Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa has refreshed its popular Ranger bakkie line-up for 2026, introducing new models, upgraded engines and an expanded portfolio aimed at strengthening its position in South Africa’s highly competitive light commercial vehicle segment.
The locally built Ranger, produced at Ford’s Silverton plant in Pretoria, has consistently ranked among the country’s top-selling bakkies since its latest generation launched three years ago.
The updated range now spans 23 derivatives across single cab, super cab, and double cab body styles, offering one of the broadest selections in the segment.
This update puts the Ranger squarely up against key rivals such as the Toyota Hilux, the Isuzu D-Max, the Volkswagen Amarok, and the fast-growing Chinese challenger, the GWM P-Series.
Improved on-road performance
A major highlight of the update is the introduction of Ford’s 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, delivering 222 kW and 452 Nm.
This engine is expected to appeal to buyers seeking improved on-road performance and refinement, particularly in lifestyle-oriented derivatives.
Ford has also expanded the availability of its 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine across more models, including the new Ranger Sport, Wildtrak Super Cab, and the off-road-focused Tremor.
The V6 produces 184kW and 600Nm, making it a strong contender for towing and demanding off-road applications.
Benchmark for practicality
“The Ranger remains the benchmark for practicality, capability and refinement,” said Sunil Sewmohan, the director of product marketing at Ford South Africa.
“With these updates, we are delivering more performance, better technology and greater choice.”
The newly introduced Ranger Sport slots between the XLT and Wildtrak derivatives, offering buyers a balance between everyday usability and premium features.
It will be available in both petrol and diesel configurations, with 4×2 and 4×4 options.
Further improvements include an upgraded 2.0-litre single-turbo diesel engine, now fitted with a new timing chain to enhance durability, as well as the wider adoption of Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission across the range.
At the top end, the Ranger Platinum and performance-focused Raptor continue to anchor the line-up.
The Raptor remains a standout in the segment with its 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol engine producing 292 kW, positioning it as one of the most powerful bakkies on sale locally.
Entry-level pricing
Pricing for the refreshed Ranger range starts at R590 000 for the entry-level Single Cab XL and extends to R1.29-million for the flagship Raptor.
With increased competition in the bakkie segment and new entrants gaining traction, Ford’s latest updates aim to reinforce the Ranger’s appeal as a versatile workhorse and lifestyle vehicle in one package.
- Ford South Africa has refreshed its 2026 Ranger bakkie lineup, expanding to 23 variants across single, super, and double cab styles to strengthen its competitive position.
- A new 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine delivers 222 kW and 452 Nm, targeting buyers seeking enhanced on-road performance and refinement.
- The 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine (184 kW, 600 Nm) is now available across more models, including the new Ranger Sport, Wildtrak Super Cab, and Tremor off-road variant.
- Additional updates include a more durable 2.0-litre single-turbo diesel, wider adoption of a 10-speed automatic transmission, and the introduction of the Ranger Sport trim between XLT and Wildtrak.
- Pricing ranges from R590,000 for the entry Single Cab XL to R1.29 million for the flagship Raptor, which features a powerful 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol engine producing 292 kW.
Ford Motor
A major highlight of the update is the introduction of Ford’s 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, delivering 222 kW and 452 Nm.
Ford has also expanded the availability of its 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine across more models, including the new
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It will be available in both petrol and diesel configurations, with 4x2 and 4x4 options.
At the top end, the
