Ford Ranger in SA: revised 2026 line-up confirmed

Here’s what the revised Ford Ranger line-up will look like in SA in 2026, complete with a new “Sport” grade, more 3.0TD V6 derivatives and the option of turbopetrol power…

• Ranger line-up to lose 2.0 BiT engine but gain 2.3T motor
  
• New “Sport” grade to slot in between XLT and Wildtrak
  
• Super Cab line-up to grow as Double Cab portfolio shrinks

Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa has confirmed the make-up of the revised Ford Ranger line-up that is set to be introduced in South Africa at some point in the opening half of 2026.

Earlier in November 2025, the Blue Oval brand’s local division announced that 2026 would see the 2.0 BiT turbodiesel engine “phased out” of the Ranger portfolio, while a new turbocharged 2.3-litre petrol motor would be added (and the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel unit “expanded into more derivatives” – from the current 2 variants to as many as 6 derivatives in 2026, it turns out).

Now, the Dearborn-based marque has detailed its upcoming “refreshed” Ranger line-up, which will again comprise 23 derivatives. From what we can tell, Ford still has no plans to introduce a more affordable single-cab derivative, instead again offering only a trio of XL-badged variants in this body style (each employing an upgraded version of the 125 kW/405 Nm 2.0 SiT turbodiesel unit, which will switch from a wet belt to a timing chain and from a 6-speed automatic transmission to a 10-speed item).

The company will, however, expand its Super Cab range, growing this part of the line-up from 5 to 7 derivatives. This comes courtesy of a new “Sport” grade, which will be positioned between XLT and Wildtrak, and offered with either the new 222 kW/452 Nm 2.3 EcoBoost motor (in 4×2) or the 184 kW/600 Nm 3.0TD V6 (in 4×4). All extended-cab derivatives will come standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

What about the double-cab range? Well, this part of the Ranger portfolio will be trimmed from 15 to 13 variants, though it’s worth noting the Wildtrak X will no longer be offered as a standalone model (but will instead be available as an “option pack” on the Wildtrak 4×4, which switches from the soon-to-be-discontinued 2.0-litre bi-turbodiesel mill to the oil-burning V6 engine).

The Tremor looks set to remain (though will likewise upgrade to the 6-cylinder turbodiesel motor), while the new Sport grade (like the Super Cab versions, available in 2.3T 4×2 and 3.0TD V6 4×4 guise) will slot in towards the middle of the range. The new 2.3T engine will furthermore be available in Wildtrak 4×2 form. Finally, the 3.0TD V6 Platinum 4×4 will carry over, as will the 292 kW/583 Nm flagship Ranger Raptor (the only derivative in the range that is not built in South Africa).

Still no sign of the Super Duty nor the (Silverton-built) Ranger PHEV for Mzansi. While further details of the update range will likely remain under wraps until the local launch in the first half of 2026, Ford Motor Company of SA does promise “there will [also] be selected specification and feature enhancements across the Ranger line-up that provide even greater value, connectivity, practicality and safety”.

Separately, the Blue Oval brand’s Australian arm confirmed a “refreshed design treatment” for the bakkie, with chrome-effect trim set to be replaced by gloss- and matte-black finishes. Ford’s division Down Under says this new “darkened look” will apply to both exterior and interior elements, including “updated wheel designs”. We can expect an update to the range of available exterior paint colours, too.

Find a Ford Ranger on Cars.co.za!

Ford Ranger (2026) line-up for South Africa

Ranger Single Cab

Ranger Super Cab

Ranger Double Cab

Related content

Ford to axe Ranger’s 2.0 BiT engine in 2026

SA’s best-selling bakkies in October 2025

Ford recalls nearly 5 700 more Ranger bakkies