2026 Ford Everest gets new base engine, model grade
TheFord Everest lineup now has a cheaper entry-level model with a new engine as part of a revised lineup for model year 2026.5 (MY26.5), with the updated SUV due in showrooms mid-next year. Based on the popular Ford Ranger ute, the Everest is Ford’s best-selling SUV – and was Australia’s top-performing SUV in September after outselling the Toyota RAV4. Ford previously announced it would be dropping the 154kW/500Nm 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo four-cylinder engine – introduced in 2018 – from both the Everest and Ranger lineups from mid-2026.CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal.Slotting in its place is a 2.0-litre single-turbo diesel four-cylinder, making the same 125kW/405Nm as it does in the Ranger, but – while Ford hasn’t released figures – it may bring improved fuel economy as a trade-off.Other changes for the 2026 Everest see a new entry-level Active model grade replace the previous Ambiente, both names previously used on Ford’s passenger cars in Australia including the Focus, which it no longer sells. The Active starts the revised four-model grade Everest lineup and sits below the Sport – the most popular model grade – with the range capped by the tougher Tremor and more luxurious Platinum variants. Along with the departure of the Ambiente, the Wildtrak and Trend variants have been axed, and while the limited-run Black Edition returns on the Ranger ute as a full-time model for 2026, the Everest hasn’t followed suit.Exterior and interior changes see new ‘design themes’, according to Ford Australia, with standard equipment including 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, privacy glass and a tyre pressure monitoring system. There are also two new colours – Alabaster White, offered on Sport and Platinum, and Acacia Green, which is exclusive to Everest Platinum for $975 including Luxury Car Tax (LCT).Under the bonnet, the Everest Active and Sport come with the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder as standard with the 184kW/600Nm 3.0-litre V6 an option. The top Tremor and Platinum models come exclusively with the V6. The new engine sees the Everest Active come in at $58,990 before on-road costs, making it $500 less than the Ambiente it replaces – but with 4×2 Everest models axed earlier, the range starts at around $5000 more than 12 months ago. Five seats are standard on the Active with a seven-seat layout available for an additional $1350. All model grades above Active come standard with third-row seating, though there’s a no-cost third-row delete option on the Tremor.Opting for the V6 on the Active or the Sport adds a significant $8000 to the price, with the Sport V6 now costing $1000 more. However, the new single-turbo four-cylinder is $2200 less than the outgoing Sport Bi-Turbo at $68,990 before on-roads.The Sport and Tremor now come with a surround-view camera as standard, while the Tremor now includes as standard the ‘premium seat pack’ with a heated and ventilated front seats featuring 10-way power adjustment for the driver and eight-way power adjustment for the passenger.The Everest Tremor and Platinum have also copped price rises of $1550 and $500 to be priced at $79,990 and $83,490 before on-road costs, respectively. Ford Australia has said it will release more detailed specifications and equipment details closer to the 2026 Everest’s arrival in local showrooms mid-next year. Year-to-date Everest has made up almost 28 per cent of Ford Australia’s total sales and is having another record run after it knocked off the Toyota LandCruiser Prado in 2024 – although the Prado has crept ahead this year. PricingModelPrice before on-road costs2026 Ford Everest Active 2.0L$58,990 (NEW)2026 Ford Everest Active V6$66,990 (NEW)2026 Ford Everest Sport 2.0L$68,9902026 Ford Everest Sport V6$76,990 (+$1000)2026 Ford Everest Tremor V6$79,990 (+$1550)2026 Ford Everest Platinum V6$83,490 (+$500)MORE: Explore the Ford Everest showroom
