2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty: Heavy-Duty Mid-Size Ute Unveiled

Ford has officially announced the introduction of its latest addition to the Ranger lineup, the Ford Ranger Super Duty, set to arrive in early 2026. This new heavy-duty variant is poised to enter the fiercely competitive mid-size ute segment, which has recently seen the arrival of contenders like the BYD Shark 6 and the soon-to-launch Kia Tasman ute. As Ford looks to up the ante, the Ranger Super Duty is designed to cater to industries requiring unparalleled towing and load capabilities, pushing the boundaries of what a mid-size ute can offer.

Confirmed Specifications: Towing, GVM, and GCM

According to Ford, the Ranger Super Duty brings a new level of work-ready capability to the mid-size truck market. The only confirmed details so far focus on its exceptional towing and carrying capacities:

• Braked Towing Capacity: Up to 4,500kg, which aligns with the larger Ford F-150 and surpasses competitors like the Toyota HiLux and Mitsubishi Triton, which max out at 3,500kg.
• Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM): Rated at 4,500kg, allowing owners to carry significantly heavier loads than the existing Ranger Wildtrak V6, which tops out at 3,350kg.
• Gross Combined Mass (GCM): A total combined load capacity of 8,000kg, enabling drivers to tow heavy trailers while fully loading the tray. For comparison, the Wildtrak V6 offers a GCM of 6,400kg, meaning the Super Duty provides an additional 1,600kg of combined capacity.

These figures alone put the Ranger Super Duty in a class of its own, aimed at those in sectors like agriculture, forestry, emergency services, and construction.

A New Category of Mid-Size Utes

The introduction of the Ranger Super Duty marks a significant shift for Ford, expanding the "Super Duty" badge beyond its traditional use on larger F-Series trucks like the F-250 and F-350. The decision to bring Super Duty capabilities to a mid-size ute signals a bold new direction, combining the rugged durability of Ford’s heaviest hitters with the practicality of a mid-size vehicle.

According to Ford, the development of this model was driven by direct collaboration with fleet operators who need more from their vehicles. Sondra Sutton Phung, Ford’s Global Truck General Manager, emphasized that the Ranger Super Duty was designed based on customer feedback:

“This work-ready vehicle will give owners the flexibility they need to get the big jobs done, with the confidence of a factory-backed warranty,” she said.

Tailored for Tough Environments and Heavy Loads

Ford’s IMG Product Development team, comprising over 1,500 designers and engineers based in Australia, played a central role in developing the Ranger Super Duty. The model will be manufactured in Thailand and distributed globally, with a focus on meeting the unique demands of fleet operators in industries like mining, utilities, and emergency services.

While Ford has yet to disclose full specifications, the Super Duty is expected to feature:

• Heavy-duty suspension upgrades, including reinforced shocks and leaf springs to handle heavier loads.
• Full-time 4WD with locking differentials, ensuring maximum traction in off-road and job site environments.
• All-terrain drive modes, such as Sand, Mud, and Rock, potentially with a new Heavy Load mode to optimize performance when carrying maximum payloads.

These enhancements suggest that the Super Duty will be the most capable off-road Ranger to date, designed not just for recreational off-roading but for serious work in rugged terrains.

Speculating on the Engine Lineup

While Ford has not confirmed which engines will power the Ranger Super Duty, it is likely to feature options from the current Ranger lineup, potentially with performance upgrades:

1. 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo Diesel: Currently producing 154kW and 500Nm in the Ranger lineup, though this engine may struggle with the heavy-duty demands of the Super Duty’s target market.
2. 3.0-litre V6 Turbo-Diesel: Already used in the Ranger Wildtrak V6, delivering 184kW and 600Nm. Ford may fine-tune this engine to produce even more torque to handle the Super Duty’s increased towing and payload requirements.
3. Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV): The upcoming Ranger PHEV, combining a 2.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor, could also be a candidate. Ford has hinted that this setup will offer more torque than the current V6 diesel, potentially making it an ideal option for fleet operators looking to reduce fuel consumption while maintaining capability.

Off-Road Capabilities: Built Tough for Australian Conditions

Ford’s focus on customer feedback suggests the Ranger Super Duty will come equipped with features designed to maximize off-road performance and ease of use for fleet operators:

• Onboard scales to help monitor payload in real-time, ensuring compliance with legal weight limits.
• Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, designed to simplify the process of towing heavy loads.
• An interior built with durable materials to withstand tough work conditions, likely including vinyl floors and heavy-duty upholstery.

Andrew Birkic, Ford’s President and CEO for Australia and New Zealand, highlighted the company's commitment to meeting the needs of heavy-duty users:

“As we move closer to launch, we will continue to work closely with fleets and vehicle modifiers across Australia to ensure that Ranger Super Duty does everything they expect it to, and so much more,” Birkic stated.

Inside the Cabin: Balancing Work and Comfort

While Ford has yet to reveal full interior details, it is expected that the Super Duty will retain the tech-focused features found in the standard Ranger lineup, with added practical enhancements for heavy-duty use:

• 12-inch SYNC 4 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Additional power outlets for charging tools and devices on the job.
• Potential upgrades like Pro Power Onboard, allowing users to power tools directly from the vehicle.

Launch Timeline and Expected Pricing

The Ford Ranger Super Duty is slated for a global release in early 2026. While Ford has not disclosed pricing details, industry sources anticipate a starting price north of $80,000, reflecting its enhanced capabilities and specialized focus. Given the growing excitement, it’s likely that Ford dealerships will begin taking pre-orders in the months leading up to its official launch.

By introducing the Ranger Super Duty, Ford is poised to redefine the mid-size ute segment, filling a gap between traditional utes and full-size trucks. The combination of heavy-duty performance, advanced technology, and off-road capability is set to appeal to tradies, fleet operators, and those in industries that demand more from their vehicles.

As Ford continues to refine the Ranger Super Duty in collaboration with fleet customers, this new model is expected to become a game-changer, setting new standards for what mid-size trucks can achieve in both work and off-road environments.