Ford Ranger 2.3T (2026) Launch Review
The Ford Ranger 2.3T forms part of the updated Ranger line-up and it has just gone on sale. We took it for a quick drive at its local media debut in Oudtshoorn.
The Ford Ranger has been given a refresh, with the Blue Oval brand tweaking the range and offering more value, but the headline act is the local debut of the 2.3-litre turbocharged EcoBoost petrol engine.
Given its popularity as South Africa’s best-selling double-cab bakkie, the MY26 Ranger looks set to continue its sales success.
What’s new?
Granted, as it’s not quite a facelift but rather a model-year upgrade, visual changes are subtle. There are two new colours (Ignite Orange and Acacia Green), new wheel designs and body-coloured accents.
The standard equipment levels have been upgraded, too, with the 12-inch portrait infotainment screen and dual-zone climate control standard across the double-cab Ranger range. Safety tech has also been increased with the XL gaining front PDC and lane-keep assist. The XLT, meanwhile, receives adaptive cruise control and BLIS with cross traffic alert. Lastly, the Wildtrak gains matrix LED lights.
In terms of powertrains, the line-up has been rejigged substantially. The 2.0-litre bi-turbodiesel falls away and more derivatives like the Tremor gain the 3.0-litre V6 diesel.
At the entry point, the 2.0-litre single-turbodiesel has been upgraded with updated fuel system and has switched from a wet belt to a timing chain. Outputs are 125 kW and 405 Nm, and customers can choose from a 6-speed manual gearbox or 10-speed automatic, which is now the only auto available.
The subject of this driving event, however, was the local debut of the 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with 222 kW and 452 Nm. This is the powertrain of choice for Rangers sold in the United States and, yes, earlier versions of this motor powered both the Mustang and Ford Focus RS. That gives you some indication of positioning.
What’s on offer?
As before, the line-up comprises XL, XLT, Wildtrak, Tremor and Platinum, but its worth mentioning that the Wildtrak-X has become an option pack as opposed to a standalone model. New for MY26 and the Ranger range is the debut of Sport trim, which is available with the 2.3T petrol and 3.0 V6 diesel.
The standard features list is impressive, with the likes of a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, zone lighting, 240V power in the load bed, navigation, tyre-pressure monitoring and 8-way power adjustable driver seat as some of the standout items.
What is the Ford Ranger 2.3T like to drive?
We had the chance to drive the new Ford Ranger 2.3T in and around the Oudtshoorn area, including the famously spectacular Swartberg Pass and Meiringspoort canyon road. These are well worth visiting if you’re in the area, but our road trip was affected by an early winter storm, which made Swartberg Pass’ gravel sections a touch sketchy.
Enough of that, though. You’re probably all wondering about the pace and, given the recent fuel price news, the economy. With 222 kW and 452 Nm underfoot, the Ford Ranger 2.3T doesn’t hesitate to put down all that power and delivers it all in a smooth and linear fashion.
We didn’t get the chance to conduct a 0-100 kph sprint, but we estimate it should dispatch that in around 7.5 seconds. Quick for a double-cab bakkie!
Of more relevance is its in-gear capabilities and we had the chance to assess that when overtaking slower traffic. The gearbox with its 10 ratios coped well, but we still feel there are 1 or 2 unnecessary gears slightly hindering performance. Essentially, the transmission has to kick down a few gears too many before unleashing that torquey and rev-happy engine. Given the engine and sporty trim, we would have liked a sport mode to further reinforce the sporty aspirations, but you get normal, tow, slippery, and eco.
Which brings us to the elephant in the room… We’ll be the first to admit that we had concerns this was going to be a very thirsty vehicle, given its mass and poor aerodynamics. We’re happy to report an average of 11.2 L/100 km over a day’s worth of travel and we weren’t shy with our overtakes, nor did we use eco mode. In an urban environment, 12.0 L/100 km would be our prediction, which isn’t an awful compromise given the performance offered.
