Everest Wildtrak Makes A Triumphant Return

The team at Ford has decided to dust off one of their most popular badges for another run. We’ve just got word that the Everest Wildtrak is making a comeback as a special edition for 2026. If you missed out on the last round, you’ll want to move fast because they’re only minting about a thousand of these units. It’s a familiar recipe that blends the rugged look of the Ranger Wildtrak with the wagon body we’ve come to appreciate for its family hauling and touring comfort.

The big news under the bonnet is that Ford hasn’t messed with the formula that works. We’re looking at the 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel mated to that full-time 4WD system. It’s a solid bit of gear that provides plenty of grunt for towing the caravan or overtaking on a dusty highway. The V6’s got the torque where you need it and stays relatively composed when the tracks get a bit hairy or the incline gets steep.

Flashy looks and a bit of orange flair

Visually, you’ll spot this thing coming from a mile away. It’s wearing that signature Ignite Orange paint on the nostrils and features a gloss black front bumper that gives it a pretty aggressive face. The standard kit includes 20 inch alloy wheels which look the part for a city cruiser. However, if we’re actually heading into the scrub, the low profile rubber on those big rims isn’t going to do us many favours. Thankfully, Ford is offering a no-cost swap for 18 inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tyres.

We reckon that’s the box you’ve got to tick if you’re planning on letting some air out of the tyres for a beach run or a rocky climb. Those 18s give you more sidewall to work with, which is exactly what you want for a smoother ride and better footprint off-road. The rest of the exterior gets the usual Wildtrak treatment with dark accents and bits of trim that make it look a bit more purposeful than your standard family wagon. It’s a bold aesthetic that’ll likely polarise a few people, but it definitely has presence.

More than just a pretty face inside

Stepping into the cabin, you’re greeted by more of that orange theme. The seats are leather-accented with Wildtrak lettering stitched right in, so you don’t forget what you’re driving. One of the best inclusions here is the Matrix LED headlamps. If you’ve done any night driving in the bush, you’ll know that decent lighting is worth its weight in gold. These lights have auto-levelling and dynamic bending which helps light up the corners before you’ve even turned the wheel. It’s a genuine safety win for long distance touring.

The interior also features a panoramic roof and a power-folding third row. While the sunroof is great for letting some light in, it’s the power-folding seats that’ll get the most use in the real world. We’ve all wrestled with heavy seats while trying to pack a fridge and a week’s worth of gear into the back. Being able to drop those seats at the push of a button makes the pack-down process a whole lot easier. It’s these little practical touches that make the Everest such a versatile rig for weekend escapes.

Pricing and what you actually get

Ford has priced this special edition from $79,990. That puts it just above the Sport variant in the line-up. When you consider the V6 powerplant and the level of tech packed in, it’s a competitive price point for a limited-run wagon. You can still opt for the premium towing pack if you’re planning on hauling a heavy trailer, which is a box most of us will probably end up ticking. It’s good to see Ford keeping the focus on capability rather than just sticking some stickers on the doors.

Production is kicking off in May 2026, so these things should be hitting the showroom floors shortly after. With only 1,000 units earmarked for the Australian market, they won’t be sitting around for long. It’s a bit of a niche offering, but for the buyer who wants the Ranger’s tough image with the Everest’s better rear suspension and interior space, it hits the mark. We’re keen to see how these hold up on the tracks once they start filtering out into the hands of real-world travellers.