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. This vehicle represents a significant evolution in the ute market, designed to meet the demands of blue-collar industries requiring robust work vehicles.
Except for the borrowed American name, the Super Duty is arguably the truest thing to a ‘proper’ Aussie ute since local manufacturing ended in 2017. Conceived, designed, engineered, developed, tested, and launched in Australia, the Ranger Super Duty fills a significant gap left by the discontinuation of the Nissan GU Patrol ute and the limited run of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class Professional.
The Evolution of the Heavy-Duty Ute
Following the discontinuation of the Nissan GU Patrol ute almost a decade ago, Toyota has dominated the heavy-duty commercial ute segment with the LandCruiser 70 Series. The introduction of the Ford Ranger Super Duty marks a significant shift in this landscape. These aren’t just normal utes; this is another level entirely, designed for industries that need vehicles capable of enduring harsh conditions and heavy loads.
Underneath its familiar exterior, the Ranger Super Duty boasts a reinforced ladder-frame chassis, thick cast aluminum suspension arms, and a rear differential borrowed from the Transit, upgraded to handle the demands of heavy-duty use. This robust construction allows the Super Duty to tackle challenging terrains and heavy loads with ease.
Technical Specifications and Features
The Ranger Super Duty is equipped with a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine, producing 154kW and 600Nm. This engine, although detuned from the standard Ranger’s 184kW, provides ample power and torque for demanding tasks. The vehicle’s gross vehicle mass (GVM) is 4500kg, with a gross combination mass (GCM) of 8000kg, a braked towing capacity of 4500kg, and a payload capability between 1825kg and 1982kg, depending on the body chosen.
“The Ranger Super Duty’s engine has been detuned, with power reduced by 30kW from the standard Ranger’s 184kW, yet it offers an additional 100Nm over Toyota’s 2.8-litre engine.”
Ford has also integrated modern technology into the Super Duty, including a standalone Driver Assist Technology bar, onboard weight scales, and helpful towing aids. These features ensure that drivers do not lose conveniences when a tray or box is fitted, maintaining safety and functionality.
Pricing and Market Position
The pricing for the Ranger Super Duty starts at $82,990 before on-road costs for the single-cab, with the dual-cab costing $89,990. The extra-cab, known as the Super Cab, is priced at $86,490. These prices are for cab/chassis models, requiring additional investment for a tray. Ford offers three option packs tailored for farm, work, or off-roading use, allowing buyers to customize their vehicles to their specific needs.
Despite the initial sharp pricing, the reality is these vehicles will cost around $90,000-$100,000 with a tray. The Ranger Super Duty offers competitive pricing compared to the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series, presenting a more affordable option for those seeking a robust work vehicle.
Interior and Comfort
Inside, the Ranger Super Duty maintains a practical and functional design. It comes with cloth seat trim, vinyl floor coverings, and essential features such as dual-zone climate control, an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12-inch portrait infotainment screen. While it lacks some luxury features, the Super Duty is well-equipped for its intended purpose.
The cabin offers ample space and comfort, with ergonomic design ensuring a comfortable driving experience even on long journeys. The inclusion of practical features like a built-in electric brake controller and auxiliary switches enhances the vehicle’s utility for work-related tasks.
Driving Experience and Performance
Driving the Ranger Super Duty is akin to handling a Ranger on a high-protein diet. The vehicle’s ride and handling are surprisingly smooth, even with its heavy-duty chassis. The extra weight contributes to a more stable ride, with the longer two-stage leaf packs enhancing comfort when unladen.
“Despite the heavy-duty chassis, the extra weight actually seems to help smooth out the ride, with no sign of those ‘bump echoes’ you can sometimes get from ladder-frame chassis utes.”
The Super Duty’s performance remains robust, with its powertrain capable of handling heavy loads and challenging terrains. While it may not match the acceleration of less robust models, it excels in towing and off-road capabilities, making it a versatile choice for demanding tasks.
Safety and Reliability
Safety is a priority for the Ranger Super Duty, with a comprehensive suite of features including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera. These features ensure a safe driving experience, whether on the road or off.
Ford’s engineers have addressed previous issues with the diesel V6 engine, ensuring reliability and longevity. While it may not match the legendary durability of older diesel engines, the Super Duty is built to withstand the rigors of heavy-duty use.
Conclusion: A New Benchmark in the Ute Market
The 2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty sets a new standard in the heavy-duty ute market. It combines robust engineering with modern technology, offering a vehicle that meets the demands of industries requiring reliable and capable work vehicles. With its competitive pricing, impressive specifications, and thoughtful design, the Ranger Super Duty is poised to challenge established players like the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series.
Ford’s Australian team has crafted a vehicle that not only meets but anticipates the needs of its users, ensuring that the Ranger Super Duty is a worthy successor to the legacy of Australian utes. As the market evolves, this vehicle represents a significant step forward in the design and functionality of heavy-duty utes.
