2026 Ford Ranger evaluate | CarExpert

Ford’s ever-popular Ranger lineup is extra difficult than ever, however the one you see right here – or quite its engine – received’t be obtainable from subsequent 12 months.

There at the moment are 5 totally different engines, as many as 25 particular person variants, and extra mismatching between trims and specs than you’d fairly anticipate from the common sock drawer.

However fear not, as a result of among the many chaos there’s nonetheless a plethora of extra conventional utes to select from. New plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variations at the moment are obtainable, however diesel engines are nonetheless the norm, and there are all types of physique kinds on provide to go well with the wants of all kinds of consumers.

Amongst them is the favored model you see on take a look at right here. The 2026 Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4 bi-turbo dual-cab pickup is quickly to vanish as a person variant, following the current announcement that Ford will discontinue the bi-turbo engine after 2025, though the V6 model will proceed.

Being a Wildtrak, it is just obtainable as a dual-cab pickup, with part-time four-wheel drive fitted as customary. That makes it one of many best-suited all-rounders within the Ranger lineup, at the very least on paper.

In fact, the Ranger stays Australia’s best-selling automobile this 12 months, even when it jostles with both Toyota’s HiLux ute and RAV4 mid-size SUV for the highest spot every month.

With greater than 40,000 deliveries recorded to the top of September 2025, the Ranger is comfortably away from the HiLux (~35,000) and on one other planet in comparison with phase stalwarts just like the Isuzu D-Max. Its gross sales are dominated by 4×4 autos, because the HiLux has the sting in fleet-oriented 4×2 mules.

Even with the inflow of latest utes with varied powertrains, it’s clear the Ranger continues to be firmly in command of Australia’s ute phase, whether or not the common motorist likes it or not.

What’s it in regards to the Ranger that retains consumers flooding into showrooms, and is the Wildtrak the candy spot within the lineup?

How a lot does the Ford Ranger price?

Costs have been nudged greater for the Ranger, with the Wildtrak 4×4 bi-turbo listed at $69,890 earlier than on-roads. That’s $250 greater than the asking value right now final 12 months.

Ranger XL

Ranger XLS

Ranger XLT

Ranger Sport

Ranger Wildtrak

Ranger Platinum

Ranger Stormtrak

Ranger Raptor

Although there are a great deal of utes on sale, the Ranger is one in every of Australia’s ‘large three’ utes alongside the HiLux and D-Max, its two most direct rivals.

In that context, the HiLux Rogue is most akin to the Wildtrak when it comes to positioning and gear, and it’s priced at $71,530 earlier than on-roads, whereas the D-Max LS-U+ prices $68,000 earlier than on-roads.

Exterior of these two rivals, different rivals embrace the Volkswagen Amarok, which is successfully a reskinned Ranger with a extra premium positioning.

The costliest Amarok fitted with the bi-turbo engine is the TDI500 Fashion, priced at $69,740 earlier than on-roads, although its gear listing doesn’t fairly line up with the Wildtrak’s.

To see how the Ford Ranger stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device.

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What’s the Ford Ranger like on the within?

There’s a component of exclusivity in regards to the Wildtrak, and it feels far more like an SUV than virtually all different dual-cabs inside – apart from the Amarok.

A part of that is because of its shared componentry with the associated Everest massive SUV, however the Ranger has all the time had an “I used to be right here first” vibe – at the very least to me. Every thing in right here feels appropriate, with simply the correct amount of business edginess wafting by means of the powerful but stylish veneer.

For one, materials selection is great. There’s a good bit of scratchy black plastic on the centre console, doorways, and decrease portion of the sprint, but it surely blends virtually seamlessly into the cabin’s darkish, moody palette.

It’s complemented by the sparing use of piano-black plastic, black leather-based, and delicate gunmetal-grey items, whereas the black headliner makes the whole lot really feel all of the extra premium. The Wildtrak-specific orange stitching and embroidery can be fairly tasteful.

