Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa has announced major changes to its 2026 Ranger model lineup. We’ve rounded up what you can expect from the revised range.
As we’ve reported earlier in November, for the 2026, Ford will discontinue the familiar 2.0-litre, four-cylinder twin-turbocharged diesel engine in the Ranger lineup. Instead, the manufacturer has upgraded the single-turbo (SiT) 2.0-litre oil-burner with a new timing chain. The six-speed automatic transmission coupled with this engine will also be discontinued and replaced by the 10-speed self-shifter. A six-speed manual will remain exclusively available with the 4×4 single-cab XL model. In addition, more models will gain the firm’s 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel unit. The company will also introduce the 2.3-litre, four-cylinder turbopetrol motor to select derivatives in the local Ranger portfolio.
As a reminder, the 2.0-litre SiT unit produces 125 kW and 405 N.m of torque, while the most powerful oil-burner on offer, the V6, churns out 184 kW and 600 N.m. The 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, which is also available with the Ranger-based Volkswagen Amarok, is endowed with 222 kW and 452 N.m. However, whereas the latter is four-wheel drive, the 2.3-litre EcoBoost Ranger derivatives will be 4×2.
So, which models will employ the respective engine options? Well, for starters the XL and XLT single- and double-cab, and Super Cab derivatives will employ the SiT unit; the Tremor will gain V6 diesel power; and the Wildtrak will be available with the latter powerplant and the 2.3-litre EcoBoost unit. The latter powertrains will also be available with the upcoming Sport variants. The Platinum and Raptor retain the V6 diesel and V6 petrol engines. The 2.3-litre and V6 units are exclusively coupled with Ford’s 10-speed auto ‘box.
Noteworthy, the Wildtrak X will no longer be available as a standalone model, but can be ordered as an optional package on the 4×4 Wildtrak double-cab.
“Our customers’ requirements continue to evolve, and we have reinvigorated the lineup 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,” said Sunil Sewmohan, Director of Product Marketing at Ford SA.
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