2026 Ford Ranger review

The Ford Ranger: a legend of the road, a chameleon in the showroom. But hold on – that potent engine purring under its hood? Consider it a swan song. Next year, this particular beast vanishes from the lineup.

The engine lineup is a maddening maze: five distinct power plants twisted into 25 baffling configurations. Navigating the trim levels and options feels less like car shopping and more like blindly rummaging through a sock drawer overflowing with mismatched pairs – a chaotic jumble where logic goes to die.

Even amidst the ute revolution, classic workhorses persist. Beyond the buzz of electric newcomers, plug-in hybrids are emerging, but trusty diesels still dominate. The real beauty? A ute for every trade, every task, every driver.

The Wildtrak: dual-cab only, always ready for four-wheel drive. On paper, it’s the Ranger’s ultimate do-anything, go-anywhere machine.

Ford’s Ranger continues its reign atop Australia’s sales charts in 2024, though Toyota’s HiLux and RAV4 are nipping at its heels in a thrilling monthly showdown for supremacy.

The Ranger isn’t just leading the pack; it’s leaving tire tracks on the competition. By the close of September 2025, with over 40,000 deliveries, it’s blown past the HiLux (~35,000) and left the Isuzu D-Max and other segment veterans eating its dust. While the HiLux maintains a grip on the no-frills, fleet-focused 4×2 market, the Ranger reigns supreme in the coveted 4×4 arena.

New utes are flooding the market, each vying for a slice of Aussie tarmac. Yet, one reigns supreme: the Ford Ranger. Love it or loathe it, the king of the hill remains unchallenged in Australia’s ute landscape.

Ranger Mania: Wildtrak, the Ultimate Temptation?

How much does the Ford Ranger cost?

The Ranger’s price tag has seen a slight uptick, with the Wildtrak 4×4 bi-turbo model now demanding $69,890 before you factor in on-road costs. That’s a modest $250 increase compared to its price a year ago.

Ranger XL

| Model | Price before on-roads | | — | — | | 2026 Ford Ranger XL 4×2 single-cab/chassis | $37,130 | | 2026 Ford Ranger XL 4×2 super-cab/chassis | $39,630 | | 2026 Ford Ranger XL 4×2 dual-cab pickup | $43,530 | | 2026 Ford Ranger XL 4×4 bi-turbo single cab/chassis | $48,230 | | 2026 Ford Ranger XL 4×4 dual-cab/chassis | $49,230 | | 2026 Ford Ranger XL 4×4 bi-turbo super-cab/chassis | $50,730 | | 2026 Ford Ranger XL 4×4 dual-cab pickup | $51,130 | | 2026 Ford Ranger XL 4×4 bi-turbo dual-cab/chassis | $52,730 | | 2026 Ford Ranger XL 4×4 bi-turbo double-cab pickup | $54,630 | | 2026 Ford Ranger Black Edition 4×4 bi-turbo double-cab pickup | $57,000 (drive-away) |

Ranger XLS

| Model | Price before on-roads | | — | — | | 2026 Ford Ranger XLS 4×4 bi-turbo dual-cab pickup | $57,880 |

Ranger XLT

| Model | Price before on-roads | | — | — | | 2026 Ford Ranger XLT 4×2 bi-turbo dual-cab pickup | $56,690 | | 2026 Ford Ranger XLT 4×4 bi-turbo super-cab pickup | $61,890 | | 2026 Ford Ranger XLT 4×4 bi-turbo dual-cab pickup | $63,890 | | 2026 Ford Ranger XLT 4×4 V6 dual-cab/chassis | $67,190 | | 2026 Ford Ranger XLT 4×4 V6 dual-cab pickup | $69,090 | | 2026 Ford Ranger XLT 4×4 PHEV dual-cab pickup | $71,990 |

Ranger Sport

| Model | Price before on-roads | | — | — | | 2026 Ford Ranger Sport 4×4 bi-turbo dual-cab pickup | $66,390 | | 2026 Ford Ranger Sport 4×4 V6 dual-cab pickup | $71,590 | | 2026 Ford Ranger Sport 4×4 PHEV dual-cab pickup | $75,990 |

Ranger Wildtrak

| Model | Price before on-roads | | — | — | |2026 Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4 bi-turbo dual-cab pickup|$69,890| | 2026 Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4 V6 dual-cab pickup | $75,090 | | 2026 Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4 PHEV dual-cab pickup | $79,990 |