Capping it off are loads of soft-touch surfaces, with the armrests properly suited to a extra relaxed driving place. Plus, the whole lot is simply good to have a look at.

Then there’s the tech. The Wildtrak is the cheaper Ranger within the lineup to get the bigger 12.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, up from the ten.1-inch unit fitted in each trim stage under it.

Truly, that isn’t technically true, as a result of the XLT PHEV will get the 12.0-inch unit too… regardless of the diesels getting the smaller display, and it being a decrease grade. That is what we imply by mismatched trims and specs, though it’s solely the PHEVs inflicting the confusion.

However anyway, the Wildtrak’s display is high-quality and elevates the cabin. The dimensions distinction is simply delicate, but it surely isn’t essentially its dimensions that make it good. As an alternative, it’s Ford’s software program, which brings clear graphics, snappy response instances, and a great deal of settings.

Wi-fi smartphone mirroring is customary, and we had no points working this display as soon as we have been acquainted. We don’t love its white theme although, particularly in opposition to the darker Apple CarPlay UI, however we like that Ford allows you to change to darkish mode.

The digital instrument cluster, in the meantime, is properly sized and affords a plethora of various info. You may customise the quantity of information you get too, which suggests the display could be as cluttered or as primary as you want.

In truth, there’s virtually an excessive amount of to look by means of right here, and it may be complicated to navigate by means of utilizing the few buttons on the steering wheel. Time spent taking part in round to see what the whole lot does will clear issues up, but it surely isn’t as intuitive as some might want.

The cabin’s sheer practicality offsets any of this clunkiness. There are a great deal of storage choices, together with 4 cupholders (together with two that fold out from the dashboard), a two-tier glovebox, a central cubby with wi-fi cellphone charging and two USB ports (USB-A and -C), and a properly sized centre console storage field with a 12V outlet inside.

The cabin is practical, comfy, and aesthetically pleasing, which makes for straightforward hours behind the wheel.

It’s a lot of the identical within the second row, although there isn’t fairly as a lot legroom or headroom as you may anticipate. At 173cm tall, I had no points, however taller occupants might really feel considerably cramped, particularly if sitting behind a tall driver.

The leather-based upholstery is pretty slippery too, and there’s nowhere close to the identical stage of aspect bolstering as supplied by the entrance seats. Which means occupants will probably be sliding round a good bit in corners, which isn’t too surprising for a ute.

There may be the benefit of twin rear-facing air vents, a pair of USB ports, and a 400W socket, whereas there’s a smooth padded fold-down armrest within the center with two cupholders. ISOFIX anchors and top-tether factors for baby seats are additionally fitted within the outboard seats.

In case you want additional cargo house and don’t wish to use the bathtub, the rear bench can both fold up or all the way down to accommodate. Folding it up reveals a few cubbies within the flooring, whereas folding down reveals a plastic-lined bulkhead with an Easter egg: the unique Ranger emblem.

The bathtub is sort of as sensible because it will get. We just like the inclusion of a powered, rolling tonneau cowl, although the world for it to roll up into and the electrical mechanism eats into vertical house on the very entrance.

There aren’t any hydraulic dampers fitted to the tailgate, so it will possibly come crashing down in the event you’re not cautious when opening it. Ford’s brochure says the Wildtrak will get a “Tailgate with Carry Help”, but it surely nonetheless feels pretty heavy.

You’ll additionally discover our blue tester was fitted with Ford’s optionally available Versatile Rack System, which prices $2800 additional. Changing the Wildtrak’s customary Sports activities Sailplane, it’s a modern unit that may slide into varied positions atop the mattress, providing you with an extra level to safe lengthy gadgets to the roof that wouldn’t in any other case match.

Moreover, a 400W energy inverter is fitted to the bathtub as customary, as is a 400W energy socket.

To see how the Ford Ranger stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device.

What’s beneath the bonnet?

Rangers like our tester are fitted with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder bi-turbo diesel engine, producing 154kW of energy and 500Nm of torque. They’re solely obtainable with a part-time four-wheel drive system and a 10-speed computerized transmission.

