Is the 2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty Coming to the U.S. ?
MELBOURNE, Australia, November 19, 2024 – Ford Ranger Super Duty will deliver next-level, work-ready capability to serve the toughest customers when it arrives in 2026.
Born from direct collaboration with fleet customers, Ranger Super Duty is a new mid-size truck that can do things no other mid-size truck can do, and for those who know, it will also be in the coveted RHD configuration and the possibility of a diesel option just to stir up "Saint Greta Thunberg" into another tirade of "How Dare You!"
It has been engineered and designed to offer higher levels of Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM), Gross Combined Mass (GCM), towing, and enhanced off-road capability to those who require it, such as emergency service operators, farmers, utilities and forestry workers, miners, infrastructure technicians, and many others.
"Ranger Super Duty combines the smart features and advanced safety of our award-winning Ranger with heavy-duty capability, delivering what our buyers needed but couldn't find anywhere else." This work-ready vehicle will provide customers with the freedom they need to complete large works with the assurance of a factory-backed warranty," said Sondra Sutton Phung, General Manager, Global Truck, Ford Motor Company.
This new model was developed by Ford's IMG Product Development team, led by a 1,500-strong group of designers, engineers and specialists in Australia, and will be manufactured in Thailand for sale in markets around the world.
"Ranger Super Duty adds to our commercial vehicle inventory, providing options for a wide range of applications. As we get closer to launch, we will continue to work closely with fleets and vehicle modifiers across Australia to ensure that Ranger Super Duty delivers everything customers anticipate and more," said Andrew Birkic, President and CEO of Ford Australia and New Zealand.
The Ranger Super Duty will have the biggest towing capacity and gross vehicle mass ratings among all Ford Ranger trims. The Super Duty also delivers rugged styling, with wide fenders and numerous off-road features. Compared to other mid-sized trucks, "Mid-size" refers to vehicles within the PU/CC 4X4 category of the VFACTS Light Commercial Model Segment., Ranger Super Duty can:
Ranger Superduty | Ranger (U.S. Spec) | F-150 (U.S. Spec) | |
MAX Towing | 9,920 lbs | 7,500 lbs | 13,500 lbs |
GVWR | 9,920 lbs | 6,050 lbs | 7,350 lbs |
GCWR | 17,637 lbs | 12,743 lbs | 19,400 lbs |
While Ford continues to expand its mid-size Ranger lineup in Australia with the addition of a tougher, more capable Super Duty trim. Set to debut in 2026, the Ranger Super Duty promises significantly enhanced towing and cargo-carrying capacities, elevating it well above the standard model.
The “Super Duty” badge has long been reserved for Ford’s full-size bruisers like the F-250, F-350, and F-450, equipped with V8 power-trains. This will be the first time the Blue Oval uses it on the smaller Ranger, hinting at a new work-focused flagship trim. The “Super Duty” badge promises a trifecta of upgrades, including enhanced towing, expanded cargo capacity, and better off-road capabilities, all wrapped in a tougher, and brawnier aesthetic.
The company remains tight-lipped about what’s powering the Ranger Super Duty, but the smart money is on a V6 engine with uprated torque and horsepower figures. Expect reinforcements to the Ranger’s ladder-frame chassis as well—no surprises there given the Super Duty’s positioning as a serious contender in the heavy-hauling space.
Shortly after Ford dropped the first teaser of the upcoming Ranger Super Duty in Australia, a camouflaged prototype of the rugged workhorse was spotted stretching its legs on U.S. soil. The prototype in question sports a chassis cab configuration and a front end distinct from any current Ranger trim. Key elements include prominent fender extensions, a reworked grille, and a reshaped hood, all contributing to its purposeful, no-nonsense stance.
Image Credits - Baldauf/Carscoops
Manufacturing for the Ranger Super Duty will be manufactured at Ford’s Thailand plant.. with Australia slated as the first market to receive the model in 2026. Beyond that, Ford has confirmed the truck will be available in “markets around the world”.
Whats “markets around the world” ? Well whats been rumored is some Asian markets may be included and potentially some Middle Eastern countries or European countries may but so far the information says they are kind of focused on Australia Fleet customers.
A Ford spokesperson confirmed when asked, stating that “There are no current plans to offer the Ranger Super Duty in North America. We have a broad and capable line of trucks—from Maverick to Super Duty—and already offer the F-150 in North America with every cab configuration and six ICE, hybrid, and electric power-train options.”
CONCLUSION
It's availability in the United States remains uncertain — a surprising omission, considering the American appetite for capable, midsize trucks. But we know Ford already took the Ranger away once in 2011 on U.S. soil because it was cutting into F-150 sales already once.
As of late, Ford seems to be more focused on things like having technology that locks you out of your vehicle if you miss a payment or tattle-tales on your driving habits by sending speed, among other data, like location and video imagery to the local policy enforcement to come collect you in true "Minority Report" movie fashion, than reading the room of North American markets want.. We want the Ranger Superduty, and we want a diesel option for the Ranger too!
Just in case you needed a hint Dearborn,.. it would be the best marketing decision you could make while no one else is doing it, not even Toyota which should be, or was capable as Chevy in the Colorado/Canyon platform. Be Bold, Do it..!
CREDITS
Ford Media (Australia) - Main image/Video
Baldauf/Carscoops - Spy Images
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