Ranger Platinum

| Model | Price before on-roads | | — | — | | 2026 Ford Ranger Platinum 4×4 V6 dual-cab pickup | $80,890 |

Ranger Stormtrak

| Model | Price before on-roads | | — | — | | 2026 Ford Ranger Stormtrak 4×4 PHEV dual-cab pickup | $86,990 |

Ranger Raptor

| Model | Price before on-roads | | — | — | | 2026 Ford Ranger Raptor 4×4 3.0TT V6 dual-cab pickup | $90,690 |

"In Australia’s fiercely contested ute market, where options abound, the Ford Ranger stands shoulder-to-shoulder with titans like the Toyota HiLux and Isuzu D-Max – a trio that dominates the Down Under roads."

Priced at $71,530 (before on-roads), the HiLux Rogue squares off most directly against the Wildtrak, matching it in both positioning and features. Meanwhile, the D-Max LS-U+, a slightly more budget-conscious option, enters the arena at $68,000 (before on-roads).

Beyond the head-to-head battle with its two biggest rivals, a dark horse lurks: the Volkswagen Amarok. Think of it as a Ranger in a tailored suit, offering the same rugged capability with a touch more sophistication.

The Amarok TDI500 Style, a $69,740 (before on-roads) statement piece, boasts the coveted bi-turbo engine. Yet, for that premium price, its features fall short of matching the rugged Wildtrak’s allure, leaving some wondering if the badge truly justifies the cost.

To see how the Ford Ranger stacks up against its rivals, use ourcomparison tool.

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"Travis and his crew delivered exceptional service, again! As a repeat customer, I wholeheartedly recommend them they’re simply the best in the business."

Craig C.

Purchased a Ford Ranger in Sunshine Coast, QLD

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What is the Ford Ranger like on the inside?

The Wildtrak cultivates an air of exclusivity. Stepping inside, you’re greeted less by rugged workhorse and more by refined SUV – a sensation few dual-cabs manage to replicate, save for the Amarok.

The Ranger inherits DNA from its Everest sibling, sure, but it exudes a confident "trailblazer" attitude all its own – at least in my book. Inside, the design justclicks. There’s a purposeful, almost industrial strength interwoven with a surprising level of refinement, creating a space that feels both rugged and undeniably sophisticated.

Forget sterile plastics. The interior embraces darkness with a near-seamless blend. While textured black surfaces dominate the console, doors, and lower dash, they melt into the cabin’s shadowy ambiance, creating a surprisingly cohesive and sophisticated feel.

The interior whispers sophistication, punctuated by piano-black accents, supple black leather, and understated gunmetal-grey trim. The black headliner envelops you in a cocoon of luxury. Wildtrak’s signature orange stitching and embroidery add a dash of audacious flair, a subtle rebellion against the refined backdrop.

The cabin cossets with soft-touch surfaces, while the armrests invite a languid driving posture. It’s a space where tactile pleasure meets visual harmony.

But the Wildtrak isn’t just about rugged looks; it’s the gateway to Ranger’s tech haven. It’s the first step up the ladder to snag Ford’s expansive 12.0-inch infotainment screen, a significant leap over the 10.1-inch display gracing the lower trims. Think of it as upgrading from a tablet to a full-fledged command center.

Okay, here’s a shot at improving that snippet:

The spec sheet throws a curveball here. The XLT PHEValsoboasts the 12-inch screen, stealing the thunder from the diesel models lumbered with a smaller display. Even more baffling? It’s a lower trim grade! This is the mismatched madness we’re talking about, and frankly, the PHEVs are the prime suspects in this confusing configuration.

The Wildtrak’s display isn’t just a screen; it’s a portal. While the size upgrade might be modest, the real magic lies within Ford’s intuitive software. Think crystal-clear visuals, lightning-fast responsiveness, and a dizzying array of customization options that transform the cabin into a personalized command center.

Smartphone mirroring works flawlessly right out of the gate, a welcome standard these days. While the display responded snappily to our taps and swipes, the stark white theme feels a bit jarring, especially when juxtaposed against the sleek, dark Apple CarPlay interface. Thankfully, Ford throws us a bone with a dark mode toggle, saving our retinas from potential screen burn.

