

Marton Pettendy
2026 Ford Ranger review, quick drive
5 Days Ago

Editor
Following Ford’s decision to drop the 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo 4-cylinder diesel from both the Ranger and Everest, the brand’s local arm has announced its new look Ranger line-up. And its flagship 3.0-litre V6 engine is set to play a starring role.
The Blue Oval has also confirmed a handful of new grades that will arrive in dealerships later in the year.
The brand has confirmed that its 2.0-litre single-turbo diesel powertrain will only feature in its XL line-up, in the two-wheel drive XLT (the sole surviving 2WD trim), and in the most affordable Wildtrak variant. Conversely, for the first time the V6 diesel will now be available in every trim.

Previously only offered in the Tremor and above, the V6 is now an option in the XL (rear-wheel drive single cab to four-wheel drive double cab), and the mid-spec XLT. The Ranger plug-in hybrid line-up has not incurred any spec or pricing changes for 2026.
Ford has also introduced a new grade to the Ranger mix. It’s called the Wolftrak, and it slots between the XLT and the Tremor (the same spot formerly occupied by the Sport).
Listed as a limited edition, it’s reminiscent of the old Ranger FX4 with its big sports bar on the back and black 17-inch wheels. It also gets bright green exterior highlights on the wheels and grille, LED headlamps, Wolftrak insignia inside, and more.

With respect to pricing, the revised Ranger line-up starts at $54,990 for the single-cab XL 2.0-litre turbo. The cheapest V6-equipped model is the XL single-cab chassis, which is priced from $61,490.
The 2WD Ranger XLT unsurprisingly ranks as one of the cheapest grades in the line-up, priced from $55,990. Its four-wheel drive V6 equivalent is $71,990, with the new Wolftrak priced just a few grand higher at $75,990.
There are other changes to pricing across the line-up, too. The entry-level XL is $1500 cheaper than it used to be, whilst the Raptor has had a $2000 price hike. Other models, like the Wildtrak V6, have had no price changes.
“As announced last November, there are a number of enhancements to New Zealand’s favourite ute, and today with pricing confirmed, Kiwis can lock in added Ranger value,” said Mathew Slade, Marketing Director, Ford New Zealand.
“We’ve listened to our customers and have ensured this line up is what they have asked for — more value, more power, and the trusted, clever features they have come to rely on.”
Model | Price not including on-road costs |
|---|---|
Ford Ranger XL single cab chassis 2.0-litre | $54,990 |
Ford Ranger XL super cab chassis 2.0-litre | $57,990 |
Ford Ranger XL double cab chassis 2.0-litre | $57,990 |
Ford Ranger XL double cab 2.0-litre | $59,990 |
Ford Ranger XL single cab chassis V6 | $61,490 |
Ford Ranger XL super cab chassis V6 | $64,490 |
Ford Ranger XLT double cab 4x2 2.0-litre | $55,990 |
Ford Ranger XLT super cab V6 | $68,990 |
Ford Ranger XLT double cab chassis V6 | $69,990 |
Ford Ranger XLT double cab 2.0-litre | $65,990 |
Ford Ranger XLT double cab V6 | $71,990 |
Ford Ranger Wolftrak double cab V6 | $75,990 |
Ford Ranger Tremor double cab V6 | $79,990 |
Ford Ranger Wildtrak double cab 2.0-litre | $75,490 |
Ford Ranger Wildtrak double cab V6 | $85,990 |
Ford Ranger Platinum double cab V6 | $92,990 |
Ford Ranger Raptor double cab V6 petrol | $98,490 |
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Matthew Hansen co-founded motorsport outlet Velocity News, worked as a freelance photographer for various race teams, and was a specialist journalist for NZ Autocar Magazine and Driven at the NZ Herald. Most recently, he was Editor of Motoring at Stuff.co.nz.


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