BIMS 2026 | The Ford Ranger Super Duty is closer to PH with Thai debut

Yep, that’s right. You’re looking at yet another variant of the Ford Ranger. The American automaker just can’t seem to run out of new variant ideas, but this is for good reason.

Dubbed as the Ranger Super Duty, this was revealed in Australia last year, and is the most capable variant of the most popular pickup truck today, born from the Ford F-Series’ Super Duty range. It’s now closer to the Philippines as it makes its debut in the ASEAN Region at the 47th Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS).

Unlike other Ford Ranger variants, the Super Duty is not just about aesthetics, as capability is most important.

For starters, it gets the Ranger Wildtrak’s 3.0-liter Power Stroke V6 turbodiesel engine that makes 210 horsepower and 600Nm of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. 

Six selectable drive modes are available: Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Mud/Ruts, Sand, and Rock Crawl. It also comes standard with Ford’s advanced four-wheel drive system, coming with a 4A (Automatic 4WD) as the permanent setting.

But more than that, it can drive for longer distances with its fuel tank capacity, which has been increased from 80 liters to 130 liters. In addition, the fuel tank gets a thick steel shield for protection. The engine, front differential and transfer case, and transmission are also protected by steel bash plates to prevent damage when off-roading.

But what’s a Ford Super Duty without hauling capability? The Ranger Super Duty has a 4,500kg gross vehicle mass (GVM), which is the maximum allowable weight of any vehicle (including any load), along with a larger 4,500kg towing capacity, and 8,000kg gross combined mass (GCM), which is the maximum allowable weight of the vehicle with a trailer in tow.

There’s also a stronger front and rear driveshaft, along with a new heavy-duty rear axle. Its rear differential is also larger and built stronger.

Setting it apart in the looks department is its brawnier appearance, which shows that hauling need not be utilitarian, basic, or boring.

It gets a distinct front grille, a bulky front overrider, sculpted hood with the ‘Super Duty’ name stamped on it, paired with wide fender flares, and unique 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in General Grabber all-terrain tires. Ground clearance has been increased to 299mm, and its track is wider at 1,710mm.

The interior on the other hand, is largely similar to mid-grade Ranger variants with hard-wearing plastics instead of soft-touch surfaces, and an eight-inch digital instrument cluster and 12-inch vertical touchscreen infotainment system. Setting it apart is the ‘Super Duty’ name stamped on the front passenger upper storage cover.

While the local pickup truck market doesn’t care much about capability in favor of daily usage, the Ford Ranger Super Duty would definitely be an interesting addition to the Ford Philippines lineup, especially for pickup truck enthusiasts. Do you think it should launch here in the Philippines?

^{Photos by Julian Panlilio}