If you’re on the hunt for a powerful vehicle for towing, you’re in luck — Ford Australia has announced a fresh round of powertrain updates for the Ranger and Everest, including enhancements to the tried-and-true 2.0L turbo engine and expanded availability of the popular 3.0L V6 turbo diesel.
The upgrade that’s likely to get the most attention is the wider rollout of the 3.0L V6 turbo diesel. We’re very familiar with this popular and punchy engine, having most recently put it to the test on a 2000km-plus road trip with the new Ford Everest Tremor towing a Jayco van, and it’s easy to see why it’s become such a favourite. Since its debut in 2022, the V6 has earned a reputation for its smooth, quiet delivery and serious towing muscle, producing 184kW and 600Nm of power.
Ford is also making its 10-speed automatic transmission standard across all automatic Ranger and Everest variants, with the older six-speed being phased out. Based on our recent tow test of the Everest Tremor — running the same V6 and 10-speed combo — that’s good news. The gearbox shifts cleanly, feels intuitive on the freeway and holds gears confidently when there’s a van hooked up.
The new Ford Everest Tremor
The popular and powerful 3.0L V6 turbo diesel engine and 10-speed auto transmission
The 2.0L bi-turbo engine is also on the way out. Replacing it is an updated version of the 2.0L turbo diesel, now equipped with a new fuel injection system and timing chain designed to boost durability and everyday performance. It stays the more affordably entry option, but with a useful bump in long-term robustness.
“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 Ambrose Henderson, director or marketing, Ford Australia.
Beyond these updates, the rest of the range continues largely unchanged. The Ranger Raptor keeps its twin-turbo 3.0L V6 as the performance hero, while the Ranger PHEV carries on with its 2.3L EcoBoost petrol engine paired with a 75kW electric motor — plus the handy Pro Power Onboard setup that lets you power tools or appliances directly from the vehicle — check out our tow test to find out more.
Ford says more details on the expanded V6 lineup will follow, with first deliveries of the updated models expected in the first half of 2026.
If you want to see how the V6 and 10-speed auto transmission handle a van, you can dive into our Everest Tremor tow test review or watch the video below:
THE NEXT STEP
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