Ford revamps Ranger lineup

Three years after its local debut, the Ford Ranger has established itself as a permanent fixture on South Africa’s light commercial vehicle sales charts. Assembled at the Silverton plant east of Pretoria, the bakkie has found favour among farmers, fleet operators, families and weekend adventurers alike.

Now, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa has moved to refresh the entire range, introducing 23 derivatives for the 2026 model year in an effort to keep the line-up competitive in a segment where rivals are releasing updated models almost quarterly. The new portfolio spans Single Cab, Super Cab and Double Cab body styles, offering what the manufacturer describes as one of the widest selections in the local bakkie segment. Single Cab models target business and fleet customers seeking a no-frills workhorse. Super Cab derivatives attempt to balance load capacity with extra interior practicality.

Double Cab variants cater to buyers who need a vehicle that doubles as family transport. The range includes affordable entry-level options as well as premium offerings aimed at buyers who expect leather, large touchscreens and advanced driver assistance systems.

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Under the bonnet, the most notable change is the arrival of a 2,3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, a unit already proven in other global Ford markets but specifically recalibrated for the Ranger. It produces 222 kW of power and 452 Nm of torque, figures that position it as a compelling choice for buyers who prioritise on-road performance and a more refined power delivery than traditional turbodiesels typically offer.

Ford has also widened access to its 3,0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine. Previously reserved for higher-spec models, the V6 will now appear on selected derivatives across the range, allowing more customers to access its 184 kW and 600 Nm of torque. The engine has gained a reputation among local bakkie owners for its smoothness and towing ability, particularly when pulling loads approaching the Ranger’s 3 500 kg braked towing capacity.

The 2,0-litre single-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine receives what Ford calls a durability upgrade, centred on a new timing chain designed to simplify maintenance and improve long-term reliability.

Across all automatic models, the 10-speed automatic transmission has been standardised, replacing older gearbox configurations and promising smoother shifts and more efficient torque delivery.

Sunil Sewmohan, director of product marketing at Ford South Africa, said the Ranger had become a benchmark for practicality and capability in the local market. He noted  the updates were designed to deliver more performance and better technology to a broader cross-section of customers, whether the vehicle was used as a workhorse, a family carrier or an off-road recreational tool.

The most eye-catching addition to the line-up is the new Ranger Sport, which slots between the volume-selling XLT and the rugged premium Wildtrak. The Sport will be available in Super Cab and Double Cab configurations.

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Buyers can choose between a 2,3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine in 4x2 specification or the 3,0-litre V6 turbo-diesel paired with a 4x4 drivetrain. Both variants come with the 10-speed automatic gearbox.

The popular Wildtrak range has also been revised. The Wildtrak Double Cab four-by-two will switch to the 2,3- litre EcoBoost petrol engine, while the 4x4 version retains the V6 turbo-diesel.

Responding to customer requests for greater capability, Ford will equip the Wildtrak Super Cab four-by-four and the Ranger Tremor Double Cab four-by-four with the 3,0-litre V6 turbo-diesel, replacing the earlier2,0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel. This change is aimed at buyers who regularly tow heavy loads or venture far off the beaten track.

The Wildtrak X will no longer be offered as a stand-alone derivative. Instead, Ford will offer a Wildtrak X package that allows customers to choose their preferred level of off-road intensity while keeping the V6 turbo-diesel engine.

At the more affordable end of the range, the XLT continues as a key model for fleet operators and leisure buyers. All XLT derivatives will be powered by the upgraded 2,0-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 125 kW and 405 Nm, now mated to the 10-speed automatic transmission. Buyers can select between 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains.

Ford has streamlined its entry-level offering, with the Ranger XL series becoming the primary choice for customers focused on affordability and low operating costs. The XL features the same upgraded 2,0-litre single-turbo diesel engine as the XLT.

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Single Cab customers can choose between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, with either the 10-speed automatic or a six-speed manual gearbox. The XL Super Cab is automatic only, available in 4x2 or f4x4. Double Cab buyers can select manual or automatic, with a choice of drivetrains.

At the top of the range, the luxury-focused Ranger Platinum continues with the 3,0-litre V6 turbo-diesel. The high-performance Ranger Raptor remains a separate offering, powered by a 3,0-litre twin-turbo-charged V6 petrol engine producing 292 kW and 583 Nm, with a race-developed suspension system designed for serious off-road driving.

All new Ranger models come with a 6-year or 90 000 km Ford Optional Service Plan, a 4-year or 120 000 km warranty, 4-year unlimited-distance roadside assistance and a 5-year unlimited-distance corrosion warranty.

Recommended Retail Price (includes VAT):

Recommended Retail Price (includes VAT):

Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with

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