Updated Ford Ranger driven in SA

Sometimes it's hard to believe that the current generation Ford Ranger has only been with us for 3 years. Released in December 2022, the current T6.2 generation Ford Ranger has been a game-changer in the double-cab segment, offering unrivalled ride quality, equipment levels, and functionality, as well as a variety of engine and drivetrain combinations.

Now, in 2026, the Ranger gets a mild update that introduces a new engine, improved tech, a streamlined lineup, and the addition of a Sport variant to bridge the gap that has opened up between the XLT and the Wildtrak and Tremor models.

Related: Toyota Hilux or Ford Ranger? Take our quiz to find out which bakkie is best for you!

The new 2.3 petrol engine

The biggest news for the Ranger is the introduction of a 2.3-litre petrol engine, offering customers a greater choice. This EcoBoost engine is essentially the same unit found in the 2.3 EcoBoost Mustang and not too dissimilar from the one used in the Ford Focus RS (and before you scream "Head gasket!" - they have addressed that early issue).

This engine produces 222 kW and 452 Nm of torque, up on power but down on torque, compared to the 2.0-litre Bi-turbodiesel (154 kW & 500 Nm) it replaces. The 2.0-BiTurbo was phased out at the end of last year in favour of this unit. During our test drives, we achieved fuel consumption of around 10.3 L/100km across a mixed bag of driving, both on and off road.

It's mated to the now-common 10-speed automatic gearbox, offering "gear-hopping" and drive modes for economy, towing, and slippery surfaces. This engine initially feels a little underpowered, but we have become so accustomed to the low-down torque delivery of the diesel engines in the Ranger that it's simply a matter of realigning one's expectations. What was amiss for me, though, was the gearbox shift points, which, I feel, could be a few hundred RPM higher, allowing the engine to ride the torque curve that sits higher up in the RPM range, rather than shifting prematurely in a bid to save fuel.

2.0 Single Turbo revised

The single-turbo 2.0 offering has also undergone a redesign, moving away from a wet belt timing configuration to a more robust timing chain. You spoke, Ford listened. They have also enhanced the fuel injection system, which should offer better efficiency. This unit still produces 125 kW and 405 Nm torque, and is available with either a 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic gearbox.

3.0 V6 options expanded

With the departure of the 2.0 BiTurbo engine, the Tremor now gets the 3.0 V6 turbodiesel engine, a 10-speed gearbox, and 4WD. This engine is also added to the Sport trim; more on that in a bit. This means that the Tremor will now make 184 kW and 600 Nm.

Sport variant added

Ford has added a new trim level to the lineup. The Sport derivative slots between the XLT (road-biased) and Wildtrak (road-biased) models, and the Tremor (adventure-biased) model, and is available with either the 2.3-litre petrol engine or the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel.

The Sport gets a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, zone lighting, a 240V outlet in the load bin, an 8-way electric driver seat, a 4-way manual passenger seat, tyre pressure monitoring, and standard navigation. It rolls on a dedicated set of 18-inch black alloy wheels and is finished with gloss-black accents to further differentiate it from the rest of the range.

The 2.3 Sport comes in a 4x2 configuration, while the 30 V6 is 4WD, with an E-Shifter.

Range Enhancements

The entire Ranger lineup has benefited from a rethink of standard equipment levels, ensuring the product remains relevant and enticing to prospective customers. As such, the new Ranger lineup features the following:

- All variants now get the 12-inch infotainment system

- Dual-zone climate control standard across the range

- Premium Safety Technology filters down to entry-level models

- XL trim receives Park Distance Control and Lane Keep Assist

- XLT trim gets Adaptive Cruise Control, BLIS with Cross Traffic Alert

- Matrix LED headlights are now standard on Wildtrak models as well as heated seats

- Wildtrak-X is now offered as an option pack

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