- The Ford Ranger Super Duty was spotted testing in Michigan shortly after its official teaser.
- The new pickup truck can tow up to 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs), placing it into F-150 territory.
- The Super Duty also delivers rugged styling, with wide fenders and numerous off-road features.
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 “Super Duty” badge promises a trifecta of upgrades, including enhanced towing, expanded cargo capacity, and better off-road capabilities, all wrapped in a tougher, brawnier aesthetic.
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.
More: Ford Ranger EV Promises To Be An “Exciting” Gamechanger
Ford’s midsize truck comes dressed for the occasion with an arsenal of off-road hardware. The pickup is equipped with a heavy-duty front bumper, a skid plate, a snorkel, and rugged side steps that double as body armor. The black steel wheels are shod in General Grabber A/T tires, and the suspension appears to be raised compared to the standard Ranger. Another cool detail are the extra lights mounted on the front fenders, likely making up for the lack of indicators on the mirror caps.
Accessories
Ford is also playing the customization card. Super Duty buyers will reportedly be able to load up their rigs with factory-installed accessories, sparing them the headache (and potential warranty voiding) of aftermarket tinkering. Think of it as a Ford-approved toy chest for adults with winches, roof racks, and beyond.
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Big Numbers, Bigger Ambitions
Ford claims the Ranger Super Duty will out-haul and out-tow any other trim in the midsize segment, boasting a braked towing capacity of 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs). That figure puts it surprisingly close to F-150 territory and should make it a compelling choice for heavy-duty work. Similarly, its gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 4,500 kg and gross combined mass (GCM) of 8,000 kg (17,637 lbs) mean this Ranger is built to lug serious loads.
Under the Hood
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.
A Global Powerhouse, But Not for US
Our spy photographers caught the camouflaged Ranger prototype testing in Dearborn, Michigan, even though it had a right-hand-drive configuration. While it’s destined to hit Australian showrooms first in 2026, the Ranger Super Duty will be a global offering, manufactured at Ford’s Thailand plant, which should broaden its appeal to buyers who want midsize practicality with full-size muscle.
But there’s a catch: North America isn’t on the list. When we reached out, a Ford spokesperson confirmed, 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 powertrain options.”
