It’s here. The all-new Ford Ranger Super Duty. On paper it looks like a specialist tool for mining fleets, contractors, emergency services and agriculture. But after a comprehensive test on and off road, it’s clear Ford has done more than just beef up the numbers.
The Super Duty feels purpose-built, engineered specifically to handle punishing conditions, but without becoming unwieldy or crude for everyday driving. So, yes, it is totally suitable for all of the mums and dads out there as well. Let’s take a closer look.
2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty single-cab: Specifications
Engine: 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6
Output: 154kW@3250rpm / 600Nm@1750rpm
Gearbox: 10-speed auto
Drive type: Four-wheel drive, dual-range, front & rear diff lockWheels: F & R: 18×8.5, 275/70
Tare weight: 2425kg
Power-to-weight: 15.74:1 (kg:kW)
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 130L/Diesel
Starting price: $82,990
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty: How much does it cost?
You could say this is the most Australian vehicle currently on sale. Almost all development and testing and tuning was carried out right here on Aussie soil. That’s a big bonus as it can contribute to cost-savings, as well as benefit locals, obviously, by being suitable for local conditions.
There are three main versions on sale to start with, including single-cab, space-cab, and dual-cab, all in chassis form. A ‘body-back’ or style-side pickup will launch in mid-2026, along with an XLT trim level slightly higher than this initial trio. Prices start from the following (excluding on-road costs):
2026 Ranger Super Duty single-cab-chassis: $82,990
2026 Ranger Super Duty super-cab-chassis: $86,490
2026 Ranger Super Duty double-cab-chassis: $89,990
2026 Ranger Super Duty double-cab pickup: $93,990
2026 Ranger Super Duty double-cab-chassis XLT: $95,990
2026 Ranger Super Duty double-cab pickup XLT: $99,990
2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty: Interior & packaging
Step into the Super Duty and it’s immediately familiar, because Ford has intentionally kept the cabin aligned with the regular Ranger. That’s an advantage for fleet operators and drivers who rotate between vehicles – there’s no disconnect between the everyday dual-cab and this heavy-duty derivative.
All of the key touchpoints are carried over; the large vertical infotainment screen, the digital instrument cluster, the broad centre console and upright and boxy dash, and the well-sorted storage layout including passenger-side dash tray and dual gloveboxes, perfect for work gloves and CB radios and so on.
Visibility benefits from the Ranger’s upright glasshouse, and the seating remains supportive enough for long stints – Ford says its engineers spent considerable time honing the seat shape and cushion specifically for long-distance driving.
Importantly, Ford retains its modern driver-assist suite, including adaptive cruise and lane-keeping aids, meaning the Super Duty behaves like a mainstream dual-cab on the highway rather than something edging into small truck territory.
Load-related packaging is where things diverge from the standard model. With a huge 8000kg gross combination mass (GCM), 4500kg GVM, and 4500kg braked towing capacity, it easily out-shines all of its main competitors.
You could say this is a parts-bin special, because, yes, a lot of the components are from Ford’s wider showroom. The front hubs are based on those from an F-250, for example, while the front diff is based on the Bronco Raptor’s diff. You’ve also got eight-stud hubs from pickup trucks, a 10-inch rear diff similar to the diff found in those big Transit vans, and the overall dimensions are similar to the Ranger Raptor.
These all sound like pretty tasty enhancements, regardless of where they come from. And that’s part of the reason why the starting prices are not ridiculously high; Ford has such a huge fleet, engineers were able to select from existing stuff on the shelf rather than start from scratch – other brands can’t compete in this regard.
There are plenty of bespoke areas as well, such as a custom K-frame under the gearbox which is beefier than the standard Ranger’s K-frame. The steering box is unique, as are the front suspension swing-arms (made from cast aluminium instead of pressed steel), and the actual chassis rails are thicker, with an integrated tow bar frame forming part of the chassis.
You’ve also got 18-inch steel wheels for durability, wrapped in 33-inch General Grabber all-terrain tyres, and lifted suspension providing at least 295mm of ground clearance (single- and space-cab offer 299mm and 297mm). The approach angle is very impressive, at 36 degrees, and the water wading depth is 850mm. Front and rear diff locks come as standard as well, just in case you want to explore the outer reaches of civilisation.
There’s even protection plates underneath that are thick enough to withstand the GVM, such as the plate under the larger 130L fuel tank – you could literally balance the vehicle on a rock, solely on the protection plate under the tank… not that we’d recommend doing that on purpose.
2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty: Powertrain & handling
On the road, what’s notable is how little the uprated hardware underneath interferes with the Ranger’s refinement. Despite a massively reinforced frame and the addition of much heavier-duty axles, hubs and suspension, noise and vibration levels remain almost unchanged. It feels like a consumer-focused package, not a stripped-back work truck.
While it feels more robust and slightly firmer than a regular Ranger in terms of suspension tune, it’s far from punishing. Body control is tidy, and the steering remains predictable even with the upgraded front end. And that’s without any load on board. Stack some tools in the back and the ride only gets better. But, honestly, I’ve driven some single-cab courier-style utes, such as the D-Max SX, that are way more rigid and jiggly than this.
Power continues to come from Ford’s 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6, producing 154kW and 600Nm, paired with the familiar 10-speed automatic. Although more oomph would have been nice, especially if you’re planning to utilise the full load capacities regularly, this V6 is at least very smooth and quiet.
That’s going to help when you’re spending long hours behind the wheel. We spoke to Ford about why it didn’t upgrade the engine (in terms of power), and, basically, they said because this V6 has been tuned for torque not power. Having a universal engine also means parts are going to be easier to source when in remote areas.
With a shorter final drive ratio and a revised transmission, performance feels pretty much the same as the regular Ranger V6. Probably a second or two slower across the 0-100km/h sprint specifically, but in day-to-day conditions, it doesn’t feel that much different.
It’s all in the calibration, and there is considerable thermal management improvements as well to ensure this powertrain can hold together even when carrying such heavy loads. For me though, it’s the sound that pleases most. At this end of the segment, where refinement and noise-suppression often falls behind brute simplicity, this is actually pleasant to drive along a highway.
On bumpy and technical tracks (albeit custom-made for this vehicle, including for its dimensions), the Super Duty never felt overwhelmed. This thing is an absolute beast. Lock the front and rear diffs and, seriously, find the hardest line you can, because this is likely to smash up or over it with ease. I’m keen to test one soon on our usual hill climb. Stay tuned.
2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty: First impressions
Ranger Super Duty is not simply a stronger Ranger. It’s been engineered from the ground up for operators who genuinely need extreme capacity – whether that’s mining crews, emergency services, agricultural contractors, or trades working with heavy trailers.
But what stands out is how un-intimidating it is to drive. The upgraded chassis hardware, extra ground clearance, lockers and heavier-duty suspension over the regular Ranger give it exceptional capability, yet on the road it behaves almost exactly like the regular Ranger. In that, it remains one of the best handling utes on sale, with good steering feel and a reasonably comfortable ride compared with rivals.
If you need a tough truck, this is an option that deserves a closer look – Ford has clearly done its homework with this one. Ford offers a wide range of accessories and add-ons to suit your needs and wants as well, and all backed by the factory warranty.
2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty: Video
