Ford South Africa has unveiled the updated 2026 Everest range.
Image: Supplied
Ford South Africa has updated its Everest range for 2026, introducing a revised model line-up while also confirming that the new off-road-focused Everest Tremor will arrive locally later this year.
The revised range now starts with the Everest Active, which replaces the outgoing XLT as the entry point into the line-up. Above it sits the V6-powered Sport, followed by the Wildtrak and flagship Platinum derivatives.
Ford has also confirmed that the Everest Tremor will join the local range in the fourth quarter of 2026, bringing a more specialised off-road package to the Everest family.
Inspired by the success of the Ranger Tremor, the new model will feature upgraded suspension, unique styling elements and additional terrain-focused technology.
The Everest Active is powered exclusively by Ford’s updated 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine.
Producing 125kW and 405Nm, the engine has a revised timing chain designed to improve durability. It’s offered as a rear-wheel drive or part-time four-wheel drive, with both paired to Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission.
Ford says they have recalibrated the transmission for smoother and more responsive operation. The 4x2 Active receives four selectable drive modes comprising normal, eco, tow haul and slippery, while the 4x4 version gains additional mud & ruts and sand modes along with a locking rear differential.
Despite being positioned as the entry-level Everest, driver assistance systems now include adaptive cruise control with stop and go and lane centring, features previously unavailable on lower-tier Everest models.
The safety package also includes lane keeping technologies, road edge detection, driver impairment monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, as well as front, side and curtain airbags.
It gets 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps with automatic high-beam control, black roof rails and side steps, with the 4x4 model receiving underbody protection.
Inside, the seven-seat cabin features cloth upholstery, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, smart keyless entry and push-button start.
The infotainment system comes in the form of Ford’s 12-inch touchscreen running SYNC 4 software with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, paired with an eight-inch digital instrument cluster and wireless charging.
The revised range now starts with the Everest Active, which replaces the outgoing XLT as the entry point into the line-up.
Image: Supplied
The Everest Sport remains part of the updated line-up, but now comes exclusively with Ford’s 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine.
Delivering 184kW and 600Nm, the V6 is paired with Ford’s electronically controlled on-demand four-wheel-drive system, offering selectable 2H, 4A, 4H and 4L modes, as well as a locking rear differential.
It also gains auto start-stop functionality and Ford’s electronic gear shifter.
The Sport retains its black exterior detailing and 20-inch black alloy wheels, while additional standard features include a tyre pressure monitoring system, 360-degree camera, blind spot monitoring with trailer coverage and zone lighting functionality.
Further upgrades over the Active include a powered tailgate, leather-trimmed seats and steering wheel, an eight-way power adjustable passenger seat, a 400W inverter and a windscreen-mounted USB port.
The Everest Wildtrak continues as the adventure-oriented derivative in the line-up and introduces a new Ignite Orange exterior colour unique to the model.
Changes include a black front bumper, raised roof rails, and Matrix LED headlamps with automatic levelling, previously reserved for the Platinum.
The cabin receives leather upholstery, ambient lighting, a black roof lining and a powered dual-panel panoramic moonroof, while the third row of seats now feature power-folding functionality.
At the top of the range, the Everest Platinum remains largely unchanged. It continues with 21-inch alloy wheels, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel and a 12-speaker B&O sound system.
Minor updates include painted wheel arch mouldings and the addition of a new Acacia Green paint option.
The Everest off-road focused Tremor will join the local range in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Image: Supplied
The upcoming Everest Tremor will be powered by Ford’s 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine, paired with the brand’s 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel-drive system.
Ford says the Tremor has been engineered specifically for tougher off-road use. It gets a specially developed suspension package using Bilstein position-sensitive dampers and revised springs, along with General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres.
The revised suspension and tyre combination increases ground clearance by 26mm compared with the standard Everest.
The Tremor will be the only Everest derivative fitted with a dedicated rock crawl drive mode.
Visual changes include a honeycomb grille with integrated auxiliary LED lamps, steel bash plates, heavy-duty side steps and unique Tremor badging. Command Grey will be offered as an exclusive exterior colour.
Inside, the Tremor receives leather-accented seats embossed with Tremor branding, ebony interior detailing and all-weather floor mats. It retains Everest's SYNC 4 infotainment system and full suite of driver assistance technologies.
Pricing for the Tremor will be released closer to launch.
Updated Everest Pricing