The staple engine of Ford’s utility and its SUV sister ship is being dropped, in favour of a revised single turbo unit, and more versions are taking the oiler V6.

ANTICIPATION the biturbo 2.0-litre diesel that has been a stalwart of the Ford Ranger will be phased out in favour of a same-capacity single turbo unit has been confirmed by the make.

Revision to the type’s alternate oiler, the 3.0-litre V6, are also incoming and it set to be shared with more versions that it presently occupies.

Ford has yet to explain what additional variants will benefit. The changes go for Everest as well as the one tonne utility and will effect in the first half of next year.

No outputs, economy figures of CO2 counts have been given in Ford’s announcement, made today.

The 154kW/500Nm biturbo has been a massive ingredient of Ranger’s story, and is known for its refinement, good performance and reasonable economy.

In current format, the single turbo diesel makes 125kW/405Nm while the V6 diesel has 184kW/600Nm.

Ford also says all Ranger are going to zero in on the 10-speed automatic that already proliferates most versions of the ute and all Everest types. The six-speed auto that has been in base Rangers is retiring.

The single turbo four-cylinder diesel will achieve a new fuel injection system. Ford has also identified a revision for the timing chain. Intent is to deliver improved durability and performance, “giving customers a capable and affordable powertrain option.”

Discordant comment about the perceived inadequacy of the four-pot unit running a wet belt timing chain set-up has become an on-line debate for Ford fans.

Ford has indicated no change for Ranger Raptor’s twin-turbo 292kW/593Nm 3.0-litre petrol V6 or for the recently released Ranger PHEV, which has a 2.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine and 75kW electric motor, making 207kW and 697Nm all up.

“By focusing on the newly updated 2.0L turbo diesel and expanding the availability of our popular 3.0L V6, we're giving customers more access to the power, torque, and refinement they love, whether they're on the job site or heading out for a weekend adventure," said Mathew Slade, Ford NZ marketing director.

Wider availability of the V6 turbodiesel has been described being a significant move for fleet and work customers.

Full details of the revised lineup will be shared in late 2025 with first arrivals expected mid-2026.

Ford’s announcement comes ahead of Toyota being set to show off the much-anticipated revised look and technical details of the 2026 edition of Ranger’s biggest rival, the Hilux. That occurs on November 11.

It’s said to gain a redesigned exterior and refreshed cabin layout and ride on an upgraded platform with a mild-hybrid diesel powertrain.