Notably, bi-turbo variants don’t have a ‘4A’ setting, so you need to function in rear-wheel drive on sealed surfaces. In distinction, V6 fashions do get 4A, which suggests they are often pushed in four-wheel drive always – AKA full-time 4×4.

Our week with the Ranger concerned primarily freeway driving, albeit with prolonged suburban errand-running. Our gasoline economic system was nonetheless noticeably greater than Ford’s declare, even with the idle cease/begin system that was launched midway by means of 2024.

The one cause we point out that’s as a result of we seen considerably decreased gasoline economic system claims for bi-turbo Rangers in comparison with 2024 (7.2L/100km versus 7.6L/100km), whereas carbon dioxide emissions have been decreased by 12g/km to the 189g/km determine you see above.

It’s exhausting to consider a cease/begin system alone would have such a major impression, however the reality is real-world gasoline effectivity nonetheless can’t fairly match Ford’s official declare.

To see how the Ford Ranger stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device.

How does the Ford Ranger drive?

Even with out the buttery V6, getting the Ranger transferring rapidly reveals why it’s as fashionable as it’s.

We received’t deny the V6 is the preferable choice, however there’s a sturdy sensibility in regards to the bi-turbo. Sure, it’s noticeably extra agricultural, and no, it isn’t as highly effective, however its efficiency is probably going greater than anybody would ever want from a dual-cab.

Its outputs are virtually an identical to the two.8-litre HiLux’s, whereas outperforming the three.0-litre D-Max and the two.4-litre Triton. Naturally, that probably means it’s higher-strung than its four-cylinder rivals, which brings reliability into query alongside the famously sturdy D-Max particularly.

However given the comparatively few remembers for the bi-turbo in comparison with its V6 sibling, it could have a slight edge when it comes to reliability throughout the Ford steady.

Both means, efficiency is powerful, and it retains the Wildtrak fortunately chugging alongside whatever the driving situations or driving calls for. It nonetheless feels largely SUV-like, with the distinction in refinement being negligible within the context of sunshine industrial autos.

The bi-turbo additionally affords robust throttle response, making its energy supply predictable, and it’s much less more likely to mild up the rear wheels than the punchy V6. It’s barely interrupted by the Ranger’s 10-speed gearbox, which – as is the case with most mainstream trendy Fords – merely has too many gears.

As we’ve stated in earlier critiques of those 10-speed autos, that variety of gears doesn’t really feel fully needed when the engines produce as a lot torque as they do. It’s not just like the engine wants assist staying in its torque band when 500Nm is persistently on faucet, or that it’s going to bathroom down if geared too excessive.

Nonetheless, the 10-speed is a reliable transmission, shifting on the proper instances (albeit fairly often) and doing so easily. There’s no PHEV-related electrical help to confuse its laptop both, which suggests the transmission’s behaviour is persistently robust.

Just like the engine, it additionally feels barely higher refined than the extra conventional six- or eight-speed items fitted to direct ute rivals, however an Isuzu-style eight should still be extra applicable.

A perceivable drawback with the bi-turbo is that it doesn’t provide full-time four-wheel drive, contrasting the V6. Rear-wheel drive continues to be ultimate for each gasoline economic system, however conditions the place traction isn’t gauranteed, like towing up a hill within the moist, would nonetheless be made simpler by full-time 4WD.

You do nonetheless take pleasure in high- and low-range four-wheel drive, however each can solely be used on unsealed surfaces. There’s a big dial on the centre console to change between the 2, proper subsequent to the button to regulate drive modes.

The bi-turbo will get the identical modes as a lot of the different Rangers, bar the extra excessive Raptor. Which means there are devoted settings for towing, economic system, and a handful of off-road situations – sufficient to harness the most effective of the Wildtrak’s capabilities.

There’s additionally a locking rear differential and hill descent management as customary, that are operated utilizing Ford’s trademark off-road display on the infotainment show.