The digital instrument cluster is a customizable command center. Its generous size and information-rich display are fully adjustable. Toggling between minimalist data and an information deluge is effortless.

The sheer volume of features is initially overwhelming, turning the steering wheel controls into a treasure hunt. Expect a learning curve as you decipher each button’s purpose. While experimentation unlocks its potential, prepare for a less-than-intuitive introduction.

Forget frills; this cabin’s a masterclass in making the most of every nook and cranny. Storage? You’re drowning in it. Quench your thirst with a quartet of cupholders, two of which magically appear from the dash. A double-decker glovebox swallows maps and manuals whole. The central cubby is tech-ready, wirelessly juicing your phone while offering both USB-A and USB-C ports. Need to stash more? The generously sized center console boasts its own 12V outlet, turning it into a charging station on wheels.

The cabin is functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing, which makes for easy hours behind the wheel.

The second row tells a similar story, albeit with a touch less spaciousness. I’m 5’8" and fit fine, but legroom and headroom shrink noticeably. Taller passengers beware: if you’re stuck behind a long-legged driver, prepare for a slightly less comfortable journey.

The leather rear bench, while luxurious, offers the grip of an ice rink. Forget supportive bolstering; cornering becomes a comical, if unwanted, dance across the seats. It’s the ute experience, rear passenger edition – hold on tight!

Rear passengers, rejoice! Forget fighting over the temperature thanks to dual rear-facing air vents. Charging woes are history with a pair of USB ports readily available, and for those needing a bit more juice, a 400W socket is at your service. Sink into the plush comfort of the fold-down armrest, complete with twin cupholders, perfect for long journeys. Traveling with little ones? Rest assured with easily accessible ISOFIX anchors and top-tether points thoughtfully integrated into the outboard seats.

Need more room without sacrificing the open bed? The rear bench is your secret weapon, morphing to fit your needs. Flip it up to uncover hidden floor cubbies, perfect for stashing gear. Fold it down and discover a rugged, plastic-lined bulkhead – and a nostalgic wink to the past: the classic Ranger logo subtly embossed within.

The tub’s practicality is undeniable, nearly reaching peak utility. The powered, rolling tonneau cover is a welcome touch, though the front end sacrifices precious vertical space to house its retracting mechanism and electric guts.

The Wildtrak’s tailgate packs a punch – literally. Despite Ford’s "Lift Assistance" claim in the brochure, be warned: it lacks hydraulic dampers. Release it carelessly, and you’ll be greeted with a heavy thud, not a gentle descent.

For added versatility, our blue test mule boasted Ford’s Flexible Rack System – a $2,800 upgrade that swaps the standard Wildtrak Sports Sailplane for a cunningly adaptable unit. Imagine this: a sleek rack that effortlessly glides along the bed rails, morphing into the perfect anchor point for those unwieldy, oversized loads that would otherwise be roof-bound. Problem solved.

Additionally, a 400W power inverter is fitted to the tub as standard, as is a 400W power socket.

| Dimensions | Ford Ranger Wildtrak bi-turbo | | — | — | |Length| 5370mm | |Width| 1918mm | |Height| 1886mm | |Wheelbase| 3270mm | |Tub length (at floor)| 1464mm | |Tub width (total)| 1520mm | |Tub depth| 525mm |

To see how the Ford Ranger stacks up against its rivals, use ourcomparison tool.

What’s under the bonnet?

Beneath the Ranger’s rugged exterior lies a beastly heart: a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder bi-turbo diesel engine, unleashing a formidable 154kW of power and a stump-pulling 500Nm of torque. This potent combination, channeled through a sophisticated 10-speed automatic transmission and a part-time four-wheel-drive system, ensures the Ranger is ready to conquer any terrain you dare to explore.

| Specifications | Ford Ranger Wildtrak bi-turbo | | — | — | |Engine| 2.0L 4cyl bi-turbo diesel | |Power| 154kW | |Torque| 500Nm | |Transmission| 10-speed automatic | |Drive type| Part-time 4×4 | |Fuel economy (claimed)| 7.2L/100km | |Fuel economy (as tested)| 8.2L/100km | |CO2 emissions (claimed)| 189g/km | |Fuel tank| 80L | |Kerb weight| 2341kg | |Payload| 939kg | |Braked towing capacity| 3500kg | |Gross vehicle mass (GVM)| 3280kg | |Gross combination mass (GCM)| 6350kg |

However, there’s a catch with the bi-turbo: no ‘4A’ mode. Translation? You’re stuck in rear-wheel drive on pavement. V6 owners, however, get to enjoy the ‘4A’ advantage, meaning true full-time 4×4 capability, regardless of the surface.

