Ford Ranger Super Duty Coming in 2026, But There’s a Catch
The Ford Ranger will add a beefy member to its lineup in 2026. The problem is that North America likely won’t get it, as is the case with the Ranger PHEV that’s sold in Europe and Australia.
The automaker is working on a Super Duty variant of its midsize pickup. That’s right. It will be built in Thailand and initially launched in the land down under once again. Other markets “around the world” will follow, Ford said without being more specific.
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Slotting just below the F-150, this stronger, harder-working Ranger will primarily focus on increased capability, whereas the standard Ranger is more about versatility and the Ranger Raptor is designed for off-road driving. It will be the first time that Ford uses the Super Duty moniker on a vehicle other than an F-Series truck.
As hinted by the teaser above, the Ranger Super Duty will sport a more muscular appearance including a wider grille with a unique pattern, a redesigned hood and fender extensions. Ford claims it will be able to tow up to 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs), by far exceeding the maximum capacity of most Rangers (3,402 kg or 7,500 lbs). Heck, it even trumps the base F-150 equipped with a 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6 (3,810 kg or 8,400 lbs).
The Ranger Super Duty’s gross vehicle mass is capped at 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs), which is the maximum allowable for passenger vehicles in Australia, while its gross combined mass is rated at 8,000 kg (17,637 lbs). Obviously, the chassis will get a number of revisions and reinforcements, but Ford has yet to say which engine will provide motivation. Will it be the Ranger Raptor’s 3.0-litre V6 or perhaps the F-150’s 3.5-litre V6?
The only way for this truck to land on our shores would be to add it to the Wayne, Michigan assembly plant that currently builds the Ranger and Bronco for North America. Ford would also have to think long and hard about pricing.
Would you be interested in a Ranger Super Duty? Let us know.