The 2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty is (going to be) here to take heavy-duty utility to the next level. It’s the most capable Ranger ever built—tougher, stronger, and notably more expensive than anything we’ve seen in the line-up before. From eye-watering towing figures to serious hardware upgrades, this version of the Ford Ranger is geared toward those who mean business. Whether you’re hauling loads for work or heading off the beaten path, here are ten things you should know about this beefed-up ute.
It’s the most expensive diesel Ford Ranger ever sold in Australia
Let’s start with the headline: price. The Ford Ranger Super Duty won’t come cheap. The most affordable variant—the single-cab chassis—starts at $82,990 before on-road costs. The Super Cab chassis steps up to $86,490, while the dual-cab chassis will set you back $89,990. Once you add tray costs, registration, stamp duty, and dealer delivery, you’re looking at a drive-away cost that edges close to or even surpasses $100,000. That officially makes it the most expensive diesel-powered Ford Ranger ever sold in Australia.
It can tow up to 4.5 tonnes
The standout feature of the Ford Ranger Super Duty is its braked towing capacity of 4500kg, achieved using Ford’s genuine towing hardware. That’s 1 tonne more than a standard Ford Ranger and puts it in the same league as full-sized American pickups like the Ford F-150. It also boasts an 8000kg gross combination mass (GCM) and a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 4500kg—serious numbers for serious work.
It has a purpose-tuned 3.0L V6 diesel
Under the bonnet sits a familiar 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine, but it’s been detuned from 184kW to 154kW, while torque remains unchanged at 600Nm. This might sound like a downgrade on paper, but the changes are designed to make the engine more durable under heavy loads and compliant with Euro VI emissions standards, which include the requirement for AdBlue exhaust fluid.
Practical and rugged drivetrain
All Ford Ranger Super Duty variants are paired with Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission which is easy to use in almost any driving conditions, and a full-time four-wheel drive system. To handle demanding terrain, Ford has also equipped the ute with front and rear locking differentials, giving it the hardware edge for off-road or slippery-site work. Whether you’re navigating rocky trails or towing uphill, this drivetrain is built to cope.
It’s bigger and built tougher than the regular Ford Ranger
Everything about the Ford Ranger Super Duty is scaled up. It rides on 33-inch all-terrain tyres mounted on eight-lug 18-inch steel wheels—a key giveaway that this is no ordinary Ranger. The suspension is raised, the chassis has been strengthened, and the track width has been widened to match the Ford Ranger Raptor’s footprint. Ground clearance is up too: 295mm to 299mm depending on the cab style. It’s also got extra underbody protection to prevent damage in rough conditions.
The payload capacity is massive
Ford hasn’t just focused on towing. The payload figures are some of the best in the segment:
- Up to 1982kg for the single-cab chassis
- Up to 1896kg for the Super Cab
- Up to 1825kg for the dual-cab chassis
For reference, a regular Ford Ranger XLT V6 dual-cab chassis can handle around 1150kg, so this is a huge jump in capability.
Ready for duty with unique styling
Visually too, the Ford Ranger Super Duty separates itself from the rest of the Ford Ranger line-up. It sports a new bonnet, chunky wheel arches, a unique front grille, and black plastic flares. A sealed snorkel comes standard for deep-water fording, and distinctive eight-lug wheels give it a heavy-duty stance. One new colour—Seismic Tan—is exclusive to this variant, while others like Shadow Black, Arctic White, and Command Grey are shared across the broader Ford Ranger range.
It has a bigger fuel tank and upgraded cooling
To keep up with long-distance towing and off-road hauling, the Ford Ranger Super Duty is fitted with a 130-litre fuel tank—much larger than what’s standard in the regular Ranger. It also benefits from an upgraded cooling system that’s 25% more efficient, helping it manage engine temperatures under prolonged stress. Ford has specifically addressed concerns like engine overheating and leaks, which were issues with earlier V6s.
Get a steel tray to match your taste
Unlike regular utes that come with a tub or tray, all Ford Ranger Super Duty variants are sold as cab-chassis, meaning you’ll need to purchase a tray separately. Prices range from $5,966 to $9,376, depending on the style and finish:
- Galvanised silver trays
- Body colour trays (cost more)
- Matte black trays (most expensive)
Dual-cab pick-up and XLT grades are coming soon
The initial launch of the Ford Ranger Super Duty in Australia set for early 2026 includes just the three cab-chassis body styles—single, Super Cab, and dual-cab. Ford has confirmed that a dual-cab pick-up version with a tub, along with a better-equipped XLT grade, will arrive later in 2026. These will likely include more comfort and convenience features, appealing to buyers who want utility without compromising on creature comforts.
Final thoughts
The 2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty is not just another special edition—it’s a completely re-engineered version of the Ranger ute, built for heavy-duty work and serious off-roading. With massive towing and payload capabilities, upgraded mechanicals, and a price tag to match, it’s aimed at buyers who demand the most from their ute.
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