We spent a week racking up miles on the Ranger, mostly highway cruising punctuated by suburban sprawl. Even so, the gas gauge seemed to defy Ford’s official numbers – in a good way. And that waswiththe auto start-stop kicking in, a feature Ford snuck in mid-year.

Digging into the data, we spotted a curious detail about the bi-turbo Ranger: its thirst has surprisingly increased for 2024, sipping 7.6L/100km compared to the previous 7.2L. Ironically, it’s exhaling less carbon, now at 189g/km, a 12g/km improvement. What’s going on under the hood?

Ford’s stop/start system promises impressive fuel savings, but can a simple engine pause at red lights really make a difference? The official numbers are compelling, yet the real-world stubbornly lags behind.

To see how the Ford Ranger stacks up against its rivals, use ourcomparison tool.

How does the Ford Ranger drive?

Even without the buttery V6, getting the Ranger moving quickly reveals why it’s as popular as it is.

Ranger XLT pictured

Forget chasing the V6 headlines. The bi-turbo diesel, though a workhorse at heart, punches far above its weight. It might not sing as sweetly or boast the same raw muscle, but it delivers relentless, dependable grunt – more than enough to conquer your everyday adventures and then some. It’s the unsung hero, ready to roll up its sleeves and get the job done, without the V6’s diva tendencies.

The engine’s performance mirrors the HiLux’s proven 2.8-litre, eclipsing both the 3.0-litre D-Max and 2.4-litre Triton. This boosted output, however, raises a key question: Can it match the legendary durability of the D-Max and its competitors, or does chasing higher performance come at the cost of long-term reliability?

However, the bi-turbo, with its quieter recall history compared to the V6, might just be the unsung hero in Ford’s reliability lineup.

Regardless of the terrain, the Wildtrak’s performance remains steadfast, a tireless workhorse answering every demand with unwavering power. Forget lumbering trucks; this beast moves with the agility and poise of an SUV, blurring the lines between rugged utility and refined comfort. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more polished ride in the commercial vehicle arena.

The bi-turbo engine answers the call with eager throttle response, doling out power in a smooth, predictable manner. Forget unexpected wheelspin – this engine favors controlled confidence over brute force, unlike its V6 sibling. The only fly in the ointment? The Ranger’s 10-speed gearbox, a common Ford affliction, feels like overkill with its endless cog-swapping.

With engines churning out this much torque, the ten-speed gearbox feels like overkill. 500 Nm of torque is always on tap, so it’s never struggling, never bogged down, regardless of the gear. Frankly, it’s a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist.

The 10-speed transmission, though eager, remains a smooth operator, reliably finding the right gear, even if it cycles through them with gusto. Unburdened by the complexities of hybrid assistance, its responses are refreshingly decisive and predictable.

While smoother than the somewhat agricultural shuffles of rival utes, a more decisive, Isuzu-sourced eight-speed gearbox would truly unlock this engine’s potential.

Unlike its V6 counterpart, the bi-turbo engine presents a trade-off: it forgoes full-time four-wheel drive. While rear-wheel drive optimizes fuel efficiency, imagine tackling a rain-slicked incline while towing. That’s where the unwavering grip of full-time 4WD would truly shine.

Off the tarmac? Good. You still wield the mighty high- and low-range four-wheel drive. Just remember, unleash these beasts only when the pavement ends. A hefty dial sits proudly on the center console, your gateway to choosing between them. Right beside it, you’ll find the button to tailor your drive: tame or tenacious, your call.

Forget the Raptor’s wild side the Wildtrak’s bi-turbo still packs a punch. It’s got driving modes tailored for towing heavy loads, squeezing out every last drop of fuel, and conquering a spectrum of off-road challenges. Consider it your secret weapon to unlock the full potential of this rugged machine.

Standard on this beast is a locking rear differential and hill descent control, both commanded through Ford’s signature off-road infotainment screen – your digital gateway to conquering the untamed.

