Hardcore Hauling: Ford unleashes 2026 Ranger Super Duty

Ford is looking to make a new playing field in the mid-size pickup truck segment in the same way they did with the Ranger Raptor.

The Blue Oval has revealed the Ford Ranger Super Duty. As the name suggests, it’s the commercial grade but consumer-friendly version of the Ranger designed for heavy-duty use. Developed and torture-tested in the same proving grounds as the F-Series Super Duty trucks, the Ranger Super Duty comes with plenty of groundbreaking features for a pickup truck.

In terms of looks, the Ranger Super Duty won’t look lanky beside a Ranger Raptor. In fact, it does look more imposing with the wider fender flares, the 33-inch all-terrain tires, the generous use of flat black trims, and the snorkel that comes as a standard feature for all the Super Duty Ranger variants. But underneath the skin, there’s more to discover about the Super Duty.

When we talk numbers, the Ranger Super Duty has a 4500 kg-rated gross vehicle mass, 4500 kg-rated maximum braked towing capacity, and 8000 kg gross combined mass. Ford has basically maximized the capabilities of the Ranger platform as a workhorse, creating a unique ladder frame to provide increased strength, performance, and load-carrying capacity.

Speaking of hauling and towing, the Ranger Super Duty debuts Ford’s Smart Hitch and onboard scales to help owners better understand optimum load distribution and estimate their payload via the infotainment screen.

In terms of durability, the suspension mounts, box mount brackets, and tow bar mounts have been reinforced along with thick underchassis bash plates to shield the engine, front differential, transfer case, transmission, and fuel tank from impact damage when driving off-road.

Ford says they have also used beefier differentials and stronger driveshafts for the Ranger Super Duty, utilizing the Bronco Raptor’s front diffs and a bigger solid axle at the rear to take on heavy abuse. Both the front and rear feature locking differentials are rated for off-road use and come in 8-stud wheel hubs with larger bolts for better load-bearing capabilities.

Powering the Ranger Super Duty is the 3.0-liter Power Stroke V6 turbodiesel found in the Wildtrak and Everest Platinum variants in Thailand. While Ford has not yet revealed exact power figures, the one on the existing models already puts out 250 PS at 3250 rpm and 600 Nm of torque from 1750-2250 rpm. We won't be surprised if the Ranger Super Duty cranks out more power and torque than the regular V6 diesel models.

Ford says they improved the cooling system to maximize airflow under heavy load, and have also increased the fuel tank capacity from 80 liters to 130 liters for long haul purposes. Like other top Ranger variants, the Super Duty has the advanced 4WD system with six selectable drive modes and a two-speed transfer case.

Australia and New Zealand will get first dibs on the Ford Ranger Super Duty by 2026, where the former gets single cab-chassis, super cab-chassis, double cab-chassis, and a double-cab pickup body styles.

Other markets, such as Thailand, should follow at a later date. Only then will we know if the Ranger Super Duty will be offered in the Philippine market. But considering its off-road pedigree and its heavy-duty capabilities, there’s definitely a market for the Super Duty in the country.