The 2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty is set to redefine the midsize ute segment with its unmatched capability, rugged design, and advanced technology. Engineered in Australia to meet the demands of heavy-duty industries, this beefed-up Ranger promises best-in-class towing and payload capacities, positioning it as a formidable rival to full-size pickups like the Ford F-150. With initial pricing and specifications now revealed, let’s dive into what makes the Ranger Super Duty a game-changer for fleet operators, tradies, and off-road enthusiasts alike.
Ford’s Ranger has been Australia’s best-selling vehicle for the past two years, a testament to its versatility and appeal. However, the 2026 Ranger Super Duty takes the platform to new heights, blending the agility of a midsize ute with the brawn of Ford’s iconic Super Duty lineup. Developed with input from fleet managers and industries like mining, agriculture, and emergency services, this truck is designed to tackle the toughest jobs in the harshest environments.
Unlike the standard Ranger or the off-road-focused Ranger Raptor, the Super Duty variant prioritizes heavy-duty capability. It’s not just a cosmetic upgrade or a “sticker pack,” as some might fear. Ford has reinforced the chassis, upgraded the suspension, and recalibrated the powertrain to deliver performance that rivals full-size trucks. The Ranger Super Duty will be available in multiple configurations, including Single Cab Chassis, Super Cab Chassis, Double Cab Chassis, and a Double Cab Pickup, with a more luxurious XLT trim arriving mid-2026.
Pricing: A Premium for Capability
Pricing for the 2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty starts at $82,990 before on-road costs for the Single Cab Chassis, making it one of the most expensive diesel Rangers ever sold in Australia. The Super Cab Chassis is priced at $86,480, while the Double Cab Chassis comes in at $89,990—only $450 less than the Ranger Raptor’s list price. For those opting for a factory-fitted steel tray, costs range from $5,966 to $9,376 depending on the body style and color, pushing the drive-away price close to or beyond $100,000 for some variants.
The Double Cab Pickup and XLT Super Duty models, due later in 2026, are expected to command even higher prices, potentially aligning closer to the Ford F-150’s starting price of around $100,000. While the Ranger Super Duty’s cost may raise eyebrows, its class-leading specifications and purpose-built design justify the premium for buyers needing a workhorse that can handle extreme workloads.
Five color options are available initially: Arctic White, Seismic Tan (exclusive to Super Duty), Shadow Black, Command Grey, and Aluminium Metallic, with Traction Green joining the lineup in late 2026. Premium paint colors add $750 to the price.
Powertrain: Robust and Reliable
The Ranger Super Duty is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 turbo-diesel engine, a proven performer from the Ranger lineup. While Ford hasn’t disclosed exact power outputs for the Super Duty, the engine in other Ranger models produces 184kW (247 horsepower) and 600Nm (443 lb-ft) of torque. For the Super Duty, the engine has been recalibrated to meet heavy-duty emissions standards and paired with an upgraded cooling system to maintain performance under high loads.
The engine is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering smooth gear changes and optimized performance across various driving conditions. A fortified two-speed transfer case with a low-range gearset, adapted from the F-Series Super Duty, enhances durability and off-road capability. A 130-liter (34-gallon) fuel tank—50 liters larger than the standard Ranger’s—ensures fewer stops, making it ideal for remote operations.
Unmatched Capability
The Ranger Super Duty’s standout feature is its best-in-class towing and payload capacities. With a braked towing capacity of 4,500kg (9,921 lbs), it surpasses the standard Ranger’s 3,500kg and even outmuscles the base Ford F-150’s 3,810kg towing limit. The Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) is rated at 4,500kg, and the Gross Combined Mass (GCM) reaches 8,000kg (17,637 lbs), putting it in the same league as some full-size pickups.