For a detailed look at the Ranger’s off-road capabilities, check out our video review below:

Forget rugged truck expectations. The Ranger, especially in Wildtrak guise, leans into SUV comfort with surprisingly composed ride and handling. While our all-terrain tires dialed back some on-road sharpness, the front end still carves through corners with minimal fuss, defying its workhorse origins.

Forget bone-jarring rides and wallowy handling. The Ranger’s suspension walks a tightrope, delivering plush comfort without sacrificing composure or its workhorse DNA. It remains the gold standard for utes, a masterclass in balancing ride quality, confident handling, and raw capability.

The steering is also nicely weighted and suits a vehicle of the Ranger’s intent, while providing enough feel and feedback.

The all-terrain tires hum a gentle song rather than roar, a welcome surprise. Even at highway speeds, wind whispers instead of screams. While absolute silence remains elusive, tranquility prevails, making even marathon drives a pleasure, not a pain.

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The Ranger now boasts a seamless and sensible safety system. Gone are the days of nagging, oddly-timed "hands on the wheel" alerts; this time around, the tech stayed helpfully silent, letting us focus on the drive.

The car’s safety net only flickered to life when we flirted with lane markings, a reassuring sign of spot-on calibration.

Ford’s intelligent cruise control proved a trusty co-pilot. It deftly navigated freeway lanes, responding to the ebb and flow of traffic with reassuring precision. Lose focus, and it gently nudges you to reclaim the wheel – a fair trade for the peace of mind it offers.

Visibility is king in this cockpit. Despite the commanding height of the hood, a crystal-clear surround-view camera and an army of sensors act as your all-seeing eyes. And forget blind spots – the oversized side mirrors offer a panoramic view, banishing any chance of being caught unawares.

| Off-road dimensions | Ford Ranger Wildtrak | | — | — | |Track front and rear| 1620mm | |Ground clearance| 234mm | |Approach angle| 30.0º | |Departure angle| 23.0º | |Ramp breakover angle| 21.0º | |Wading depth| 800mm |

To see how the Ford Ranger stacks up against its rivals, use ourcomparison tool.

What do you get?

There are eight distinct trim levels in the Ranger lineup, with the Wildtrak slotting in towards the top.

Ranger XLT

2026 Ford Ranger XL equipment highlights:

• Acoustic windscreen
• 16-inch steel wheels
• All-season tyres
• 16-inch steel spare wheel
• Front disc and rear drum brakes
• Heavy-duty suspension
• Black grille
• Halogen headlights
• Halogen daytime running lights
• LED central high-mounted tail light
• LED tail-lights (pickup only)
• Tailgate with lift assist (pickup only)
• Integrated tailgate step (pickup only)
• 10.1-inch Sync4 portrait touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Embedded modem
• Remote start via FordPass app
• 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster
• Tilt and telescopic steering column adjustment
• Ebony cloth upholstery
• Eight-way manual driver seat
• Four-way manual front passenger seat
• Vinyl floor covering
• Power rear windows (dual-cab only)
• Single-zone climate control
• Electronically locking rear differential (4×4 models only)
• Conventional gear selector
• Mechanical handbrake

Ranger XLS:

• 400-watt power inverter
• 16-inch Dark Sparkle Silver alloy wheels
• Black side steps
• Halogen front fog lights
• Black grille with silver accents
• Carpet flooring
• Driver floor mat
• Drive mode selection
• Tow bar
• Trailer light check
• Integrated trailer brake controller
• Body-colour door handles
• Six-speaker sound system
• Proximity entry with push-button start
• Dual-zone climate control
• Rear seat air vents
• Satellite navigation
• DAB+ digital radio

Ranger XLT adds:

• 17-inch alloy wheels with all-season tyres
• 17-inch steel spare wheel (standard on diesel, no-cost option for PHEV)
• Rear disc brakes
• Electronic handbrake
• Leather-wrapped ‘e-Shifter’ gear selector
• PHEV-specific drive modes:

