For years, Australia’s heavy-duty commercial ute market has been dominated by the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series, following the decline of local manufacturing in 2017. Now, Ford is challenging that reign with the Ranger Super Duty – a vehicle conceived, engineered, and built entirely in Australia. This isn’t just a Ranger with a few upgrades; it’s a fundamentally reinforced workhorse designed for industries that demand relentless durability and payload capacity.
The Rise of the Super Duty: Filling a Market Void
The discontinuation of the Nissan Patrol ute left a significant gap in the Australian market. While Toyota has held the fort, the Super Duty aims to redefine what a commercial ute can be. This vehicle isn’t for casual drivers; it’s built for blue-collar trades, mining operations, and outback expeditions where failure isn’t an option.
The core principle behind the Super Duty is simple: unyielding toughness. Ford hasn’t just bolted on heavier components; they’ve re-engineered the entire chassis, suspension, and drivetrain to handle extreme loads and conditions.
Under the Skin: Reinforcements from the Ground Up
The Super Duty’s ladder-frame chassis utilizes thicker, reinforced steel. Suspension arms are cast aluminum, not folded steel, providing superior strength. The rear differential comes from a Transit, further upgraded, and paired with eight-stud wheel hubs borrowed from the F-250 Super Duty. Rear leaf springs have been lengthened and strengthened, brakes enlarged, and the cooling fan increased by 25% in power. Even the long-range fuel tank is armored with 4mm of steel plating in key areas.
These aren’t just incremental improvements; they’re wholesale upgrades designed to eliminate weak points and ensure longevity in the harshest environments. The result is a vehicle capable of handling extreme weights without buckling under pressure.
Performance Specs: Built for Business
The Ranger Super Duty boasts a 4500kg gross vehicle mass (GVM) – the maximum before requiring a truck license – and an 8000kg gross combination mass (GCM). It can tow up to 4500kg braked and carry between 1825kg and 1982kg in the tray, depending on the body configuration. Ford may have inadvertently made GVM upgrades obsolete with this vehicle.
Despite these heavy-duty specifications, the Super Duty doesn’t skimp on technology. It includes a standalone Driver Assist Technology bar with rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, and safety aids. Onboard weight scales and towing aids further enhance functionality.
On the Road: Surprisingly Refined
While designed for work, the Ranger Super Duty doesn’t feel compromised on the road. The ride quality is surprisingly smooth, even unladen, absorbing bumps and potholes with minimal discomfort. The 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6, detuned to 154kW and 600Nm, provides ample power without straining. The 10-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and efficiently, even under heavy loads.
The Super Duty’s handling is surprisingly confident for a heavy-duty ute. The added weight seems to stabilize the vehicle, reducing body roll and improving high-speed stability. Off-road, the locking differentials, hill-descent control, and trail turn assist provide exceptional traction and control.
Pricing and Availability
Currently, the Ranger Super Duty is available in cab/chassis configurations, with style-side pickups arriving next year. Prices start at $82,990 for the single-cab, $89,990 for the dual-cab, and $86,490 for the extra-cab. Adding a basic tray will push the price to around $90,000-$100,000.
The Verdict: A True Australian Workhorse
The Ford Ranger Super Duty isn’t just another ute; it’s a purpose-built machine designed to withstand the demands of the most challenging work environments. With its reinforced chassis, upgraded drivetrain, and surprising level of refinement, it’s a worthy contender for the crown of Australia’s toughest commercial vehicle. This is a vehicle that doesn’t just meet expectations – it obliterates them.
