

Matthew Hansen
2026 Ford Everest, quick drive
4 Days Ago

Editor
Ford’s most popular passenger vehicle in New Zealand, the 7-seater body-on-frame Everest, has received a mild update for 2026. This includes a new entry-level spec, revised pricing, and confirmation of engine choice amid the departure of the 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo.
The Everest line-up takes on Ford’s single-turbo 2.0-litre, implementing it in two models; the new entry-level Active and the Sport.
The new unit represents a slight downwards step in terms of output when compared to its Bi-Turbo sibling, with its 125kW/405Nm down 29kW/95Nm on the outgoing Bi-Turbo. The balance of the Everest range is powered by Ford’s 184kW/600Nm 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel.
Previously only offered with a 2.0-litre, Ford has expanded the Everest Sport trim to be available with either the new single-turbo 2.0-litre or the 3.0-litre V6.
Model | Price not including on-road costs |
|---|---|
Ford Everest Active 2.0-litre AWD | $68,990 |
Ford Everest Sport 2.0-litre AWD | $77,490 |
Ford Everest Sport 3.0-litre AWD | $85,990 |
Ford Everest Wildtrak 3.0-litre AWD | $88,990 |
Ford Everest Tremor SE 3.0-litre AWD | $89,990 |
Ford Everest Platinum 3.0-litre AWD | $93,490 |
On top of being a new variant, the Active also lowers the cost of entry to Everest ownership considerably. The model’s previous entry-level grade was the $74,990 Trend, which has been dropped from the line-up.
Whilst the Everest has a more affordable base model, each of the returning models has received a small price hike of $2000. The line-up tops out with the $93,490 Everest Platinum.

The Active comes with Ford’s 12-inch portrait touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, leather-appointed upholstery, and more.
“The Everest continues to be a Kiwi favourite with its five-star safety, three and a half tonne towing and go-anywhere adventure capability. In 2025, it was the number one selling large SUV in the country for the third year in a row,” said Ford New Zealand marketing director Mathew Slade.
“The introduction of the Everest Active allows us to build on this incredible momentum by offering a fresh, bold personality at the entry point of the range. It’s a vehicle that doesn’t compromise on presence or essential features.
“By listening to our customers, we’ve refined the line-up to ensure that from the Active through to the Platinum, every Everest provides the capability, safety, and technology New Zealanders expect from a premium SUV.”
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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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