• Auto EV, EV Now, EV Later and EV Charge

• 2300W interior outlet
• 4×2 locking rear axle
• Front grille with chrome central bar
• LED headlights with C-shaped LED daytime running lights (diesel only, halogen for PHEV)
• Front-mounted tow hook
• Black sports bar (pickup only)
• Rear tub illumination (pickup only)
• Bedliner with 12V socket (diesel pickups only)
• Spray-in bedliner with 12V socket (super cab only)
• 2x 3450W bed outlets (PHEV only)
• 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system (PHEV only)
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Electrochromatic mirror
• Rain-sensing wipers

Ranger Wildtrak

Ranger Sport adds:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• 18-inch spare wheel
• Dark accent grille
• Dark exterior accents
• Two front-mounted tow hooks
• Skid plate
• LED headlights with C-shaped LED daytime running lights (PHEV only)
• Front floor mats
• Rotary drive mode selector
• Wireless phone charging
• Off-road screen
• 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system (PHEV only)
• Ebony leather upholstery with ‘SPORT’ embossing
• Eight-way power-adjustable driver seat
• Six-way manual front passenger seat

Ranger Wildtrak adds:

• Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tyres
• Unique Wildtrak sports bar
• Power tub roller shutter
• Cargo management system
• Unique Wildtrak front grille with mesh pattern and Boulder Grey accents
• Exterior side mirrors with puddle lamps and zone lighting
• Roof rails
• Aluminium load box tie-down rails
• 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Ambient lighting
• Pull-out dash-mounted cupholders
• Unique Wildtrak leather-accented upholstery
• Heated front seats
• Eight-way power-adjustable front seats

Our tester featured the optionalFlexible Rack System ($2800).

Ranger Platinum adds (over Wildtrak):

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Goodyear Territory HT tyres
• Silk Chrome exterior trim highlights
• Unique grille
• ‘Platinum’ badging on the bonnet, front doors and tailgate
• Matrix LED headlights
• Auto-levelling LED daytime running lights
• Full LED tail-lights
• Damped (gas-strut) tailgate
• Black paint roof (no-cost option to revert to body-coloured roof)
• Flexible Rack System (FRS)
• Power roller shutter
• 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster
• B&O premium sound system
• Auxiliary switch bank
• Premium floor mats
• Heated steering wheel
• Premium quilted, perforated leather-accented upholstery
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• 10-way electrically adjustable front seats
• Driver memory seat
• ‘Platinum’ badging on front seats, mats and upper glovebox
• Accent stitching and decorative finishes

Ranger Stormtrak

Ranger Stormtrak adds (over Wildtrak):

• Chill Grey wheel highlights
• Body-colour trim
• Thick roof racks
• Matrix LED headlights
• Stormtrak decals
• B&O premium sound system
• Flexible rack system
• Auxiliary switch bank

Ranger Raptor adds (over Wildtrak):

• 17-inch alloy wheels in BF Goodrich K02 all-terrain tyres
• 17-inch alloy spare wheel
• Unique grille with ‘F-O-R-D’ lettering
• LED front fog lights
• Full LED tail-lights
• 2.3mm steel front bash plate
• Unique Raptor dual tow hooks
• Spray-in bedliner
• Active exhaust
• Fox Racing 2.5-inch live valve suspension
• Electronically locking front and rear differentials
• 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster
• 10-speaker B&O premium sound system
• Ambient lighting
• Auxiliary switch bank
• Heated and 10-way power-adjustable Ford Performance seats with embossed Raptor logo and Code Orange accented stitching
• Seven drive modes

• Normal
• Slippery
• Mud/Ruts
• Sand
• Sport
• Baja
• Rock Crawl

To see how the Ford Ranger stacks up against its rivals, use ourcomparison tool.

Is the Ford Ranger safe?

Beyond the Raptor’s raw power, every other Ford Ranger model boasts a stellar five-star ANCAP safety rating, awarded after rigorous 2022 testing. Drive with confidence, knowing Ford prioritizes your well-being across the Ranger family.

| Category | Ford Ranger | | — | — | |Adult occupant protection| 84 per cent | |Child occupant protection| 93 per cent | |Vulnerable road user protection| 74 per cent | |Safety assist| 83 per cent |

Standard safety equipment highlights:

• 9 airbags, incl:

• Driver’s knee
• Front-centre
• Passenger’s knee

• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)

• Car, pedestrian, cyclist detection
• Junction assist

• Adaptive cruise control
• Blind-spot assist
• Rear cross-traffic alert (pickup)
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keep assist
• Road edge detection
• Reversing camera (pickup)
• Rear parking sensors (pickup)
• Trailer Coverage (with optional Tow Pack)