Payload capacities are equally impressive:
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Single Cab Chassis: Up to 1,982kg
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Super Cab Chassis: Up to 1,896kg
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Double Cab Chassis: Up to 1,825kg
These figures significantly exceed the 1,150kg payload of a standard Ranger XLT V6 Double Cab Chassis. The Super Duty also boasts a front axle load rating of 1,900kg and a rear axle load rating of 2,800kg, compared to 1,490kg and 1,959kg, respectively, for the Ranger XLT.
To support its towing prowess, the Ranger Super Duty includes smart towing features like a recalibrated integrated trailer brake controller, Ford’s Pro-Trailer Backup Assist with a yaw rate sensor for faster setup, and Smart Hitch, which helps optimize towball weight and load distribution. Onboard Scales, a first for the Ranger lineup, estimate payload in real-time, ensuring safe loading.
Off-Road Prowess
The Ranger Super Duty is built to conquer rugged terrain. It features 33-inch General Grabber all-terrain tires mounted on 18-inch steel wheels with eight-stud hubs, adapted from the F-250 Super Duty for enhanced load capacity and durability. The truck’s wider track width, flared fenders, and increased ground clearance (299mm for Single Cab, 297mm for Super Cab) improve stability and approach angles. A standard Safari snorkel allows for 850mm water wading, 50mm deeper than other Ranger models.
Front and rear locking differentials, a first for a turbo-diesel Ranger, enhance traction in challenging conditions. The front differential is modified from the Bronco Raptor, while the rear differential is the largest and strongest ever fitted to a production Ranger. A heavy-duty steel bumper, front bash plate, and underbody protection shield the engine, transmission, and transfer case, making the Super Duty ready for extreme off-road work.
Design: Rugged and Purposeful
Visually, the Ranger Super Duty is a Ranger on steroids. Its “Ultimate Tough” design philosophy is evident in the embossed “Super Duty” lettering on the hood, open-weave mesh grille for improved airflow, and chamfered bonnet edges. Unique fender flares cover the wider track, and taller side mirrors improve visibility. A frame-mounted steel bumper with mounting points for driving lights adds functionality and protection.
Inside, the cabin balances work-focused utility with modern amenities. A 12-inch infotainment screen is standard, featuring auxiliary switches in the overhead console for easy accessory integration. An optional Integrated Device Mounting system supports devices up to 4kg, clearing the passenger airbag zone for safety. The “Super Duty” logo is embossed on the glovebox, reinforcing the truck’s heavy-duty identity.
Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) include front and rear parking aids, a 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking, reducing stress in demanding work environments.
Market Positioning and Availability
The Ranger Super Duty is primarily aimed at fleet customers in industries like farming, mining, and emergency services, where its size and capability fill a gap between the standard Ranger and the larger F-150. It’s not destined for the U.S. market, where the F-150 dominates, but it’s a perfect fit for Australia, New Zealand, and other regions where midsize utes are preferred for their maneuverability in tight spaces.
Orders open in Australia and New Zealand in late 2025, with deliveries starting in early 2026. The XLT Super Duty and Double Cab Pickup variants will follow mid-2026, offering more touring-focused upgrades and premium features. Full specifications and pricing for these models will be announced closer to their launch.
Competitive Landscape
The Ranger Super Duty faces competition from rivals like the Toyota HiLux, Mitsubishi Triton, and newcomers such as the Kia Tasman and BYD Shark 6. However, its 4,500kg towing capacity and 1,982kg payload set it apart, outclassing most midsize utes and even some full-size pickups. The Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series, a favorite in mining and agriculture, is a direct target, but its dated design and lower refinement can’t match the Ranger’s modern tech and comfort.
In Summary
The 2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty is a bold step forward for the midsize ute segment, offering full-size capability in a more manageable package. With pricing starting at $82,990, a 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel engine, and best-in-class towing and payload capacities, it’s a compelling choice for those who need a rugged, reliable workhorse. While its premium price may deter some, its purpose-built design, advanced technology, and off-road prowess make it a standout in Australia’s competitive ute market. As Ford continues to refine the Ranger platform, the Super Duty variant proves that midsize doesn’t mean small on capability.