Ford says there's room for both 4500kg-towing-capable F-150 and Ranger Super Duty utes

11/19/2024 06:00 PM

Despite the newly announced 2026 Ranger Super Duty matching the larger F-150 in braked towing capacity, and exceeding its Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM), Ford Australia believes there is room in its line-up for both utes to co-exist.

As a recap, Ford Australia will bring to market a new Ranger variant in 2026, dubbed Super Duty, which boasts a 4500kg braked towing capacity and 4500kg GVM, as well as an 8000kg Gross Combination Mass (GCM).

This compares to an F-150 that features a 3220kg or 3265kg GVM (for short- and long-wheelbase respectively), and a recently revised down GCM of 7270kg (SWB) and 7315kg (LWB).

And though Ford has not announced pricing for the Super Duty yet, it is likely to be priced below where the F-150 kicks in (from $106,950 before on-road costs), as existing workhorse grades of the Ranger like the XLT is positioned at $68,840 for the dual-cab with a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6.

So, if the Ranger Super Duty can do as much as an F-150, at an expected lower price, why would customers go for the larger and harder-to-park model?

According to Ford Australia, the Ranger Super Duty buyer is looking for the most sure-footed and capable option available, whereas the F-150 customer is after something more premium.

"F-150 is a very capable vehicle, which is used in Australia primarily for long-distance towing and touring, but not for heavy-duty work," a Ford spokesperson told Drive.

"It is a full-size truck that has great capability along with comfort and technology that makes it a fantastic option for many customers.

"Ranger Super Duty offers a unique combination of manoeuvrability and heavy-duty capability. Its mid-size design makes it ideal for navigating tighter spaces while still delivering the power needed for demanding tasks.

"F-150 fills an important role in the Ford Australia line-up, in a completely different category."

In fact, Ford Australia is specifically targeting fleet operators with the new Ranger Super Duty, specifically calling out emergency service operators, forestry workers, miners, and infrastructure technicians in the announcement.

These specific use cases require an off-road-confident vehicle to navigate remote and rugged terrain, whilst also carrying a large equipment payload and/or heavy equipment – something the Ranger Super Duty looks to deliver above and beyond the F-150.

Crucially, the Ranger Super Duty is also expected to be sized close to a Ranger, which is around half a metre shorter bumper-to-bumper than an F-150, improving manoeuvrability and ease-of-use in tricky terrain.

These customers also often fit-out their vehicles with specific and unique body work such as canopies, cages and workbenches, which is more easily accommodated with the Super Duty's uprated GVM.

And despite its fleet-leaning credentials, Ford Australia still sees a Super Duty opportunity for private buyers that require more than what the current Ranger line-up can offer.

"While ideal for fleets, the Ranger Super Duty will also be available to any customer who wants to tow more, carry more and do more," the brand said.

"We see a strong opportunity for customers who are overlanding, carrying large loads and/or towing heavy loads."

Crucially, Ford Australia is yet to reveal key details such as styling, powertrain, and payload capacity, but the Ranger Super Duty is not due to hit showrooms until 2026.

For reference, the F-150 is powered by a 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6, which develops 298kW/678Nm.

It is expected Ford will use a version of the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 already found in the Ranger (where it makes 184kW/600Nm) in the Super Duty to increase that towing, GVM, and GCM figures.

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