The refreshed Ford Everest range will soon hit the market in South Africa. Here’s a look at the revised engine line-up, which will gain the option of petrol power.
At some point in the opening half of 2026, the refreshed Ford Everest will hit the market in South Africa. While the Blue Oval brand promises “specification upgrades” across the range, it’s the revised engine line-up that serves as the most significant change.
Ford has confirmed various updates for its Everest powertrain portfolio, although it’s worth noting the local Thailand-sourced line-up will again comprise 6 derivatives. The Dearborn-based brand’s local division will also launch a new base trim level.
Upgraded 2.0 SiT turbodiesel to replace 2.0 BiT
As with the locally built Ranger, Ford will remove the 2.0 BiT turbodiesel engine from the 7-seater Everest portfolio in the first half of 2026. As a reminder, that bi-turbo motor powers 4 of the 6 derivatives in the outgoing range. It delivers 154 kW and 500 Nm via a 10-speed automatic transmission.
With the 2.0 BiT engine to be axed, Ford will offer the entry-level versions of the updated Everest with the single-turbo version of this 4-cylinder oil-burning motor. Driving either the rear or all 4 wheels through the aforementioned 10-speeder, this mill offers peak outputs of 125 kW and 405 Nm.
| Outgoing Range | Incoming Range |
| Everest 2.0 BiT XLT 4×2 | Everest 2.0 SiT Active 4×2 |
| Everest 2.0 BiT XLT 4×4 | Everest 2.0 SiT Active 4×4 |
| Everest 2.0 BiT Sport 4×2 | Everest 2.3T Sport 4×2 |
| Everest 2.0 BiT Sport 4×4 | Everest 3.0TD V6 Sport 4WD |
| Everest 3.0TD V6 Wildtrak 4WD | Everest 3.0TD V6 Wildtrak 4WD |
| Everest 3.0TD V6 Platinum 4WD | Everest 3.0TD V6 Platinum 4WD |
Compared with the version offered in the likewise outgoing Ranger line-up, this updated 2.0 SiT engine will employ a timing chain (rather than a wet belt) for what Ford describes as “improved durability”. In addition, the base derivatives will drop the XLT specification in favour of a new Active grade. That will ostensibly put the Everest, according to Ford, “within reach of a broader spectrum of buyers”.
New petrol option: 2.3 EcoBoost to be added
While the mid-tier Sport grade will carry over, the 4×2 version will switch from the 2.0 BiT engine to Ford’s turbocharged 2.3-litre, 4-cylinder petrol motor. This EcoBoost engine – already available in the Volkswagen Amarok range and set to be offered in the Ranger, too – generates 222 kW and 452 Nm. Expect a 10-speed automatic transmission to be standard.
V6 diesel to be expanded to additional variant
Meanwhile, the 2.0 BiT Sport 4×4 will be replaced by the 3.0TD V6 Sport 4WD, seeing the 6-cylinder turbodiesel engine expanded to a 3rd variant. Offering 184 kW and 600 Nm, this V6 derivative will furthermore boast permanent 4-wheel drive, a configuration currently available only on the top-spec units.
Of course, this 3.0TD V6 powertrain (delivering its urge via – you guessed it – a 10-speed auto) will also again power the Wildtrak and Platinum derivatives, which will be the only models that carry over without significant under-bonnet changes.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Refreshed Ford Everest
Q: What are the main engine changes for the upcoming 2026 Ford Everest in South Africa?
A: The most significant change is the introduction of a 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, producing 222 kW and 452 Nm. Additionally, the 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine is being phased out, replaced by an upgraded 2.0-litre single turbo (SiT) diesel that features a timing chain for improved durability.
Q: Which model in the refreshed Ford Everest range will receive the 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine?
A: Ford will expand the 3.0TD V6 engine to the Sport 4WD variant, joining the high-spec Wildtrak and Platinum models. This V6 powerplant delivers 184 kW and 600 Nm of torque.
Q: What is the new entry-level trim for the Ford Everest and how does it differ from the outgoing range?
A: Ford is introducing a new “Active” trim level to replace the previous XLT grade. This change is intended to make the Everest more accessible to a broader range of buyers. The 125 kW 2.0-litre SiT diesel engine (available in both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations) will power the Active models.
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