For an in depth take a look at the Ranger’s off-road capabilities, take a look at our video evaluate under:

As for journey and dealing with, the Ranger is surprisingly composed, once more taking part in into its SUV vibe. Our Wildtrak tester did lose some on-road finesse with all-terrain tyres fitted, however there are nonetheless only a few complaints from the front-end round turns.

Its suspension is smooth sufficient to be comfy, however doesn’t compromise physique management or industrial capabilities. The Ranger continues to be the benchmark for utes when it comes to the compromise between journey, dealing with, and functionality.

The steering can be properly weighted and fits a automobile of the Ranger’s intent, whereas offering sufficient really feel and suggestions.

Street noise ranges are acceptable, even with the chunkier all-terrain tread. Wind noise can be comparatively nicely suppressed and, whereas it’s not utterly silent, it received’t annoy you on lengthy freeway stints.

The Ranger additionally affords a cohesive suite of efficient and intuitive security gear. Earlier complaints about its odd and sometimes misplaced warnings to maintain our arms on the steering wheel appear to have been fastened, as no such points cropped up this time round.

The one time we noticed warnings from the automotive’s security methods was after we genuinely strayed over lane markings (safely, in fact), suggesting good calibration throughout the board.

We additionally discovered the Ford’s clever cruise management dependable, confidently following the automobile’s chosen lane on the freeway whereas reacting appropriately to adjustments in visitors. You’ll nonetheless be prompted to maintain your arms on the wheel if the system detects any fading consideration, however that’s honest sufficient.

Capping it off is beneficiant visibility all spherical, regardless of the excessive bonnet line, with parking supported by a surround-view digital camera and a large number of sensors. Plus, it’s unimaginable to be blindsided with aspect mirrors this huge.

To see how the Ford Ranger stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device.

What do you get?

There are eight distinct trim ranges within the Ranger lineup, with the Wildtrak slotting in in the direction of the highest.

2026 Ford Ranger XL gear highlights:

• Acoustic windscreen
• 16-inch metal wheels
• All-season tyres
• 16-inch metal spare wheel
• Entrance disc and rear drum brakes
• Heavy-duty suspension
• Black grille
• Halogen headlights
• Halogen daytime operating lights
• LED central high-mounted tail mild
• LED tail-lights (pickup solely)
• Tailgate with elevate help (pickup solely)
• Built-in tailgate step (pickup solely)
• 10.1-inch Sync4 portrait touchscreen infotainment system
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Embedded modem
• Distant begin by way of FordPass app
• 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster
• Tilt and telescopic steering column adjustment
• Ebony fabric upholstery
• Eight-way handbook driver seat
• 4-way handbook entrance passenger seat
• Vinyl flooring masking
• Energy rear home windows (dual-cab solely)
• Single-zone local weather management
• Electronically locking rear differential (4×4 fashions solely)
• Typical gear selector
• Mechanical handbrake

Ranger XLS:

• 400-watt energy inverter
• 16-inch Darkish Sparkle Silver alloy wheels
• Black aspect steps
• Halogen entrance fog lights
• Black grille with silver accents
• Carpet flooring
• Driver flooring mat
• Drive mode choice
• Tow bar
• Trailer mild verify
• Built-in trailer brake controller
• Physique-colour door handles
• Six-speaker sound system
• Proximity entry with push-button begin
• Twin-zone local weather management
• Rear seat air vents
• Satellite tv for pc navigation
• DAB+ digital radio

Ranger XLT provides:

