2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty spied, will tow almost 10,000 pounds

The Ford Ranger will soon be able to compete with the big players, as the Blue Oval is developing a heavy-duty version of the popular midsize pickup truck.

The new truck is due in 2026 and will adopt the same Super Duty designation used by heavy-duty F-Series trucks.

A prototype was recently spotted testing near Ford’s U.S. headquarters, and spy shots reveal details like flared wheel arches, raised suspension, a snorkel, and General Grabber All-Terrain tires mounted on rugged steel wheels. There’s also no missing the industrial-style bed fitted to the prototype.

Don’t look for the Ranger Super Duty to reach the U.S., despite it testing here. Most of the development is being handled in Australia by Ford’s International Markets Group, and in announcing plans for the truck on Nov. 19, Ford said production will be handled exclusively at the Thai plant that builds Rangers for sale outside of North America. U.S.-spec Rangers are built at a plant in Michigan.

Specifications confirmed by Ford include a maximum towing capacity of 9,920 pounds. That compares to the standard Ranger whose towing capacity tops out at 7,500 pounds. The truck will also have a gross vehicle weight rating of 9,920 pounds.

Ford said the truck is aimed at commercial buyers looking for enhanced towing and off-road capability, such companies operating in the emergency, farming, forestry, mining, and utilities industries.

The Ranger Super Duty won’t be the first Ranger version that skips the U.S. Buyers in other markets can already opt for a plug-in hybrid Ranger.