Following Ford’s decision to trademark “Ranger Super Duty” with the Intellectual Property Office Of The Philippines (IPOPHL) back in March, it became quite clear that the automaker intended to create a more capable version of its mid-size pickup for select markets. That notion was confirmed by The Blue Oval itself this week when it teased the new Ford Ranger Super Duty, which is slated to arrive in 2026 bearing more towing and hauling capability than any pickup in its class, as well as enhanced off-road chops. Now, Ford Authority has spotted a Ford Ranger Super Duty prototype testing for the very first time – in Michigan, of all places.
Though Ford hasn’t yet announced where the Ranger Super Duty will be sold, it did reveal that this heavier-duty model will be built in Thailand, seemingly meaning that it won’t be offered in the U.S. – where the Ranger is built at the Michigan Assembly plant for the domestic market. Regardless, this prototype was spotted testing in Michigan, though this isn’t the first time we’ve seen that happen with an international model not offered in the U.S. In any event, the front end of this prototype does look very similar to the single teaser image that Ford provided this week, with its unique grille flanked by familiar C-clamp shaped headlights. Beneath those features lies an equally beefy-looking high-clearance front bumper and skid plate, too.
Moving down the side, we get a good look at the wider front wheel arches with rear-facing lights present on this Ford Ranger Super Duty prototype, as well as its larger wheels and tires – the former of which sport caps covering the lug nuts, possibly concealing the fact that it will come equipped with more lug nuts than the standard pickup. Interestingly, this prototype is fitted with a snorkel as well, which is an aftermarket piece not currently sold by Ford.
Altogether, these features perfectly mesh with what The Blue Oval has said about the Ford Ranger Super Duty thus far – noting that it’s designed with direct input from fleet customers that need enhanced capability from a mid-size pickup. The Ford Ranger Super Duty is designed to “do things that no other mid-size truck can do,” FoMoCo stated, and the stats it released seem to back up those claims. In fact, the Ranger Super Duty will reportedly offer up 4,500 kilograms (9,920 pounds) of max towing capacity, 4,500 kilograms (9,920 pounds) of gross vehicle mass, and 8,000 kilograms (17,636 pounds) of gross combined mass, which is significantly more than the regular Ranger.
Comments
As well as the increased towing capacity, it would be a mistake not to offer the model in the USA, as it will attract audiences where the competition does not offer such an alternative or offers it for a higher price… if Ford gets the pricing right it could have a accurate product and without cannibalize and lose profit on the F150, which will be left for those who need cargo capacity in addition to the towing offered on the Ranger!
I think the chance of this appearing in the US is near zero. The slice of customers who would prefer this over an F-150 is just too small to make a profit on, and any move that might decrease F-Series sales is probably a hard “No” in Dearborn.
In other markets, there is no upper limit to bump into. The competition is Toyota, Nissan, Great Wall, etc. so it’s wide open. I hope it’s a big success.
It’s either intended for markets where the F-150 and larger are too big (apparently excluding Australia) or an admission that full-sized pickups have gotten too large.
This move along with a longer Bed is exactly an improvement that Should be sold in U.S. all day long. – Why?
Because it will always work better for people in ways not offered. And like Maverick sales this one is saliva in mouths of ones held back from current Ranger purchases.
*Yes there is always a Market+
Pricing is Ford’s Problem if it gets people to bite at this idea.
Fact is to make it less you garbage in the cabin.
But rather be the one with Basic needs and that there is Ford’s Success Story waiting.
Fact is last Night was thinking Ford and others really need to evolve back to simpler automotive choices.
When Less is worth a hell of a lot more.
** Meaning going back to a Stick Shift of past!!!!
And By God Damn no 10speed ever!!
All Garbage is newer stuff
To sell this Ranger Super Duty then think Mechanical’s when offered simply a heavy duty from old school productive product’s.
That there is the market to win USA Market that not anyone does now.
and yes give it more Mid 90’s Vibes … It I s Time +! +! +!
Splurge with Good A/C & None Computer Gauges.
BOOM!! Market Money Maker is not Prices Hike but Rather by Volume..
And that is the knew Money!
No FAKE Anything Ok Ford!!
Let seat Covers be options back to those Saddle Navaho Covers for Class.
“Simple Stupid Sells” !!!
And Quality Built at it’s Finest!
One chance is this in a Pickup
And No cutting corners in Quality.
And Fuck Ford!
Put that side camera in for when backed under the gooseneck!!
That is my value I held on for since start of Reverse Camera to hitch up…
See your Rotten Designers are as dump as a post!!
Your Fired Garbage and Hire some Worker raised with common sense..
You tell me any easier idea!!!
rotten Basturd’s all of you for not asking. Put it on this *Super Ranger!!!*
I want one in all Pre-aluminum can’s too.
Knobs and stuff never combined.
Go away from all built together devices. If one part fails have that part alone be replaced.
I don’t need Thousand’s of version’s with a new face plate.
make it only 4 and that too can be whittled back easy in a pinch year.
But Give the People Product Worthy ..
again Simple Stick – Long life and fewer gears.
As young people skinny small is good but as age heavier so room inside is Key …
Make it all roomy and go away from 70 cup holders and crap
You Need this Ranger to be 3 seat wide again in front…
and Shit on cab slope front windshields
Ram and Toyota are the hardest to see out of models for big ones that blind the front side corners.. Again design flaws!!!
A more New Bronco straighter front cab “A” Pillar and you have a work truck again
View and Simple with Firm Long life made shit!!!
That was Toyota.
Make it Ford Again !!!
A RURAL RANCHER WITH MANY IDEA’S GIVEN TO FORD OVER THE 30 + YEARS BUT THEY ARE TOO SLOW TO IMPLEMENT….
THAT WAIT FOR LATER IS YOUR LOSS AND HERE IS DEAL WITH FORD.
A GOOD RUNNING GEAR THEY PLACE IN CRAP INTERIOR THINGS OR A FINE INTERIOR OF SIMPLE AND FORD SENDS ALONG SOME SHITTY LET DOWN LIKE MOTOR ISSUES OR IT IS GEAR RATIO JUNK TO MATCH REST.
GIVE IT ALL BALANCE ON HIGHER LASTING AGAIN.
THAT WAS WAY BACK LET ME TELL YOU!!
THAT IS FORD’S ONLY ROUTE TO BE A CLASS ACT AGAIN.
LIKE LINCOLN ALL PLASTIC AND FORD ALL ALUMINUM.
GET THE STEEL BACK AND YOU’RE TO WIN..
Please sell this in the United States! I don’t want an F-350, I want this!