Ford has revealed the new model lineup for the Everest, which will go on sale in South Africa in the first half of 2026.
Earlier this month, the Blue Oval announced that it would make sweeping changes to the Ranger bakkie and Everest SUV in response to customer feedback.
Both vehicles will see dramatic changes to their respective series, losing one engine while gaining another.
The revised Everest selection will consist of six units, just like the current models; however, the XLT trim level is being replaced by a new Active specification, which will function as the new entry point for the SUV.
More importantly, the two Active models will feature the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, single-turbo diesel engine found on the base Ranger.
This is significant because the Everest has been solely offered with the 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel and the 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel blocks up till now, meaning the SUV should become significantly cheaper following the update.
“Going forward, the current XLT models will be making way for the new Active series as the entry into the line-up,” said Sunil Sewmohan, Director: Product Marketing, Ford South Africa.
“This will bring all the much-loved virtues of the Everest within reach of a broader spectrum of buyers,”
Unfortunately, the company has not disclosed the pricing for any of the new models, but the comment that the new Active will “broaden the Everest’s appeal” heavily implies we will see the starting price of the Adventure SUV drop by a considerable amount.
The 2.0-litre single-turbo generates 125kW and 405Nm, and will be available with either a two-wheel or part-time four-wheel-drive system, with gear changes being handled by a 10-speed automatic shifter.
But wait – There’s more
The new entry-level Active is just one of the changes lined up for the Everest, as it will also receive the brand’s 2.3-litre turbocharged EcoBoost petrol engine.
This will be the first time the current-gen SUV is offered with a petrol engine in South Africa, providing 222kW and 452Nm.
Interestingly, the petrol version, called the Sport, will only be offered in a 4×2 configuration, as the other three units will all be equipped with the 3.0-litre V6 diesel mill.
These models, which consist of the Sport, Wildtrak, and Platinum trims, produce 184kW and 600Nm and feature a permanent 4×4 system.
This gives us the six Everest models that will go on sale in South Africa next year:
- Ford Everest 2.0L Diesel Active 10AT 4×2
- Ford Everest 2.0L Diesel Active 10AT 4×4
- Ford Everest 2.3L EcoBoost Sport 10AT 4×2
- Ford Everest 3.0L V6 Diesel Sport 10AT 4×4
- Ford Everest 3.0L V6 Diesel Wildtrak 10AT 4×4
- Ford Everest 3.0L V6 Diesel Platinum 10AT 4×4
Importantly, this means that the 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel, which puts out 154kW and 500Nm, is being dropped from the range.
It is currently found on four of the six derivatives, including the XLT and Sport trims, and has a starting price of R942,000, so you’ll need to act quickly if you still want to buy this option before it disappears.
Loading ...
