The Ford Ranger (T6) Thread

Ford kills the bi-turbo diesel in the Ranger bakkie and Everest

Ford South Africa is phasing out their 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine in the Ranger and Everest as it “optimises” their powertrains for the future.

Its replacement is set to be the 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine. The company says a tweaked single turbo 2.0-litre motor will remain, while the 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel will be expanded into more derivatives.

EcoBoost engine

According to Ford, the 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine provides customers with a compelling new powertrain, delivering a blend of strong performance, advanced technology, and enhanced driving refinement.

The 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, a proven performer in other Ford vehicles globally, is specifically tuned for the Ranger and Everest.

The 2.3-litre EcoBoost is a turbocharged, direct-injection, inline 4-cylinder engine, with a lightweight aluminium block and turbocharger that delivers 222kW of power and 452Nm of torque, and, they say, ensures a responsive power delivery across a broad rev range, with smooth and efficient performance when paired with Ford's 10-speed automatic transmission.

As a reminder, the Bi-Turbo produces 154kW and 500Nm.

Tweaked single-turbo

The single-turbo diesel mill has been upgraded with a new timing chain for better durability and performance. Currently, it produces 125kW and 405Nm and, depending on the variant, is paired with either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission.

There’s no word yet on whether the six-speed transmissions will continue to do duty, but the 10-speed automatic gearbox receives a calibration update and, for the first time, will be offered on the XL and XLT models.

 
Ford to axe Ranger’s 2.0 BiT engine in 2026

Ford’s 2.0 BiT turbodiesel engine will be “phased out” of the Ranger and Everest line-ups in South Africa in 2026, while a 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol motor will be added…

- Ranger and Everest to lose bi-turbodiesel engine next year
- 2.3-litre EcoBoost motor to be introduced in both line-ups
- More derivatives to be offered with 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel

Ford South Africa has announced that 2026 will see the 2.0 BiT turbodiesel engine “phased out” of the Ranger and Everest line-ups, though adds that the bakkie and adventure SUV will both gain the option of a 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol motor.

In a short statement, the Blue Oval brand’s local division said it planned to make some “exciting updates to its powertrain offerings” in the opening half of 2026, including the introduction of its turbocharged 2.3-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine.

The company says the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel will be “expanded into more derivatives”, while the 2.0 SiT turbodiesel unit will be “upgraded with a new timing chain for improved durability and performance”. Furthermore, the XL and XLT grades in the Ranger line-up are set to gain the option of a 10-speed automatic transmission “featuring an updated calibration” (and seemingly replace the current 6-speed auto). The 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine in the Raptor will likely continue unchanged.

Meanwhile, Ford says the 2.0 BiT engine (which is produced at the brand’s Struandale Engine Plant in Nelson Mandela Bay) will “be phased out as part of the revised line-up”. For the record, this 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder bi-turbodiesel mill – which generates 154 kW and 500 Nm – powers as many as 8 of the 23 derivatives in the current Ranger portfolio, including the off-road-ready Tremor and Wildtrak X variants.

 
222 kW Ford Ranger & Everest Confirmed for SA

Ford has announced the introduction of a new powertrain to its local Ranger and Everest lineups…and it comes in the shape of the Blue Oval brand’s 222 kW 2.3-litre EcoBoost motor.

In July 2025, Volkswagen Group Africa confirmed to CAR Magazine that the local Amarok lineup will gain a new powertrain – Ford’s 2.3-litre EcoBoost unit producing 222 kW and 452 N.m of torque. (Pricing for the 222 kW Amarok here.) Now, with the current-generation Amarok sharing the Ranger’s underpinnings, the introduction of this four-cylinder petrol motor to the bakkie on which the VW is based didn’t seem unlikely. And the Blue Oval brand’s local arm has now announced that this unit will make its way into its Ranger and Everest portfolios, while more models will gain the firm’s 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine.

However, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa has stated that the 2.3-litre mill has been specifically tuned for the Ranger and Everest, and has been fitted with a new timing chain, which is said to improve durability and performance. In addition, the updated 10-speed automatic transmission coupled with the EcoBoost unit will also be offered with XL and XLT derivatives; replacing the six-speed automatic ‘box.

222 kW Ford Ranger & Everest Coming to SA

Ford SA has yet to announce specific details regarding the updated Ranger and Everest model lineups, and which derivatives will employ the 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine. However, the company has confirmed that we can expect the revised lineup to arrive in SA in the first half of 2026.

 
Ford SA to Discontinue 2.0 BiT Engine in Ranger & Everest in 2026

Ford SA has announced it will discontinue its 2.0 BiT engine option for the Ranger and Everest in 2026.

Earlier in November 2025, Ford South Africa announced it will revise its powertrain offerings for the Ranger and Everest lineups in 2026. This includes more models gaining Ford’s 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel mill and, noteworthy, the introduction of the Blue Oval brand’s 222 kW EcoBoost 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbopetrol motor, which was recently introduced to the Volkswagen Amarok.

