The flagship Platinum receives darker exterior styling treatments that complement the new Acacia Green hero colour.
Trailer Connection Alarm will also be available on Everest models fitted with the optional tow pack.
Everest Wildtrak Returns
Ford has also confirmed the return of the Wildtrak nameplate to the Everest range as a limited-edition model.
The Everest Wildtrak features matrix LED headlamps, distinctive Ignite Orange accents, a panoramic moonroof, unique Wildtrak interior trim, power-folding third-row seats and unique 20-inch alloy wheels.
Thomas said the model was designed to blend urban appeal with long-distance touring capability.
“The Wildtrak nameplate returns to the Everest lineup, and this time it does so with a darker and bolder styling,” he said.
Focus on Choice and Capability
Ford said the MY26.5 updates were centred on providing customers with more choice while improving access to the features and capabilities they value most.
“If I’m to briefly summarise, it’s that we’re expanding access to performance across the range, making key technology updates, and all while retaining that core Ranger and Everest DNA,” Murua said.
“No matter the series, customers now have more access to design, tech and capabilities.”
