By Xolile Hopa

We first saw a prototype of the Ford Ranger Super Duty at this year’s NAMPO Harvest Day. Ford has now officially revealed the production version of the heavy-duty Ranger, which is set to arrive in South Africa from 2027.

The Ranger Super Duty will arrive in South Africa from 2027 in a phased rollout, with Single Chassis Cab, Super Chassis Cab, Double Cab Chassis Cab, and Double Cab variants planned.

The Ranger Super Duty’s key advantage is its exceptional 4,500kg Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) rating, giving it class-leading capability among factory-built mid-size pickups. As a Code 10 (C1) vehicle in South Africa, it has been developed for customers who require serious load-carrying and towing ability across sectors such as agriculture, mining, business, and adventure.

Built for heavy-duty work

To achieve its increased capability, Ford has strengthened the Ranger Super Duty with a reinforced chassis, upgraded suspension mounts, heavier-duty axles, stronger driveshafts, and the largest rear differential ever fitted to a production Ranger.

The vehicle also features eight-stud wheel hubs, improved mounting points for accessories, and a reinforced tow bar structure, allowing it to handle greater loads while maintaining durability.

Advanced towing technology

The Ranger Super Duty introduces Ford’s Smart Hitch and Onboard Scales technology to South Africa. Smart Hitch helps drivers manage towball weight for safer trailer loading, while Onboard Scales use suspension sensors to estimate payload and display load information through the SYNC infotainment system.

Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist also makes trailer reversing easier by allowing drivers to control trailer direction with a dial.

Power and off-road ability

The Ranger Super Duty is equipped with Ford’s 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine, generating 154kW and 600Nm, matched to a 10-speed automatic transmission. With a 130-litre extended-range fuel tank, improved thermal management, and reinforced underbody protection, the bakkie is built to perform reliably in demanding environments.

With nearly 300mm of ground clearance, an 850mm water-wading depth, front and rear locking differentials, and an upgraded low-range transfer case, the Ranger Super Duty is designed to handle extreme terrain.

Ford says the model underwent one of the toughest durability testing programmes in the company’s history, including heavy-load trials, off-road testing, and harsh environmental simulations.

Pricing

Final South African pricing will only be confirmed closer to launch in 2027. Current estimates suggest pricing could start at around R1.1 million for the Single Chassis Cab and reach approximately R1.3 million for the Double Cab.