In addition, the 2.0-litre SiT single-turbo diesel unit will gain a new timing chain to improve durability, while XL and XLT derivatives will be available with the company’s 10-speed automatic transmission for the first time.

So, what about the 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine? Well, Ford SA has announced this powertrain will be discontinued for the Ranger and Everest lineups in 2026. As a reminder, this unit produces 154 kW and 500 N.m of torque – the latter available from 1 750 r/min.

 
Ford SA Announces Major Changes for 2026 Ranger Lineup

Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa has announced major changes to its 2026 Ranger model lineup. We’ve rounded up what you can expect from the revised range.

As we’ve reported earlier in November, for the 2026, Ford will discontinue the familiar 2.0-litre, four-cylinder twin-turbocharged diesel engine in the Ranger lineup. Instead, the manufacturer has upgraded the single-turbo (SiT) 2.0-litre oil-burner with a new timing chain. The six-speed automatic transmission coupled with this engine will also be discontinued and replaced by the 10-speed self-shifter. A six-speed manual will remain exclusively available with the 4×4 single-cab XL model. In addition, more models will gain the firm’s 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel unit. The company will also introduce the 2.3-litre, four-cylinder turbopetrol motor to select derivatives in the local Ranger portfolio.

As a reminder, the 2.0-litre SiT unit produces 125 kW and 405 N.m of torque, while the most powerful oil-burner on offer, the V6, churns out 184 kW and 600 N.m. The 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, which is also available with the Ranger-based Volkswagen Amarok, is endowed with 222 kW and 452 N.m. However, whereas the latter is four-wheel drive, the 2.3-litre EcoBoost Ranger derivatives will be 4×2.

So, which models will employ the respective engine options? Well, for starters the XL and XLT single- and double-cab, and Super Cab derivatives will employ the SiT unit; the Tremor will gain V6 diesel power; and the Wildtrak will be available with the latter powerplant and the 2.3-litre EcoBoost unit. The latter powertrains will also be available with the upcoming Sport variants. The Platinum and Raptor retain the V6 diesel and V6 petrol engines. The 2.3-litre and V6 units are exclusively coupled with Ford’s 10-speed auto ‘box.

Noteworthy, the Wildtrak X will no longer be available as a standalone model, but can be ordered as an optional package on the 4×4 Wildtrak double-cab.

 
Revised Ford Ranger and Everest revealed abroad with design and engine revisions

Earlier this month, Ford South Africa announced that it would be making some changes to its popular Ranger bakkie and Everest SUV during the first half of 2026, and now we’re getting a preview of that line-up with the reveal of the 2026 Australian range.

Although South African specifications could differ, the international reveal does show us the styling updates that are likely to be applied to local models, while also providing details on the revised 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine.

The design changes are subtle to say the least, but Ford has focused on modern trends by replacing the contrasting grey and chrome accents with gloss and matte black finishes. The new darkened look is applied to both exterior and interior elements, including blackened trim, darkened accents, and updated wheel designs.

The Wildtrak, for instance, gains newly designed 18-inch alloy wheels, while the eye-catching Ignite Orange becomes its new hero colour. The flagship Platinum model gains a new Acacia Green hero colour.

The Australian market also receives a new limited edition model called the Wolftrack, available with an exclusive colour called Traction Green, and featuring distinctive zest accents and 17-inch Asphalt Black wheels.

 
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.

Ford Ranger (2026) line-up for South Africa

Ranger Single Cab

2.0TD Single Cab XL 10AT 4×2
2.0TD Single Cab XL 6MT 4×4
2.0TD Single Cab XL 10AT 4×4

Ranger Super Cab

2.0TD Super Cab XL 10AT 4×2
2.0TD Super Cab XL 10AT 4×4
2.0TD Super Cab XLT 10AT 4×2
2.0TD Super Cab XLT 10AT 4×4
2.3T Super Cab Sport 10AT 4×2
3.0TD V6 Super Cab Sport 10AT 4×4
3.0TD V6 Super Cab Wildtrak 10AT 4×4

Ranger Double Cab

2.0TD Double Cab XL 6MT 4×2
2.0TD Double Cab XL 10AT 4×2
2.0TD Double Cab XL 6MT 4×4
2.0TD Double Cab XL 10AT 4×4
2.0TD Double Cab XLT 10AT 4×2
2.0TD Double Cab XLT 10AT 4×4
2.3T Double Cab Sport 10AT 4×2
3.0TD V6 Double Cab Sport 10AT 4×4
3.0TD V6 Double Cab Tremor 10AT 4×4
2.3T Double Cab Wildtrak 10AT 4×2
3.0TD V6 Double Cab Wildtrak 10AT 4×4
3.0TD V6 Double Cab Platinum 10AT 4×4
3.0T V6 Double Cab Ranger Raptor 10 AT 4×4

 
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