Ford’s 2026 Ranger Super Duty: Smarter, stronger and built for towing

The Ford Ranger Super Duty coming in 2026 is more than muscle — 4500kg towing, serious payload and clever tech are set to make it the ultimate workhorse for Aussie towers and haulers.

The upcoming 2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty is set to redefine the mid-size pickup segment with its remarkable towing and payload capabilities. It is not designed to bridge the gap between the standard Ranger and larger trucks like the F-150 — instead, the Super Duty leaps ahead of the US-Trucks, like the F-150 and RAM 1500, where it matters to us, in tow and load capacities.

If you haven't seen our first two features on the Ranger Super Duty, you'll find them here and here. But for the lazy, here is a quick recap.

What Is the Ford Ranger Super Duty?

The Ford Ranger Super Duty is a new model coming in 2026 for the best-selling Ranger lineup. Engineered to handle more demanding tasks, it boasts a maximum braked towing capacity of 4500kg, a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 4500kg, and a gross combined mass (GCM) of 8000kg. These figures do not just surpass those of the standard Ranger, they blow it and the competition out of the water, carving a new niche outside the US-Truck and local ute markets.

Comparing key rival specifications

To appreciate the capabilities of the new Ranger Super Duty, let’s compare its key specifications with other models:

*Estimated based on a estimated kerb weight of 2600kg.

In terms of dimensions, the Ranger Super Duty is expected to mirror the standard Ranger’s length of approximately 5.37m (17ft 6in), match the Ranger Raptor’s width of about 2.02m (6ft 6in), and have a height just under 2m.

It’s important to note that the payload calculation does not account for the weight of additional accessories or modifications, such as a tub or tray.

If you want to compare more utes and their capacities, check out our comparison tables here.

And for a refresher on the weight terminology and how it determines how much your vehicle can tow, check out this article. 

Payloads could be up to 1950kg, depending on the final kerb weight of the Ranger Super DutyThe Ranger Super Duty uses Ford's excellent tie downs in the tub variants

Ranger Super Duty towing examples

Towing a 4500kg caravan

When towing at its maximum 4500kg braked trailer capacity:

• Total weight: 2600 kg (vehicle) + 4500kg (trailer) = 7100kg
• Remaining GCM: 8000kg - 7100kg = 900kg
• Available payload: 900kg

Again, we are conservatively guessing the weight of the Ranger Super Duty but it’s an educated guess with the Ranger Sport coming in at 2258kg with the Super Duty expected to carry more bulk in chassis and driveline upgrades.

Towing a 3500kg caravan

With a lighter, 3500kg trailer:

• Total weight: 2600kg (vehicle) + 3500 kg (trailer) = 6100kg
• Remaining GCM: 8000kg - 6100kg = 1900kg
• Available payload: 1900kg

Considering when towing a 3500kg caravan, a Toyota HiLux Rogue leaves you in the region of 64kg of payload (less than an average person’s weight) it puts some perspective on how much more capable the Ranger Super Duty will be than its ute brethren. But what of the king of towing? The Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series Sahara?

Towing a 3500kg trailer with the LandCruiser 300 Series Sahara

The LC 300 Series Sahara is a top-tier luxury offroader, renowned for its towing capability. But how does it compare to the Ranger Super Duty when towing a 3500kg trailer? Let’s break it down.

Key specs of the LandCruiser 300 Sahara

• Kerb weight: 2630kg
• Gross vehicle mass (GVM): 3280kg
• Gross combined mass (GCM): 6750kg
• Max braked towing capacity: 3500kg

Weight breakdown for towing a 3500kg trailer with the LC 300 Series Sahara

Total weight calculation

• Vehicle weight (kerb): 2630kg
• Trailer weight (braked max): 3500kg
• Total weight (vehicle + trailer): 6130kg

Remaining GCM

• GCM limit: 6750kg
• Remaining capacity: 6750kg - 6130kg = 620kg

Available payload

• Payload capacity (remaining GCM as payload): 620 kg

Yes, the final capacities and capabilities of the Ranger Super Duty are a calculated guess. But even if we are out by 300kg, the LC 300 Series Sahara looks well outplayed by the Super Duty’s capacities and should lay claim to being the new kind of towing in Australia.

A snorkel comes standard on the Ranger Super Duty, as do larger NB1 compliant mirrors 

Key Ranger Super Duty towing technologies

The Ford Ranger Super Duty will incorporate advanced towing technologies to enhance safety and convenience:

• Smart Hitch: Assists in proper weight distribution by providing guidance on tongue weight, ensuring safer towing experiences.
• Onboard Scales: Measures the payload weight in real-time, helping users stay within safe limits.
• Integrated Brake Controller: Facilitates seamless trailer braking integration.
• Trailer Sway Control: Enhances stability by detecting and mitigating trailer sway.
• Powerful Braking System: Features larger brakes for improved stopping power, accommodating the increased towing and payload capacities.

