By Paul Maric, Automotive Expert
Published: April 3, 2025

G’day from Ford Australia: Why This Ute Matters

G’day, ute enthusiasts! I’m Paul Maric, an automotive journalist with over a decade of experience road-testing everything from sports cars to workhorses, and today I’m buzzing to walk you through the 2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty. Unveiled at Ford’s design center in Australia—the global hub for Ranger and Everest engineering—this isn’t just another midsize ute. It’s a heavy-duty game-changer, boasting a colossal 4,500kg (10,000 lbs) towing capacity and a rugged 3.0L V6 diesel engine, crafted for tradies, fleet operators, and adventurers who demand more without stepping up to hulking American pickups like the Ram 1500 or F-150. I’ve got a stack of notes from Ford’s briefing, and I’m diving deep into its design, specs, tech, and real-world potential. Whether you’re towing trailers, hauling gear, or exploring the outback, let’s see if this 2026 release lives up to the hype. Stick with me—this is a big one!

Overview: What Makes the Ranger Super Duty Special?

The 2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty isn’t here to replace the Raptor or Wildtrak—it’s a purpose-built variant for heavy lifting. Ford Australia, leveraging its expertise in rugged vehicle design, has engineered this ute to bridge the gap between midsize utes and full-size trucks. Here’s the headline specs:

• Towing Capacity: 4,500kg (braked, with a 70mm tow ball)—matching what you’d expect from much larger pickups.
• Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM): 4,500kg, a hefty jump from the standard Ranger’s 3,350kg max.
• Gross Combined Mass (GCM): 8,000kg, meaning it can handle serious trailer loads plus payload.

Exact curb weight and payload figures are still under wraps (Ford’s keeping us guessing!), but with a beefed-up chassis, I’d wager it’ll outdo the standard Ranger’s typical 1,158kg payload. Slated for an Australian launch in 2026, it’ll roll off production lines in Thailand, with whispers of expansion to the US, South Africa, and beyond. This ute’s all about elevating durability, towing, and practicality—think of it as a midsize Super Duty with Aussie DNA.

Exterior: Tough Looks with Serious Intent

Standing at Ford’s design center, the Ranger Super Duty’s exterior hits you like a ton of bricks—in a good way. It’s rugged, purposeful, and unmistakably built for work. Here’s what I spotted during the walkaround:

• New Paint Choices: Two fresh colors steal the show—a deep, moody dark green (my pick) and a beige that feels Toyota-esque but works. They’re bold, durable hues for a tough rig.
• Grille & Logo Redesign: A massive open grille sucks in air, paired with a new Ford logo sporting white highlights—ditching the chrome for a modern, no-nonsense vibe.
• Steel Bumper: Bolted to the frame, it’s a blank canvas for aftermarket upgrades like ARB winches or bash plates—ideal for off-road recovery or worksite chaos.
• Light Truck Tires: Chunky 33-inch all-terrain LT tires on eight-stud hubs scream capability. It launches with steel wheels, but a slick alloy option (designed with brake cooling vents) drops six months later.
• Safari Snorkel: A custom collab with Safari, it’s perfect for dusty trails or water crossings—unique and functional.
• Wider Stance: Increased track width boosts stability, especially when towing or loaded to the gills.
• Rear Details: Super Duty badges are embossed across the tailgate, with a higher ride height to level out at max GVM, plus a 70mm tow ball ready for massive trailers.

Every angle—from the beefy wheel arches to the oversized wing mirrors—exudes toughness. It’s not just a pretty face; it’s a design honed for fleets and hardcore users, blending Aussie practicality with a nod to Ford’s American Super Duty lineage.

Powertrain: V6 Diesel Ready for the Grind

Pop the hood (figuratively—I didn’t get that far with this prototype!), and you’ll find a 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel engine—a familiar powerplant from the Ranger and Everest lineup, but tweaked for serious duty. Here’s the rundown:

• Power Output: Likely around 184kW (247hp) and 600Nm (443lb-ft), though Ford might juice it up—stay tuned for final figures.
• Reliability Boost: Forum gripes about turbo oil leaks? Ford says they’ve fixed that by late 2024 across the V6 range, and this Super Duty gets the same treatment. Trust me, I’ve seen the complaints—this matters.
• Cooling Upgrade: A beefier 1kW fan (up from 800W) keeps things chill under heavy towing or scorching Aussie summers.
• Fuel Capacity: A monstrous 130L fuel tank promises a range exceeding 1,000km—perfect for remote jobs or long hauls.

Mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, this V6 isn’t about blistering 0-100km/h times (leave that to the Raptor). It’s tuned for light-truck duty cycles—think relentless towing, payload hauling, and all-day work. It meets EU6 emissions standards, but its N2 light-truck rating might mean thirstier fuel use than a standard Ranger. If Ford’s nailed the reliability, this engine could be a winner for heavy-duty fans.

