The Ford Ranger (T6) Thread

Ford Ranger 2.3T (2026) Launch Review

Summary

The inclusion of the Ford Ranger 2.3T in the MY26 lineup is an interesting exercise. Traditionally, the double-cab market has favoured the torque and efficiency of a diesel powertrain, especially when it comes to towing things. But, given the surging price of diesel, we reckon there’ll be considerable interest in this new engine.

The rest of the updates and upgrades form part of Ford’s realignment strategy for the Ranger, having learnt what customers want and not having the multiple option packs which added complexity. The pricing hasn’t changed dramatically; in some cases, it remains the same or less.

How much does the Ford Ranger 2.3 cost in South Africa?

Double-cab derivative Price

Ranger 2.0 SiT Double Cab XL 6MT 4×2 R621 000 (unchanged)
Ranger 2.0 SiT Double Cab XL 10AT 4×2 R651 500 (up R6 000)
Ranger 2.0 SiT Double Cab XLT 10AT 4×2 R699 500 (up R17 000)
Ranger 2.0 SiT Double Cab XL 6MT 4×4 R704 000 (unchanged)
Ranger 2.0 SiT Double Cab XL 10AT 4×4 R735 000 (up R4 500)
Ranger 2.0 SiT Double Cab XLT 10AT 4×4 R788 500 (up R21 500)
Ranger 2.3T Double Cab Sport 10AT 4×2 R839 600 (new derivative)
Ranger 2.3T Double Cab Wildtrak 10AT 4×2 R899 000 (new derivative)
Ranger 3.0TD V6 Double Cab Sport 10AT 4×4 R995 000 (new derivative)
Ranger 3.0TD V6 Double Cab Tremor 10AT 4×4 R1 039 000 (new derivative)
Ranger 3.0TD V6 Double Cab Wildtrak 10AT 4×4 R1 070 000 (down R18 000)
Ranger 3.0TD V6 Double Cab Platinum 10AT 4×4 R1 179 500 (up R28 500)
Ranger 3.0T V6 Double Cab Ranger Raptor 10 AT 4×4 R1 299 000 (up R28 000)

 
Ford Ranger’s new petrol engine is a game-changer for double cab enthusiasts

It’s an unusual sound pushing the start button on a Ford Ranger and hearing the purr of a petrol engine as opposed to the initial clatter of a diesel plant.

With the introduction of the 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine that has replaced the Bi-Turbo 2.0-litre diesel mill, Ford is looking to attract new customers from premium SUVs that don’t necessarily want diesel power.

Keeping in mind that the new Toyota Hilux and Isuzu D-Max are about to be launched into the local market, the Blue Oval is looking to stay ahead of the curve and retain their number one position in the double cab market.

Drivetrains and derivatives
Producing 222kW and 452Nm, the EcoBoost engine is fitted into the Wildtrak and the new Sport derivative that slots in between the XLT and Wildtrak.

It’s a rear wheel drive only option in SuperCab and double cab format. However, Ford did say that if there was a demand for an all-wheel drive, that could change.

The 2.3 is only offered with Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission and if manual is your preference, the single cab XL 4X4, double cab XL 4X2 and double cab XL 4X4 have a six-speed gearbox fitted with the 2.0-litre single turbo diesel engine with 125kW and 405Nm.

The rest of the range has the 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine producing 184kW and 600Nm or the previously mentioned 2.0-litre single turbo and then of course there’s the performance Raptor with its 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol engine producing 292kW and 583Nm.

There’s no more Wildtrak X as a standalone but it can be ordered with the full X pack at an additional R50 000 while the 3.0-litre Tremor is the offroad focused diesel option.

Full range warranty and pricing
The Ranger is sold with a six-year/90 000km Ford Optional Service Plan, four-year/120 000km warranty, four-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and a five-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty.

Customers can also extend the service or maintenance plan to eight years or 165 000km, while the warranty can be extended to seven years or 200 000km.

