Ford’s New Desert-Bound SUV Packs 355 HP and a 10-Speed Automatic You Can’t Get Anywhere

Ford has revealed the 2026 Everest for the Middle East and North Africa, and the biggest story isn’t the styling — it’s what’s under the hood. The SUV debuts a region-specific 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 EcoBoost producing 355 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, paired exclusively with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

The updated 2026 Everest has been introduced specifically for the MENA market, and unlike the Australian lineup — which saw its engine range revised for 2026 and lost certain options, including a bi-turbo diesel — buyers in the Middle East and North Africa are getting a powertrain that isn’t available elsewhere. In Everest trim, the twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 delivers strong performance numbers tailored to the demands of the region.

Ford says the V6 was engineered with local conditions in mind, particularly the extreme heat typical of desert climates. The engine is offered only with the 10-speed automatic and will be available across several trims, including Active, Sport, and Platinum. The strategy makes sense: customers in the region value strong low-end torque, ample highway power, and the ability to handle sand and daily driving with equal confidence.

The launch of the 2026 Everest is part of Ford’s broader push in the Middle East. In recent months, the brand has refreshed and expanded its regional lineup while rolling out digital services such as FordPass. According to Ford, sales in the region continue to grow steadily, and the new Everest is expected to further strengthen the company’s position in the body-on-frame SUV segment — vehicles designed to perform just as well in city traffic, on the highway, and across the dunes.