Chassis & Capability: Built Like a Tank

I hit the deck at the design center to scope the underbelly, and let me tell you—this chassis is a beast:

• Redesigned Frame: Almost no parts shared with the standard Ranger—it’s a ground-up rebuild for 4,500kg GVM and 8,000kg GCM.
• Heavy-Duty Suspension: Leaf springs at the rear, disc brakes all around, and standard front/rear diff locks for traction in mud or sand.
• Underbody Armor: Decent shielding plus rated recovery points—ready for off-road rescues or rocky terrain.
• Spare Tire: A full-size spare tucked underneath, because flats happen on tough jobs.
• Massive Diff: The rear differential is noticeably larger than a standard Ranger’s, built to handle the extra stress.

The wider track and elevated rear ride height (designed to flatten at max load) ensure stability, whether you’re towing a caravan or hauling a full tray. It’s a setup screaming capability for fire crews, miners, farmers, or anyone who needs a ute that won’t flinch.

Interior: Work-Focused Comfort

Inside, the Super Duty keeps the Ranger’s proven cabin layout but adds fleet-friendly twists. I couldn’t hop in (prototype rules—big red ejector switch!), but here’s what I saw:

• Vinyl Floors: Tough, washable, and ready for muddy boots or spilled coffee.
• Manual DPF Burn: A fleet-requested feature—trigger diesel particulate filter regen on demand (button or screen TBD).
• Accessory Mounts: Open spaces for screens, radios, or industry gear—think forestry or emergency setups.
• Super Duty Touch: Embossed lettering on the glovebox adds a premium feel.
• Tech Continuity: Expect the Ranger’s SYNC 4 touchscreen (10- or 12-inch), wireless charging, and digital cluster—modern but no-frills.

It’s not luxurious, and it doesn’t need to be. This cabin’s about getting the job done, keeping what works, and adding just enough to suit heavy-duty users.

Tech Highlights: Smarter Than Your Average Ute

Ford’s packed the Super Duty with tech to match its brawn:

• 360-Degree Camera: Standard across all models—essential for tight work sites or hitching trailers.
• Safety Sensors: Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts, even on tray configs, thanks to radar in the rear.
• Weight Monitoring: A standout feature—SYNC tracks payload and tow ball weight in real time, ditching manual scales for good.
• Side Indicators: Mandatory for its 3.5 T+ GVM, boosting visibility on highways or bush tracks.

These aren’t just bells and whistles—they’re practical tools for safety and efficiency, especially for fleets like forestry or emergency services.

Cab Options: Your Rig, Your Way

Flexibility’s the name of the game:

• Single Cab: Max tray space for flatbeds or specialty builds (e.g., fire trucks).
• King Cab: Extra cab room with a shorter tray—great for small crews.
• Dual Cab: The family-friendly workhorse, balancing seats and utility.

Ford’s upfitter program partners with brands like ARB to offer factory-endorsed trays, chassis builds, and accessories. Whether you need a bare-bones hauler or a kitted-out rig, the Super Duty adapts.

Pros vs. Cons: The Good & The Gritty

• Pros:
  • Unmatched 4,500kg towing in the midsize class
  • V6 diesel with reliability upgrades
  • Fleet-ready tech (weight monitoring, diff locks)
  • 1,000 km+ range with a 130L tank
  • Versatile cab and tray configs
• Cons:
  • Payload TBD—will it compete with full-size trucks?
  • Fuel economy might take a hit
  • Steel wheels at launch (alloys delayed)
  • No confirmed US launch yet

Who’s It For? Ideal Buyers

This ute’s built for a specific crowd:

• Fleet Operators: Firefighters, forestry crews, or miners needing durability and safety.
• Tradies: Plumbers, builders, or landscapers towing trailers or gear daily.
• Overlanders: Long-range explorers with heavy setups—think caravans or rooftop tents.

If you want speed or luxury, stick with the Raptor or Wildtrak. The Super Duty’s all about workhorse grit.

When & Where: Launch Details

Mark your calendars—it lands in Australia in 2026 (exact date TBD), built in Thailand. Ford’s hinted at broader markets like the US and South Africa, but nothing’s locked in. Pre-orders should open closer to launch—keep an eye on Ford dealers as 2026 approaches.

Final Verdict: A Heavyweight Contender?

The 2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty is a midsize ute with full-size dreams. Its 4,500kg towing capacity, tough-as-nails chassis, and smart tech make it a standout for anyone who needs a reliable, heavy-duty hauler. I love its rugged design and practical features, though I’d rarely tow 4.5 tons myself. If Ford’s indeed fixed the V6’s quirks, this could redefine the midsize segment, taking on bigger trucks without a sweat. What’s your call? Dig the look? Impressed by the specs? Drop a comment—I’d love your thoughts! Share this with your mates, and subscribe for more—I’m Paul Maric, signing off ‘til next time.

Specs Snapshot

• Towing: 4,500kg
• GVM: 4,500kg
• GCM: 8,000kg
• Engine: 3.0L V6 Turbo-Diesel
• Fuel Tank: 130L

Author Section

About the Author: Paul Maric

Paul Maric is an Australian automotive journalist with over 10 years of experience reviewing cars (CarExpert), trucks, and utes. Based in Melbourne, he’s known for his hands-on testing and technical insights, often straight from the source, like Ford’s design center. Passionate about rugged vehicles, Paul’s work has been featured across top car platforms, making him a trusted voice for enthusiasts and buyers alike. Follow him for more expert reviews!