Don’t be fooled into thinking Ford’s new Super Duty Ranger is just a Wildtrak jazzed up with a new badge and a snorkel – this thing is actually a first for Australia’s booming dual-cab sector.

Pricing has now been revealed for the Super Duty, starting at $82,990 before on roads. Keep in mind that price is only for the single cab, with the slightly bigger Super Cab kicking off at $86,490 (before on roads), and the all-important dual-cab chassis (sans tub) commanding $89,990 before on road costs.

Those wanting a fancier version will likely be keen on the incoming XLT trim level, which along with the dual cab pick-up (dual cab with a tub) won’t lob until mid 2026 at this stage.

For comparison, the list price of a dual-cab V6 diesel Ranger Wildtrak starts at $74,840, and a Ranger Raptor kicks off at $90,440. 2024 Ford F150 dual-cab SWB (short wheel base) starts at $106,950.

The Super Duty range was built to incorporate feedback from the forestry, fire management and mining sectors, the Super Duty combines a massive 4500kg (braked) towing capacity, 4500kg GVM, 8000kg GCM and proper offroad capability into one ute.

So, while the current-model F150 has the same towing capacity, the Super Duty outdoes it on GVM and GCM, and we’d bet it’d towel it up on the beaten tracks as well.

It took a lot of re-engineering of the existing platform for Ford to hit all these impressive numbers. The chassis itself is redesigned and thicker, with the suspension points reinforced, and the suspension itself is new and beefier. The Super Duty also comes with bash plates, 33-inch all-terrain tyres, bigger brakes, upgraded two-speed transfer case and low-range gearset, and locking diffs on both ends, all as standard equipment.

It also has suspension monitors on all four corners to keep an eye on weight distribution, as well as another on the tow ball so you can set up your load legally and safely.

The Super Duty carries over the V6 turbo diesel and 10-speed auto we know from the existing top-spec Ranger and Everest, reprogrammed for better torque delivery, and there’s more cooling to keep everything happy.

One of the main reasons for the Super Duty’s big towing capacity and GCM is so that organisations like the Country Fire Authority can use it to haul big loads of water in the bush safely and legally. Until now, vehicles commonly used by the CFA, such as 79-Series LandCruisers, typically require aftermarket GVM upgrades for such work, adding extra cost to each vehicle.

Ford’s goal is to offer a vehicle with all that ability straight out of the box, even including a factory-backed ARB bullbar with winch if needed.

So, how is all this relevant to us car tragics? Well, a 4500kg towing load is a first for a ‘normal’-sized ute, but more importantly, the GVM and GCM ratings should enable you to tow your race car, tools, tyres, fuel and spares without worrying about exceeding your GCM and potentially finding yourself in a world of hurt with Mr Plod.

It also means you won’t have to spend the big dollars and sacrifice extra garage room for a RAM, Silverado or F150 to shift a car to the race track for a weekend.

As mentioned above, the Super Duty will initially be offered in three body styles of single-, super- or dual-cab with a tray. In mid-2026, a dual-cab with tub will be added to the range, with an extra trim level of Ranger Super Duty XLT also arriving mid-next year.