• 17-inch alloy wheels with all-season tyres
• 17-inch metal spare wheel (customary on diesel, no-cost choice for PHEV)
• Rear disc brakes
• Digital handbrake
• Leather-based-wrapped ‘e-Shifter’ gear selector
• PHEV-specific drive modes:
  • Auto EV, EV Now, EV Later and EV Cost
• 2300W inside outlet
• 4×2 locking rear axle
• Entrance grille with chrome central bar
• LED headlights with C-shaped LED daytime operating lights (diesel solely, halogen for PHEV)
• Entrance-mounted tow hook
• Black sports activities bar (pickup solely)
• Rear tub illumination (pickup solely)
• Bedliner with 12V socket (diesel pickups solely)
• Spray-in bedliner with 12V socket (tremendous cab solely)
• 2x 3450W mattress shops (PHEV solely)
• 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system (PHEV solely)
• Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
• Electrochromatic mirror
• Rain-sensing wipers

Ranger Sport provides:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• 18-inch spare wheel
• Darkish accent grille
• Darkish exterior accents
• Two front-mounted tow hooks
• Skid plate
• LED headlights with C-shaped LED daytime operating lights (PHEV solely)
• Entrance flooring mats
• Rotary drive mode selector
• Wi-fi cellphone charging
• Off-road display
• 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system (PHEV solely)
• Ebony leather-based upholstery with ‘SPORT’ embossing
• Eight-way power-adjustable driver seat
• Six-way handbook entrance passenger seat

Ranger Wildtrak provides:

• Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tyres
• Distinctive Wildtrak sports activities bar
• Energy tub curler shutter
• Cargo administration system
• Distinctive Wildtrak entrance grille with mesh sample and Boulder Gray accents
• Exterior aspect mirrors with puddle lamps and zone lighting
• Roof rails
• Aluminium load field tie-down rails
• 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Ambient lighting
• Pull-out dash-mounted cupholders
• Distinctive Wildtrak leather-accented upholstery
• Heated entrance seats
• Eight-way power-adjustable entrance seats

Our tester featured the optionally available Versatile Rack System ($2800).

Ranger Platinum provides (over Wildtrak):

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Goodyear Territory HT tyres
• Silk Chrome exterior trim highlights
• Distinctive grille
• ‘Platinum’ badging on the bonnet, entrance doorways and tailgate
• Matrix LED headlights
• Auto-levelling LED daytime operating lights
• Full LED tail-lights
• Damped (gas-strut) tailgate
• Black paint roof (no-cost choice to revert to body-coloured roof)
• Versatile Rack System (FRS)
• Energy curler shutter
• 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster
• B&O premium sound system
• Auxiliary change financial institution
• Premium flooring mats
• Heated steering wheel
• Premium quilted, perforated leather-accented upholstery
• Heated and ventilated entrance seats
• 10-way electrically adjustable entrance seats
• Driver reminiscence seat
• ‘Platinum’ badging on entrance seats, mats and higher glovebox
• Accent stitching and ornamental finishes

Ranger Stormtrak provides (over Wildtrak):

• Chill Gray wheel highlights
• Physique-colour trim
• Thick roof racks
• Matrix LED headlights
• Stormtrak decals
• B&O premium sound system
• Versatile rack system
• Auxiliary change financial institution

Ranger Raptor provides (over Wildtrak):

• 17-inch alloy wheels in BF Goodrich K02 all-terrain tyres
• 17-inch alloy spare wheel
• Distinctive grille with ‘F-O-R-D’ lettering
• LED entrance fog lights
• Full LED tail-lights
• 2.3mm metal entrance bash plate
• Distinctive Raptor twin tow hooks
• Spray-in bedliner
• Energetic exhaust
• Fox Racing 2.5-inch dwell valve suspension
• Electronically locking entrance and rear differentials
• 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster
• 10-speaker B&O premium sound system
• Ambient lighting
• Auxiliary change financial institution
• Heated and 10-way power-adjustable Ford Efficiency seats with embossed Raptor emblem and Code Orange accented stitching
• Seven drive modes
  • Regular
  • Slippery
  • Mud/Ruts
  • Sand
  • Sport
  • Baja
  • Rock Crawl

To see how the Ford Ranger stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device.

Is the Ford Ranger secure?

All variants of the Ford Ranger lineup, other than the flagship Raptor, have a five-star ANCAP security score based mostly on testing carried out in 2022.

