
Ford has unveiled an even tougher version of the Ranger bakkie, and it could be coming to South Africa.
The automaker recently published a teaser video for the new Ranger Super Duty, which will make its international debut in 2026.
The Super Duty is a sub-series of more robust models that Ford has produced for the larger F-150, but the same treatment has never been extended to the Ranger, until now.
Ford South Africa may not have provided official comment on whether the Super Duty is planned for our market, however, a local launch is looking likely.
The Blue Oval filed a trademark for the name in 2021 that was subsequently accepted by the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission, which is a strong indicator that it is in the pipeline.
It must be noted that a trademark filing does not guarantee that a certain vehicle will be launched in a particular market as companies frequently make these applications to protect their intellectual property, but it shows that the automaker has at the very least thought about it.
That being said, the Super Duty is going on sale in Australia, and many of Ford’s vehicles like the Everest Wildtrak first debut in the Land Down Under before making their way here, which backs up the case for a South African introduction.
What to expect
The Super Duty is a general term used to describe Ford’s more intense roster of pickup trucks based on the F-150, including the F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, and F-600.
While the F-150 is aimed at private consumers, the F-250 and upwards are geared towards the commercial sector with a variety of enhancements allowing them to meet the demands of a working environment.
This includes major upgrades to the chassis and suspension, which increase the bakkies’ maximum load and towing capacities.
Befitting its workhorse nature, the Super Duty is primarily sold as a single- and chassis cab, though the Blue Oval has also produced four-door versions of the truck.
Despite its popularity, the Super Duty has been mostly limited to the Americas on account of the series being closely tied to the full-size F-150, but the automaker has finally decided to expand the badge to the midsize Ranger, which will be assembled in Thailand.
Not much information has been shared on the Ranger Super Duty thus far, with the notable exception of one of its biggest selling features.
As previously mentioned, the hardcore models have beefed-up chassis and suspension, which will allow the new Ranger to tow up to 4,500kg.
To put this in perspective, the standard bakkie can pull a maximum of 3,500kg, so the Super Duty is 25% more capable in this regard.
The base load-carrying capacity of 944kg is also expected to be improved, but Ford has yet to disclose this figure.
The only other bits of information the carmaker divulged include a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 4,500kg and a gross combination mass (GCM) of 8,000kg.
As a reference, the Wildtrak double cab has a GVM of 3,350kg and a GCM of 6,500kg, so the Super Duty will be substantially larger and heavier than what we’re used to seeing on our roads.
No details have been confirmed regarding the newcomer’s engine specs, but for now, the 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 diesel plant with 184kW and 600Nm seems like the safest bet.
While Ford hasn’t provided any further information on the upcoming bakkie, eagle-eyed individuals have spotted a camouflaged test unit making its way around Michigan, as reported by Australia’s Drive.com.
The example may have been seen in the United States, but it was right-hand drive, confirming its intention to be sold overseas.
The test unit appears to wear extended wheel arches, which are designed to accommodate much larger General Grabber all-terrain light-truck tyres wrapped around steel rims.
It’s also speculated that the underbody has been upgraded from six to eight lug hubs, strengthening the frame and allowing for its greater load capacity.
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