Ford Unveils Ranger

Ford’s Heavy Duty

Picture the rugged capability of the Ford F-150, then imagine that same essence distilled into a mid-size truck. That’s essentially what Ford’s new Ranger Super Duty is all about. It’s rolling out in Australia and it sounds like a damn good deal for those who need a balance between power and size without going full-size pickup. However, it’s nearly as costly as the Ford Ranger Raptor down there, which goes on to say that power comes at a price.

Specs and Prices

The Ranger Super Duty is powered by a gutsy 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 packing 206 horsepower and a hefty 442 lb-ft of torque. This rig’s really built for the big jobs—it can tow a formidable 9,920 pounds. For folks down under, the Ranger Super Duty kicks off at about $53,900 for the bare-bones single cab-chassis. Want something a bit more family-friendly? The super cab-chassis starts at $56,200, and for those who really need to pile people in, a double cab option is available from $58,500. However, none of these prices include the cost of the tray or bed, which can add another chunk to your bill.

Performance and Load Capacity

For those who like numbers, the payload capacities are pretty impressive: the single cab-chassis can haul around 4,369 pounds, outrunning even the trusty F-150’s figure. The super cab and double cab models carry a tad less but are no slouches at 4,179 and 4,023 pounds respectively. As for off-road creds, the Ranger Super Duty steps it up too. It’s got a decent 11.7 inches of ground clearance and can ford through nearly three feet of water.

Driving Feel

While it shares the road with its higher-octane cousin, the Ranger Raptor, the Super Duty feels like the more practical worker bee. Its ride might not be as wild as the Raptor’s twin-turbo V6, but boy does it give plenty of muscle for everyday use. With that low-end torque, it’s bound to feel just as solid pulling a trailer as it does taking the kids to school.

This kind of versatility makes it a key contender among midsize trucks. Ford seems to have missed an opportunity not bringing this beast stateside, where the appetite for durable and capable trucks is ever-growing. If work demands tough tasks, or if off-roading through rough terrain is a weekend activity, the Ranger Super Duty seems ready for duty.

In conclusion, if Australia’s Ford dealerships are any indication, this is one truck built with the heavy lifters in mind. While it might take a bit of saving to score one, the capability waiting at hands is bound to make an impression. So, if one ever ends up in the States, it’s worth a look—and likely a long drive.