MELBOURNE: Ford has unveiled its first-ever Ranger Super Duty here, setting a new benchmark in the mid-size heavy-duty truck segment.
Built to endure the toughest tasks, the made-in-Thailand vehicle is engineered to deliver enhanced capability, durability and productivity with an impressive 4,500kg gross vehicle mass, 4,500kg maximum braked towing capacity and 8,000kg gross combined mass.
Developed after extensive consultation with heavy-duty fleet operators and drawing on insights from the F-Series Super Duty programme, the truck is equipped with advanced features such as Ranger’s Driver Assist Technology, an integrated trailer brake controller and Pro-Trailer Backup Assist, which uses a yaw rate sensor to improve manoeuvrability.
Additional innovations – including an integrated device mounting system, on-board scales and a sealed snorkel – further position the vehicle as a robust yet consumer-friendly workhorse.
A rigorous durability programme has seen the Ranger Super Duty endure extreme testing designed to simulate the harshest work environments.
In one trial, the truck was subjected to a “mud pack” test that required it to operate with 600kg of mud adhered to its underside, replicating conditions akin to mine work.
Autonomous driving robots were deployed to run continuous tests at Ford Australia’s You Yangs Proving Ground, ensuring that the vehicle could negotiate rocky, off-road terrain.
The truck also underwent conventional assessments – including 24/7 corrosion baths, towing dynamometer evaluations, shaker rig tests and low-speed, high-load driving – which confirmed that its reinforced chassis, upgraded heavy-duty axles, driveshafts and locking differentials are built to last in extreme conditions.
Enhancements to the cooling system and a refined 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6 engine ensure that the Ranger Super Duty remains both powerful and efficient, meeting the stringent heavy-duty emissions standards for global markets.
Ford marked its centenary in Australia by celebrating 100 years of innovation and commitment to the market.
At the anniversary events, the company underscored its evolution from the first ute and Falcon to the debut of the Ranger Super Duty, emphasising decades of expertise in addressing the practical needs of Australian fleet operators.
This milestone served as a backdrop to the launch, reinforcing Ford’s status as a pioneering force in heavy-duty vehicle manufacturing.
In a further demonstration of its community focus, Ford announced a three-year, AU$1.5-million partnership with the Australian Red Cross to enhance disaster response and community resilience.
The collaboration is intended to bolster local, community-led initiatives in preparation for and recovery from emergencies, reflecting Ford’s broader commitment to social responsibility and support for essential services.
The company also celebrated its 100-year-long association with the Geelong Football Club – the world’s longest-running partnership in professional sport.
The Ranger Super Duty is set for sale in Australia, New Zealand and other global markets from 2026.
Details about model line-up and on-sale dates for Thailand and other markets would be confirmed at a later date.
As to whether the Ranger Super Duty will show up in Malaysia after its Thai launch, we can only speculate it might. It could — if the niche model we know as Ford Ranger Raptor is anything to go by.
