Ford Ranger Super Duty testing.
The highly anticipated Ford Ranger Super Duty has officially launched in regional Victoria, marking a significant milestone for Ford Australia. This model, developed from the ground up, is designed to thrive in Australia’s challenging work environments. The Ranger Super Duty will be available from mid-2026, starting at $93,990 before on-road costs. It will come in either base or XLT trims, exclusively offered as a dual-cab configuration.
This vehicle is the result of an initiative spearheaded by Andrew Birkic, Ford Australia’s managing director, and his team, who have been involved in every stage of its design, engineering, and testing. Despite sharing the Ranger badge, the Super Duty is fundamentally a new vehicle, boasting a reinforced chassis and advanced payload and off-road technologies.
Engineering Innovations and Pricing Details
The Ranger Super Duty’s pricing reflects its advanced engineering, with the dual-cab XLT Pick-Up priced at $99,990 before on-road costs. For those interested in the dual-cab Ranger Super Duty XLT cab-chassis, the starting price is $95,990. Ford has emphasized that the Super Duty is not merely a variant of the Ranger; it is a meticulously engineered truck built to handle demanding tasks.
Key features include a robust 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel engine, which meets EU6.2 emissions standards, and an improved cooling system designed for heavy loads and challenging off-road conditions. The vehicle also features enhanced water-wading capabilities, with a depth of up to 850mm, an increase of 50mm compared to the standard Ranger.
The Ranger Super Duty integrates seven selectable drive modes, enabling tailored performance for various terrains, including mud, sand, and rock crawling. Notably, front and rear locking differentials are standard across all variants, enhancing traction in demanding conditions.
Rigorous Testing Regimen
Ford Australia has subjected the Ranger Super Duty to a comprehensive testing program to ensure its durability and performance. According to Rob Hugo, product excellence and human factors supervisor at Ford Australia, mud presents one of the greatest challenges for trucks, affecting weight and airflow. To simulate these conditions, the Ranger was put through a grueling multi-day durability program at the You Yangs Proving Ground, where it repeatedly navigated a specialized mud course while carrying over 600kg of mud.
Ford has utilized autonomous driving robots for continuous testing at its Silver Creek track, which replicates the harsh conditions of a rocky riverbed. Sondra Sutton-Phung, general manager of global trucks at Ford, highlighted that these robots were originally developed for the F-Series Super Duty and have been integral to their global durability testing.
The testing also included a series of real-world applications, such as building a light-attack fire truck prototype used in challenging environments. The Ranger Super Duty has been tested under authentic conditions, including farm work on remote cattle stations, where it demonstrated its capability to carry heavy loads and tow substantial equipment.
The Ranger Super Duty represents Ford’s commitment to delivering a rugged, reliable vehicle tailored to the specific needs of Australian consumers. With its extensive features and rigorous testing, it is set to make a significant impact in the market when it launches in 2026.