Single cab

XL 2.0L SiT 10AT 4x2: R590 000

XL 2.0L SiT 6MT 4x4: R635 200

XL 2.0L SiT 10AT 4x4: R666 000

Super Cab

XL 2.0L SiT 10AT 4x2: R599 500

XL 2.0L SiT 10AT 4x4: R675 000

XLT 2.0L SiT 10AT 4x2: R655 000

XLT 2.0L SiT 10AT 4x4: R731 000

Sport 2.3L 10AT 4x2: R735 000

Sport 3.0L V6 10AT 4WD: R825 000

Wildtrak 3.0L V6 4WD: R865 000

Double cab

XL 2.0L SiT 6MT 4x2: R621 000

XL 2.0L SiT 10AT 4x2: R651 500

XL 2.0L SiT 6MT 4x4: R704 000

XL 2.0L SiT 10AT 4x4: R735 000

XLT 2.0L SiT 10AT 4x2: R699 500

XLT 2.0L SiT 10AT 4x4: R788 500

Sport 2.3L 10AT 4x2: R839 600

Wildtrak 2.3L 10AT 4x2: R899 000

Sport 3.0L V6 10AT 4WD: R995 000

Tremor 3.0L V6 10AT 4WD: R1 039 000

Wildtrak 3.0L V6 10AT 4WD: R1 070 000

Platinum 3.0L V6 4WD: R1 179 500

Raptor 3.0L V6 Twin-Turbo: R1 299 000

 
Ford Ranger Super Duty Confirmed for SA in 2027

The Ford Ranger Super Duty is an industrial-grade workhorse from the Blue Oval brand and it is confirmed for a South African market introduction in 2027. Here’s what you can expect.

The Ford Ranger is the best-selling double-cab bakkie in South Africa and its easy to see why. It blends lifestyle functionality and offroad capability without compromising on its workhorse origins. But, what if you wanted a double-cab that could work even harder? Enter the Ford Ranger Super Duty, and it is going on sale in South Africa in 2027. It will be an imported model from the Ford Thailand plant.

This ain’t no sticker pack or trim level, but rather a standalone model which has been engineered to be even more tough, more capable and work harder. Under the skin there’s a stronger front and rear driveshaft while a new heavy-duty rear axle provides enhanced load carrying capacity.

There’s more ground clearance, the Ranger platform is taller and there’s a wider track fitted. The wheels are wrapped in 33-inch General Grabber all-terrain tyres and for those of you who do serious towing like boats and horseboxes, the rating has been increased to 4 500 kg which is 1 500 kg more than the standard Ranger. It also features a recalibrated integrated trailer brake controller as well as the Ranger’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist that’ll make hitch ups easier.

 
Introducing the Ford Ranger Super Duty: South Africa's heavy-duty bakkie for 2027

Ford South Africa has confirmed that the Ford Ranger Super Duty will be launched in South Africa in 2027, introducing a heavier-duty version of the Ranger aimed at customers who require greater towing, payload and off-road capability.

While Ford has not yet released local specifications or pricing details, the South African model will in all likelihood share much of the same details as the Australian market.

Developed by Ford’s International Markets Group Product Development team, the Ranger Super Duty was created specifically for demanding commercial and industrial applications.

Ford says the project was shaped through direct consultation with customers in sectors such as agriculture, mining, forestry, utilities and emergency services.

“Ranger Super Duty blends the smart features and advanced safety of the award-winning Ranger with heavy-duty capability and delivers what our buyers told us they needed but couldn’t get anywhere else,” said Neale Hill, the President of Africa Operations.

“This enhanced capability of the vehicle will give owners the flexibility they need to get the big jobs done, with the confidence of a factory-backed warranty.”

The vehicle will also target recreational buyers who tow large caravans, horseboxes or overlanding equipment across long distances and remote terrain.

 
Review: Ford Ranger 2.3T EcoBoost

How much does the Ford Ranger 2.3T EcoBoost cost?

The Ranger 2.3T EcoBoost double-cab Sport and Wildtrak (driven here) are priced from R839 600 and R899 000, respectively. Included with the pricing as standard are a four-year/120 000 km warranty and a six-year/90 000 km service plan.

Verdict

The 2.3-litre EcoBoost-powered Ranger double-cab is in interesting proposition in the local bakkie segment. According to Ford, this derivative will appeal to customers seeking athletic on-road performance and refinement. It’s pleasingly long-legged on the open road, refined, and both Sport and Wildtrak spec are well-equipped as standard. However, the introduction of this powertrain to the local Ranger lineup – especially with the omission of a four-wheel drivetrain option and heavier fuel consumption than similarly priced diesel double-cabs that could also count against it – may not be the game-changer we’d expected.

Ford Ranger 2.3T EcoBoost specifications
Price: R899 000
Powertrain: 2.3-litre, four-cylinder, turbopetrol
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Power: 222 kW @ 5 900 r/min
Torque: 452 N.m @ 3 350 r/min
0-100 km/h: n/a
Top speed: n/a
Fuel consumption: 9.3 L/100 km (claimed)
CO2 emissions: 213 g/km (claimed)

www.carmag.co.za

Review: Ford Ranger 2.3T EcoBoost

The Ford Ranger has gained a new engine. But is it game-changing? We headed to Oudtshoorn to sample the updated, 2.3-litre Ranger...
www.carmag.co.za www.carmag.co.za
 
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