New Ford Everest Active and Tremor join expanded range
The Everest is an important model for Ford South Africa, so getting the formula right is essential. For 2026, the marque has expanded the range with a new entry-level Active, upgrades to the Sport, Wildtrak and Platinum, and a more serious off-road option in the form of the upcoming Tremor.
The biggest change to the range is the introduction of the Everest Active, which replaces the XLT as the entry-level model. It’s a straightforward setup. You get a 2.0-litre single-turbodiesel engine with 125kW and 405Nm powering both 4×2 and 4×4 versions and a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Despite sitting at the bottom of the range, the Active doesn’t feel particularly entry-level. You still get the usual Ford tech, including a 12-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
The Everest Sport, on the other hand, wields the same 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 with 184kW and 600Nm, but adds a 360-degree camera, a blind spot information system with trailer coverage, a tyre pressure monitoring system, zone lighting, a powered tailgate and upgraded interior appointments.
The Wildtrak is the more adventurous-looking option in the range, and it gets a few upgrades to match. There’s a new Ignite Orange paint colour, Matrix LED headlights, powered third-row seats, a premium leather interior and a panoramic glass roof. Mechanically, though, it sticks with the proven 3.0-litre V6 and 10-speed automatic, which is probably not a bad thing.
At the top of the range sits the Platinum, which gets a few subtle styling changes for 2026 and no mechanical tweaks. There’s a new Acacia Green paint option, while the revised headlights with LED daytime running lights mirror those on the Ranger Platinum. The satin metallic silver grille bar and gloss-black section below the number plate add a bit more visual contrast. It’s not a dramatic makeover, and Ford hasn’t messed with what works.
Probably the most interesting new addition is the Tremor, which is slated to arrive in SA before the end of the year to cater for adventure-focused buyers. Like the Ranger Tremor, this one also features Bilstein Position-Sensitive Dampers, bespoke off-road suspension tuning, and General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres. It sits 26mm higher than the standard Everest and gains a Rock Crawl Drive Mode for improved capability on loose and rocky terrain.
It’s easy to spot the Tremor in the Everest line-up, thanks to its honeycomb grille with auxiliary LED lamps, steel bash plate, heavy-duty side steps and Tremor badging. There’s also an exclusive Command Grey paint to help it standout.
Inside, things remain largely familiar, with Tremor-embossed leather-accented seats, ebony finishes and all-weather floor mats adding a more rugged touch.
Underneath, it gets the same 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel as the other V6 models, producing 184kW and 600Nm. It’s paired with a 10-speed automatic and four-wheel-drive, while the 3,500kg maximum braked towing capacity remains unchanged.
For a model this important to Ford SA, that appears to be the right approach. Ford is improving what works, giving buyers more choice and, importantly, not fixing what isn’t broken. The Everest already has a strong formula, and these updates make the range broader and more appealing without changing its character.
Pricing
- Everest Active 2.0L 4×2: R825,000
- Everest Active 2.0L 4×4: R875,000
- Everest Sport V6 4WD: R1,149,000
- Everest Wildtrak V6 4WD: R1,244,000
- Everest Platinum V6 4WD: R1,340,000