Commonplace security gear highlights:

• 9 airbags, incl:
  • Entrance-centre
  • Passenger’s knee
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
  • Automobile, pedestrian, bicycle owner detection
  • Junction help
• Adaptive cruise management
• Blind-spot help
• Rear cross-traffic alert (pickup)
• Lane departure warning
• Lane preserve help
• Street edge detection
• Reversing digital camera (pickup)
• Rear parking sensors (pickup)
• Trailer Protection (with optionally available Tow Pack)

Ranger XLS provides:

• Entrance parking sensors
• Prolonged blind-spot monitoring with trailer protection

Ranger XLT provides:

• Adaptive cruise management incl. cease/go (excl. PHEV)
• Blind-spot monitoring incl. Trailer Protection
• Lane centring help (excl. PHEV)
• Site visitors signal recognition
• Tyre strain monitoring

Ranger Sport PHEV provides (over XLT PHEV):

• Clever adaptive cruise management incl. cease/go, visitors signal recognition
• Lane centring help

Ranger Wildtrak PHEV provides (over Sport PHEV):

• Encompass-view digital camera
• Professional trailer back-up help

To see how the Ford Ranger stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device.

How a lot does the Ford Ranger price to run?

The 2026 Ford Ranger is roofed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee, like the remainder of the Ford vary.

In comparison with its rivals, servicing prices are aggressive. The Toyota HiLux is roofed by the identical guarantee and three years of capped-price servicing, although it has shorter six-month, 10,000km intervals.

Due to this fact, its first six providers are capped at $305, totalling $1830 over three years.

The D-Max, in the meantime, is backed by a six-year, 150,000km guarantee and 5 years of capped-price servicing. Upkeep is required each 12 months or 15,000km, and every service prices $469 for a complete of $2345 over 5 years.

To see how the Ford Ranger stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device.

CarExpert’s Tackle the Ford Ranger Wildtrak bi-turbo

Put merely, the Wildtrak is a implausible place to be within the Ranger lineup, providing greater than most would ever want from a dual-cab 4×4 ute.

With nice journey high quality and stable dealing with – at the very least for a ute – the Ranger stays nicely clear of just about all of its rivals when it comes to chassis tuning bar possibly the BYD Shark 6, which may’t match it off-road. The Wildtrak builds on that with its upmarket inside, which feels particular and really SUV-like even when it lacks the glitter of the Platinum and Stormtrak.

Once I reviewed the Ranger Sport V6 earlier this 12 months, I famous that it sat in considerably of a no-man’s land within the Ranger household – gaining sufficient over the XLT to really feel like a extra premium variant, however not lacking out on sufficient to correctly distinguish it from the Wildtrak.

I perceive that’s a subjective take, however going from the Sport to the mannequin on take a look at right here makes the Wildtrak appear much better worth, even given the value distinction. If you need one thing that feels rather less ‘way of life’, the XLT is the place you wish to be.

Certainly, the Wildtrak is one in every of a number of trim ranges obtainable with a number of powertrains, so selecting the most effective all-rounder might take some deliberation for a lot of.

Having pushed all three in current reminiscence, I’d in all probability level potential consumers in the direction of the V6 – a selection that has turn out to be simpler with the bi-turbo’s imminent discontinuation. It’s exhausting to beat the V6’s efficiency, smoothness, and full-time 4×4, particularly when the Ranger and Amarok are the one two Australian-developed utes with the six-cylinder engine on this measurement bracket.

However earlier remembers for Ranger and Everest V6 may make the bi-turbo extra enticing for paranoid consumers, notably on run-out, so it’s unlucky that it received’t be obtainable for for much longer.

The PHEV can be a powerful choice in the event you favor the petrol-electric powertrain, but it surely’s costlier and extra restricted in its hybrid capabilities than each the Shark and GWM Cannon Alpha.

All stated, the Wildtrak is ideal for each work and play, even when it’s not a discount purchase.

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