Ford Just Made Its Badass Midsize Pickup Even Better and We Can Only Drool Over It

Ford might’ve blessed us with its international, Australia-bred Ranger back in 2019. But there are still a few versions that were left off America’s table, and the recent, beefed-up Super Duty is one of them. Now, Ford Australia is just rubbing it in our faces with the launch of its new top-spec XLT and updated pickup.

Dearborn’s division down yonder just officially released its first-ever Ranger Super Duty in pickup form and with a new range-topper. And, as you could probably imagine, they’re badass as hell.

Bred for Outback duties

Earlier this year, Ford Australia debuted the Ranger Super Duty, with plans to launch two variants. As you can probably gather from its name, it’s much like the Super Duty versions of our full-size Ford pickups.

Ford Australia

In essence, the Ranger variant is just a heavier-duty and more rugged version of the automaker’s popular midsize truck (or ute, as them Aussies call it).

The company started teasing the model a few months ago, emphasizing the lengths its engineers went to developing, testing and proving the model in some of Australia’s most treacherous terrain.

Ford Australia

When Ford Australia finally pulled the wraps off, the company initially catered to commercial buyers by releasing a utilitarian flat-bed model. Now, it’s out in full, complete with the standard pickup variant.

And if you thought the Ranger Super Duty is all show and no go, the specs speak for themselves.

Ford Australia

Ford rates it for up to 4,500 kilograms of towing, or just under 10,000 pounds if you’re used to freedom units. It can also haul up to the same amount according to its gross vehicle weight rating.

Ford Australia

When fully loaded to the brim with passengers, cargo, fuel, and even an equally loaded trailer in tow, it can transport it all with its 8,000kg (17,636-pound!) rating.

Ford Australia

Such numbers are considerably lower than what a full-size F-150 or F-250 Super Duty could do. But they’re certainly impressive for a midsizer.

Built specifically for recreational off-roaders

Originally, Ford Australia launched the Ranger Super Duty as a commercial-esque flat-bed truck. But now, the more consumer-friendly pickup just dropped, making us even more all sorts of jealous.

Ford Australia

Because not only is the Ranger Super Duty geared for some serious work. Ford also decked it out specifically at four-wheeling enthusiasts.

And to make the deal even more enticing, Ford Australia announced a plus XLT version. The latter adds a whole bunch of niceties to further distinguish it from the stripped-down flat-bed workhorse.

Ford Australia

For instance, the XLT is only available in said Pick-Up body style, complete with a four-door Double Cab passenger cell. It also comes standard with heated and cooled leather seats, carpeted footwells, rugged all-weather floor mats.

Ford Australia

Towing and hauling aren’t the only highlights either. Thanks to upgraded suspension and chassis reinforcements, the Ranger Super Duty benefits from more ground clearance, improved approach, breakover and departure angles.

A snorkel, front and rear locking diffs, and more rugged all-terrain tires also come standard. With the extra kit, company engineers say it’s capable of fording up to 33.5 inches of water.

Ford Australia

Its 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel V6 and 10-speed auto, good for 207 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, is also sadly forbidden fruit. But like our version, the Aussie Super Duty comes with full-time four-wheel drive.

Ford Australia

Will we get it? Probably not. Still, because the North American Ranger is basically the same model as the Australian one (just federalized for our market), there’s a slim possibility. You’ll just have to cross your fingers and toes and pray to the Ford lords to bring it Stateside.

Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.

Related Topics