Ford to drop wet belt Everest, Ranger engines

FORD Australia has announced significant changes to the powertrain offerings available in its strong-selling Everest and Ranger lines.

From the first half of 2026, the importer will no longer offer its Bi-Turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel in any Everest or Ranger variant, instead providing an “enhanced” version of its “proven” single-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder replete with a new fuel injection system and timing chain for improved durability and performance.

The announcement means the troublesome wet belt used to operate the valve train in Ford’s outgoing 2.0-litre diesel engine range is no longer.

Also no longer is the six-speed automatic transmission offered in lower grade models, which is being phased out to accommodate the more sophisticated 10-speed torque converter auto found elsewhere in the Everest and Ranger line-ups.

Finally, Ford Australia says it will offer its powerful turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 diesel in a wider range of models, adding only that “this will be the subject of a future announcement”.

“By focusing on the newly updated 2.0-litre turbo diesel and expanding the availability of our popular 3.0-litre 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 Ford Australia director of marketing Ambrose Henderson.

Mr Henderson said the Ranger Raptor, with its powerful twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine, will continue to be a standout for its performance and capability in the segment, while the recently released Ranger PHEV, with its turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and 75kW electric motor will likewise remain unchanged.

First deliveries of the revised line-up are expected in the first half of 2026 with more detail expected to be announced in due course.