The new engine is punchy, but we do wish given its lofty outputs and sporty aspirations that there was a bit more soul coming from both the engine and the exhaust. Ford SA staff even joked that the newcomer is a ‘baby Raptor.’ It wouldn’t surprise us in the slightest if some aftermarket exhausts made their way onto the vehicle. That said, engine noise levels are commendably low, if you favour quietness.
Interestingly the new Ranger 2.3T is available only in 4×2 auto configuration, but if you do frequent those gravel trails, there is a lockable rear differential to assist.
Summary
The inclusion of the Ford Ranger 2.3T in the MY26 lineup is an interesting exercise. Traditionally, the double-cab market has favoured the torque and efficiency of a diesel powertrain, especially when it comes to towing things. But, given the surging price of diesel, we reckon there’ll be considerable interest in this new engine.
The rest of the updates and upgrades form part of Ford’s realignment strategy for the Ranger, having learnt what customers want and not having the multiple option packs which added complexity. The pricing hasn’t changed dramatically; in some cases, it remains the same or less.
How much does the Ford Ranger 2.3 cost in South Africa?
| Double-cab derivative | Price |
| Ranger 2.0 SiT Double Cab XL 6MT 4×2 | R621 000 (unchanged) |
| Ranger 2.0 SiT Double Cab XL 10AT 4×2 | R651 500 (up R6 000) |
| Ranger 2.0 SiT Double Cab XLT 10AT 4×2 | R699 500 (up R17 000) |
| Ranger 2.0 SiT Double Cab XL 6MT 4×4 | R704 000 (unchanged) |
| Ranger 2.0 SiT Double Cab XL 10AT 4×4 | R735 000 (up R4 500) |
| Ranger 2.0 SiT Double Cab XLT 10AT 4×4 | R788 500 (up R21 500) |
| Ranger 2.3T Double Cab Sport 10AT 4×2 | R839 600 (new derivative) |
| Ranger 2.3T Double Cab Wildtrak 10AT 4×2 | R899 000 (new derivative) |
| Ranger 3.0TD V6 Double Cab Sport 10AT 4×4 | R995 000 (new derivative) |
| Ranger 3.0TD V6 Double Cab Tremor 10AT 4×4 | R1 039 000 (new derivative) |
| Ranger 3.0TD V6 Double Cab Wildtrak 10AT 4×4 | R1 070 000 (down R18 000) |
| Ranger 3.0TD V6 Double Cab Platinum 10AT 4×4 | R1 179 500 (up R28 500) |
| Ranger 3.0T V6 Double Cab Ranger Raptor 10 AT 4×4 | R1 299 000 (up R28 000) |
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What is the price of the Ford Ranger 2.3 EcoBoost in South Africa?
As of May 2026, the Ford Ranger 2.3 EcoBoost is priced at approximately R839 600 for the Sport 4×2 and R899 000 for the Wildtrak 4×2 derivative.
How much power does the Ranger 2.3 EcoBoost produce?
The 2.3-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine delivers 222 kW of power and 452 Nm of torque. It is paired exclusively with Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission.
Is the 2.3 EcoBoost available in 4×4 in South Africa?
Currently, the 2.3 EcoBoost variants are offered in a 4×2 (Rear-Wheel Drive) configuration only. Customers requiring 4×4 capability are typically directed toward the 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo or 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel models.
What is the fuel consumption of the Ranger 2.3 petrol?
The Ford Ranger 2.3 EcoBoost has a claimed combined fuel consumption of approximately 9.3 L/100 km, though real-world figures in urban South African conditions may vary between 11.0 and 13.0 L/100 km.
What warranty and service plan is included?
The Ranger 2.3 EcoBoost comes with a 4-year/120 000 km warranty. While a service plan is no longer standard due to Right to Repair regulations, Ford offers optional Service or Maintenance Plans that can be tailored up to 8 years or 165 000 km.