Ford has announced the new Ford Ranger Super Duty, a more-capable midsize pickup destined for international markets. Set to launch in 2026, the new, more-capable Ranger aims to deliver higher towing and payload capabilities in a smaller, more versatile package. Notably, General Motors has no equivalent to the new Ranger variant in any market, including from the popular Chevy Colorado and S10 nameplates.
Developed by Ford’s International Market Group (IMG) Product Development team in Australia, the new Ranger Super Duty is framed as a capable pickup built to work in high-demand sectors like agriculture, utilities, and emergency services. Vehicle production is set to take place in Thailand, with sales set for the Australian and New Zealand markets, where Ford already offers other Ranger variants, including the Ranger Raptor and the soon-to-be-released Ranger PHEV.
“Ranger Super Duty further strengthens our commercial vehicle portfolio, with an offering for all kinds of work,” said President and CEO, Ford Australia and New Zealand, Andrew Birkic. “As we move closer to launch, we will continue to work closely with fleets and vehicle modifiers across Australia to be sure that Ranger Super Duty does everything they expect it to, and so much more.”
The more-capable Ranger boasts a towing capacity up to 9,921 pounds (4,500 kg), a gross vehicle weight rating of 9,921 pounds (4,500 kg), and a gross combined weight rating of 17,636 pounds (8,000 kg). As it turns out, the new midsize Ranger variant keeps pace with the capabilities of the full-size Ford F-150.
Meanwhile, GM’s Chevy Colorado and S10 lack an equivalent heavy-duty variant. In North America, the Colorado’s towing capacity peaks at 7,700 pounds (3,493 kg), while gross vehicle weight rating is set at 6,250 pounds (2,835 kg), trailing the new Ranger variant.
While the Ranger Super Duty will target international markets, it’s unlikely to be offered in the United States – at least with regard to the model that will be built in Thailand. It’s also unclear at this time if the more-capable Ranger will be available in markets where GM already offers the Colorado and S10, such as South America. The Colorado and S10 are currently not offered in Australia or New Zealand.
Comments
And it’s being universally slammed as absurd.
This is a stupid idea. If you needed more payload or capability just buy an F150? The midsize trucks in general are already getting out of hand, and are close to the price of full size trucks.
You are aware that is was developed for markets where F-150 isn’t readily available, right? Save for AUS, but even there, Ranger has a much larger foothold than F-150 does. It’s also being offered there as more of a “fleet” offering. So even in the case where both are offered, it’s not like they’re likely to overlap in those they’re being marketed to.
Izuzu trucks exist…as does the S10 in Brazil. Those all are built substantially tougher, since they are a working man’s truck…
Ford QC? AT LEAST THIS ONE SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OFF..
Will it last the Namibian Desert like Thailand made Izuzus and Colorados do?
It won’t be necessary for gm to even go this route with either the Canyon or Colorado. Just get a Full Size 1500 with more power if need be and move on. Let Ford do their own thing with that questionable strategy.
I wish GM would make more models. so people can complain again we got to many models!!
So Chevy has the Holden variant in AU. Classic script where Ford continues to advance and GM is sitting on the porch, unwillingly trying to play catch up.
They discontinued if you are not aware. Pity, since it was a good value for money, cheaper than the highly overrated Hilux and had decent reliability once the issues were worked out past 2012…and the truck was well maintained. Chevrolet sold a rebadged version of the Izuzu D Max until recently as well…
They have an S10 for Latin America, and most owners will not even consider a more capable Silverado (yes it is sold in Chile, Argentina and etc) due to cost reasons (97k is NOT A JOKE). Hence Chevrolet has to cater to them in a cheaper form. Want even Cheaper? There is always the LDV Maxus T70…called the S10 max.