Ranger XLS adds:

• Front parking sensors
• Extended blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage

Ranger XLT adds:

• Adaptive cruise control incl. stop/go (excl. PHEV)
• Blind-spot monitoring incl. Trailer Coverage
• Lane centring assist (excl. PHEV)
• Traffic sign recognition
• Tyre pressure monitoring

Ranger Sport PHEV adds (over XLT PHEV):

• Intelligent adaptive cruise control incl. stop/go, traffic sign recognition
• Lane centring assist

Ranger Wildtrak PHEV adds (over Sport PHEV):

• Surround-view camera
• Pro trailer back-up assist

To see how the Ford Ranger stacks up against its rivals, use ourcomparison tool.

How much does the Ford Ranger cost to run?

The 2026 Ford Ranger is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, like the rest of the Ford range.

| Servicing and Warranty | Ford Ranger | | — | — | |Warranty| 5 years, unlimited kilometres | |Roadside assistance| 12 months, then service-activated | |Service intervals| 12 months or 15,000km | |Capped-price servicing| 5-year pre-paid service plan | |Total capped-price service cost| $1596 |

While rivals might nickel and dime you at the service center, the Toyota HiLux keeps costs in check. Enjoy the peace of mind of Toyota’s warranty and capped-price servicing for three years. The HiLux does require servicing every six months or 10,000 km – a small trade-off for legendary reliability.

Therefore, its first six services are capped at $305, totalling $1830 over three years.

The Isuzu D-Max offers peace of mind beyond the showroom. It’s shielded by a comprehensive six-year, 150,000km warranty, so your adventures are covered. Plus, worry less about running costs with five years of capped-price servicing. Scheduled maintenance is needed annually or every 15,000km, and each visit comes in at a fixed $469 – budgeting made easy! Over five years, you’re looking at a total service cost of just $2345. That’s transparent, predictable, and puts you firmly in control.

To see how the Ford Ranger stacks up against its rivals, use ourcomparison tool.

childcareman.xyz’s Take on the Ford Ranger Wildtrak bi-turbo

Step into the Wildtrak’s cabin and you’ll discover why it’s the sweet spot in the Ranger family. It’s not just capable; it’s downright luxurious, delivering far more than the average dual-cab 4×4 owner could ever dream of needing.

With great ride quality and solid handling – at least for a ute – the Ranger remains well clear of almost all of its rivals in terms of chassis tuning bar maybe the BYD Shark 6, which can’t match it off-road. The Wildtrak builds on that with its upmarket interior, which feels special and very SUV-like even if it lacks the glitter of the Platinum and Stormtrak.

The Ranger Sport V6: A respectable trim but it feels like a hesitant middle child. It offers a taste of luxury beyond the XLT, but stops short of the Wildtrak’s bold statement, leaving you wondering if it truly stands apart.

Okay, here’s a punchier take:

"Value is subjective, sure, but stepping out of the Sport and into this Wildtrak? The price jump suddenly feels justified. It’s a massive leap in perceived quality. Now, if you’re allergic to the ‘lifestyle’ image and crave something more utilitarian, the XLT is your sweet spot."

With a spectrum of Wildtrak trims and engine options, finding the perfect all-terrain champion requires careful consideration.

Forget the hype. I’ve wrung out all three, and for my money, the V6 is the clear winner – a victory amplified by the looming sunset of the bi-turbo. The V6 delivers a symphony of power and refinement unmatched in this class. Plus, that tenacious full-time 4×4 is a game-changer. Let’s face it, in the Aussie-designed ute arena, the Ranger and Amarok stand practically alone, proudly waving the six-cylinder flag.

Ford’s V6 bi-turbo engine, despite earlier Ranger and Everest recalls, might ironically appeal to cautious buyers, especially on its way out. Its impending disappearance is a shame, given its potential draw for those seeking a proven, albeit temporarily troubled, powerplant.

The PHEV is also a strong option if you prefer the petrol-electric powertrain, but it’s more expensive and more limited in its hybrid capabilities than both the Shark and GWM Cannon Alpha.

All said, the Wildtrak is perfect for both work and play, even if it’s not a bargain buy.

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