Don’t be fooled – this isn’t just another Ranger with new shocks and a sticker pack. The 2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty is almost an entirely new ute under that familiar body, with nearly every nut, bolt, bracket, and component upgraded for heavy-duty commercial use. Conceived, designed, engineered, developed, tested, and launched in Australia, it stands as a testament to local ingenuity since the end of domestic manufacturing in 2017.
This development follows the discontinuation of the Nissan GU Patrol ute nearly a decade ago, leaving Toyota’s LandCruiser 70 Series to dominate the heavy-duty commercial ute segment. The Ranger Super Duty is not just a typical ute; it has been crafted specifically for blue-collar industries requiring robust work vehicles capable of enduring harsh conditions.
The Engineering Behind the Super Duty
Underneath its familiar exterior, the Ranger Super Duty boasts a ladder-frame chassis made from thicker, reinforced steel. The suspension arms are crafted from thick cast aluminium, and the rear differential, borrowed from a Transit and upgraded, works with driveshafts that power eight-stud wheel hubs from the F-250 Super Duty.
Furthermore, the Super Duty features lengthened and strengthened rear leaf springs, larger brakes, a more powerful engine cooling fan, and a retuned transmission. The long-range fuel tank is armored with 4mm plating, ensuring durability even in the toughest environments.
“The chassis upgrades mean the Ranger Super Duty has a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 4500kg, the maximum weight possible before a truck licence is needed.”
These enhancements ensure the vehicle can handle significant weight, be it towing or in the tray, while maintaining robustness and reliability.
Modern Technology Meets Rugged Design
Despite its rugged build, the Ranger Super Duty does not sacrifice modern technology. It includes a standalone Driver Assist Technology bar at the rear, ensuring that features like rear parking sensors and reversing cameras remain functional even when a tray or box is fitted. Onboard weight scales and towing aids further enhance its utility.
The interior, while not luxurious, is well-equipped with dual-zone climate control, an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12-inch portrait infotainment screen, and wireless connectivity options. Practical features like an electric brake controller and auxiliary switches add to its functionality.
Pricing and Market Position
Prices for the Ranger Super Duty start at $82,990 for the single-cab, with the dual-cab priced at $89,990. The extra-cab, or Super Cab, is available for $86,490. While these prices are for the cab/chassis versions, buyers will need to invest in a tray, which starts at $6078 from the factory.
Compared to similar offerings like the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series, the Ranger Super Duty presents a compelling value proposition, especially considering its exemption from the Luxury Car Tax.
Performance and Driving Experience
Under the bonnet, the Ranger Super Duty is powered by a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6, producing 154kW and 600Nm of torque. This engine, while detuned from the standard Ranger, provides ample power for heavy-duty tasks. The vehicle’s eight-tonne GCM places it in the N2 classification for commercial vehicles, necessitating the use of AdBlue for emissions reduction.
The driving experience is notably smooth, with the extra weight contributing to a comfortable ride. The 10-speed automatic transmission, familiar from the standard Ranger, is praised for its reliability and efficiency in managing the vehicle’s power.
“The Ranger Super Duty’s ride and handling are surprisingly refined, with the vehicle absorbing impacts and providing a stable driving experience even on challenging terrains.”
Safety and Reliability
Safety is a priority for the Ranger Super Duty, featuring adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera. While its ANCAP rating is yet to be determined, these features suggest a strong safety profile.
Ford offers a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, with up to seven years of roadside assistance, ensuring peace of mind for owners. Service intervals are set at 15,000km or 12 months, with capped-price servicing available.
The Road Ahead
The Ranger Super Duty represents a significant step forward for Ford in the heavy-duty ute market. Its combination of rugged engineering, modern technology, and competitive pricing makes it a strong contender against established players like the LandCruiser 70 Series.
As Ford continues to innovate and respond to market demands, the Ranger Super Duty is poised to become a favorite among industries requiring reliable and capable work vehicles. Its success will ultimately be determined by its performance in real-world conditions and its ability to meet the needs of its target audience.
With the Ranger Super Duty, Ford has not only delivered a vehicle that meets the demands of tough Australian conditions but also showcased the capabilities of its local engineering team. It stands as a proud testament to the enduring legacy of Australian automotive expertise.
