Ford has unveiled the MY26.5 update for the Ranger, and the message is clear: the brand is moving the ute further up-market with more six-cylinder power, richer equipment across the line-up and a new series of off-road-focused variants.
While the design revisions are subtle, the engineering and trim strategy shift is significant. For the first time since the current generation launched, almost every 4×4 Ranger can now be had with the 184 kW / 600 Nm 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine. A similar up-market push is expected to influence the related Ford Everest SUV, which shares the same platform and powertrains.
Deliveries start mid-2026. Order books open next month.
2026 Ford Ranger pricing
Pricing increases vary across the range.
| Variant | Price (before on-roads) | Change |
| Ford Ranger XL 4×2 | $43,490 | +$1,100 |
| Ford Ranger XL 4×4 | $55,990 | +$900 |
| Ford Ranger XLT 4×4 | $63,490 | +$1,400 |
| Ford Ranger XLS 4×4 | $60,990 | +$1,200 |
| Ford Ranger Black Edition 4×4 | $64,490 | +$1,100 |
| Ford Ranger Wolftrak 4×4 | $65,790 | +$900 |
| Ford Ranger Tremor 4×4 | $71,990 | +$1,100 |
| Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4 | $73,990 | +$1,200 |
| Ford Ranger Platinum 4×4 | $81,990 | +$900 |
| Ford Ranger Raptor AWD | $88,490 | +$1,200 |
The 2026 Ford Ranger remains competitive but has firmly shifted into a more premium pricing space, especially for the high-output V6 variants.
2026 Ford Ranger engines and performance
Ford is clearly steering the 2026 Ford Ranger toward stronger performance. Most 4×4 configurations now rely on the 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel, which produces:
| Engine | 2.0L 4-cyl single turbo diesel | 3.0L V6 turbo diesel |
| Power | 125 kW | 184 kW |
| Torque | 405 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Fuel Economy (claim) | TBA | 8.4 L/100 km |
| Drivetrain Pairing | 4×2 only | 4×4 only |
This makes the 2026 Ford Ranger one of the most powerful diesel utes in Australia. Buyers looking at the 4×2 end of the market will still get the single-turbo 2.0-litre diesel, but almost all 2026 Ford Ranger 4×4 models now automatically receive the V6.
2026 Ford Ranger variants and engines
Buyers now have more clarity on which variants pair with which powertrain.
| Variant (2026 Ford Ranger) | Drivetrain | Engine |
| Ford Ranger XL | 4×2 | 2.0L single-turbo |
| Ford Ranger XL | 4×4 | V6 |
| Ford Ranger XLT | 4×4 | V6 |
| Ford Ranger XLS | 4×4 | V6 |
| Ford Ranger Black Edition | 4×4 | V6 |
| Ford Ranger Wolftrak | 4×4 | V6 |
| Ford Ranger Tremor | 4×4 | V6 |
| Ford Ranger Wildtrak | 4×4 | V6 |
| Ford Ranger Platinum | 4×4 | V6 |
| Ford Ranger Raptor | AWD | Twin-turbo petrol V6 |
The V6-only structure across most grades is one of the major storylines of the 2026 Ford Ranger.
Exterior styling and new colours
The 2026 Ford Ranger continues with its broad-shouldered design but dials up the visual aggression.
New colours arriving
- Traction Green
- Acacia Green
- Ignite Orange
Colours discontinued
- Luxe Yellow
- Equinox Bronze
Dark accents, different wheel designs, and refreshed trim finishes give the 2026 Ford Ranger a more purposeful stance, particularly on the 2026 Ford Ranger Wolftrak and 2026 Ford Ranger Tremor, which showcase unique honeycomb grilles, chunky tyres, and model-exclusive black detailing.
Wolftrak and Tremor get more upgrades
The 2026 Ford Ranger Wolftrak and 2026 Ford Ranger Tremor are engineered for serious off-road customers.
Wolftrak equipment highlights
- 17-inch all-terrain tyres
- Mud/Rut and Sand drive modes
- Toughened underbody protection
- Locking rear differential
- Exclusive interior fabric
- Black exterior package
Ford Ranger Tremor equipment highlights
- Bilstein dampers
- Increased ground clearance (+26 mm)
- All-terrain tyres
- Unique suspension tuning
- Model-specific front recovery hooks
- Off-road step plates
Both are purpose-built rather than styling exercises, a message Ford wants loud and clear.
Safety, towing and tech features
The 2026 Ford Ranger continues with a five-star ANCAP safety rating and expands its safety and towing intelligence.
- Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Adaptive cruise control with lane-centring
- Blind-spot + rear cross traffic alert with trailer coverage
- Pro-Trailer Backup Assist system
- 360-degree camera (from XLT upwards)
The 2026 Ford Ranger also retains a braked towing capacity of 3500 kg, supported by trailer-specific safety monitoring and sway control.
Warranty and running costs
The 2026 Ford Ranger continues to offer strong ownership security with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, which now matches the terms offered by most major ute competitors in Australia. Ford will also retain a capped-price servicing program, giving buyers a predictable cost structure for scheduled maintenance over the first years of ownership.
However, running costs will be closely monitored by buyers and fleet operators, especially given the significant expansion in V6 diesel availability across 4×4 variants. The more powerful engine inevitably results in higher fuel consumption and potentially higher servicing costs than the 2.0-litre diesel in the entry-level 4×2 models. For work and adventure users who value torque and towing more than economy, this trade-off will likely still be worthwhile.
Key takeaways for buyers
For buyers considering the 2026 Ford Ranger, the most important point is that V6 performance is now available on most 4×4 grades, not just the expensive halo trims. That makes it easier and more affordable to get the engine that many Australian ute owners have been waiting for.
Those shopping purely on price should note that the least expensive 2026 Ford Ranger models are available only with the 2.0-litre diesel and 4×2 drivetrain. Meanwhile, off-road shoppers will extract the most value from the Wolftrak and Tremor variants, which deliver real mechanical upgrades rather than cosmetic enhancements.
Prices have risen across the range, but the added capability, towing and tech features mean the 2026 Ford Ranger now sits firmly at the premium end of the dual-cab ute market, particularly with the Wildtrak, Platinum and Raptor.
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