Ford’s Onboard Scales system is a new feature designed to help drivers manage payload weight more accurately. Available in the US on some F-150s and the F-250 Super Duty, it has been confirmed for the upcoming Ranger Super Duty. This system also estimates the total weight of cargo and passengers in real-time.

The best technology to come to utes, Onboard Scales that measures your GVM and calculates your payload weight

Using built-in sensors, Onboard Scales measures the vehicle’s load and displays the estimated weight on the infotainment system, FordPass app, or LED taillight indicators. This helps ensure drivers stay within the vehicle’s payload limits, improving safety and preventing excessive wear on suspension and brakes.

The system also Integrates with Smart Hitch, helping to balance trailer tongue weight (aka ball weight) for safer towing. By offering real-time feedback, Onboard Scales simplifies loading, making it easier to distribute weight properly and avoid overloading — essential for worksite, offroad or towing applications.

Smart Hitch and Onboard Scales jump out as two of the best innovations in tow vehicles since integrated Brake Controllers (the Super Duty will have that too).

The Smart Hitch measures your ball weight allowing users to know where to adjust weight in their trailer for optimal balance

Powertrain

The Ranger Super Duty will come equipped with a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 diesel code named Lion. The Lion V6 has been seen in Ranger Sport and Everest for some time now yet we are reliably told the version in the Super Duty has been revised with heavy loads and towing in mind.

Power and torque figures have not been released but we expect them to be close to the existing 184kW at 3250rpm and 600Nm at 1750–2250rpm. Maybe peak torque is tuned to arrive earlier or more torque will be available, we wouldn’t be surprised by either.

The V6 is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the same 10R80 as seen across most of the ute, SUV and truck lineup from Ford. Whether it has additional cooling or torque capacities remains to be seen, but we would not put it past Ford to use a secondary transmission oil cooler as seen in the Ranger Raptor. Behind the box is a new transfer case that has been developed to handle more driveline torque while axles and driveshafts are new too.

The interior of the Super Duty is typical Ranger quality

Fuel consumption and Ranger Super Duty tank size

With a substantial fuel tank capacity of 130L, the Ranger Super Duty is designed for extended journeys. Assuming an average fuel consumption of 20L per 100km when towing a large offroad caravan, the Super Duty could achieve a range of around 650km. Drop the trailer and the Super Duty should easily surpass 1000km between refills.

The front grill has been designed to maximise airflow for better cooling under heavy loads

Ford Ranger Super Duty pricing

While official pricing has not been announced, estimates based on the current Ranger lineup suggest:

Possible pricing breakdown: Ford Ranger Super Duty

Understanding the estimated pricing

The pricing for the Single Cab Chassis and Double Cab Pickup versions of the Ranger Super Duty is a best guess based on the standard Ranger lineup. Given its heavy-duty build, enhanced towing features and larger fuel capacity, it’s fair to expect a solid price jump over the Ranger Wildtrak V6, but still significantly undercut the F-150.

For reference, the F-150 XLT starts at $106,950, meaning Ford won’t want the Ranger Super Duty creeping too close to that price — especially considering the F-150’s larger cabin and premium cabin. But it should sit comfortably above the Ranger Sport and Wildtrak V6 due to its extra hardware.

If Ford plays this right, the Ranger Super Duty will land right in that sweet spot — way more capability than a standard Ranger, but at a much more accessible price than an F-150 or LC 300 Series Sahara. That’ll make it a seriously appealing option for tradies, towing enthusiasts and long-haul drivers who want big capability without going full American truck.

The Ford Ranger Super Duty has an impressive tow capacity, payload and smart tech that will make it a favourite for Aussie towers

The wrap

The Ford Ranger Super Duty is shaping up to be an absolute weapon for towing and hauling, and it’s loaded with the kind of features that make life a whole lot easier. With best-in-class tow and payload ratings, it was already a standout, but now, learning it will land with Onboard Scales and Smart Hitch, it’s a truck that doesn’t just carry the load — it helps you manage it like a pro.

And let’s talk about that big 130L fuel tank. If you’ve ever had to plan your trip around dodgy roadhouse fuel stops, you’ll know how much of a game-changer this is. The Super Duty’s range is huge, making it perfect for long-distance touring, outback adventures, or big workdays where stopping for fuel is the last thing on your mind. Whether you’re dragging a caravan up to Cape York, hauling a heavy work trailer or just loading up for a big weekend away, this thing will handle it all without breaking a sweat.

Ford has really nailed the formula here. Plenty of utes claim big tow numbers, but few can do it as safely, efficiently and comfortably (or legally) as this one. The tech in the Ranger Super Duty isn’t just for show — it actually makes towing easier, from keeping weight distribution in check to helping you hitch up without the usual frustration and cursing.

So, if you’re the kind of person who needs a proper workhorse — one that’ll tow big, carry heavy and keep you moving further between fuel stops — this is it. The Ranger Super Duty isn’t just playing the game — it’s changing it.

THE NEXT STEP

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