Ford Confirms Ranger Super Duty for South Africa
The bakkie wars are about to reach a heavy-duty new level. Ford South Africa has officially confirmed that the Ranger Super Duty will be arriving on local shores in 2027, promising to redefine what a mid-size bakkie can actually do.
Developed by a 1 500-strong team of designers and engineers, this isn't just a Ranger with a stiffer spring—it’s a ground-up re-engineering of the platform designed specifically for the toughest industries on the continent.
Specs
While the regular Ranger functions as a workhorse, the Super Duty pushes into territory previously reserved for much larger trucks.
Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM): 4 500 kg
Gross Combination Mass (GCM): 8 000 kg
Towing capacity: 4 500 kg braked towing limit (up from the standard 3 500 kg).
Payload: Rated at up to 1 982 kg.
Fuel tank: A long-range 130-litre tank as standard.
Under the bonnet, the Ranger Super Duty will employ Ford’s 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine, delivering 154 kW and 600 Nm of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission and a permanent four-wheel-drive system.
Built for purpose
Ford aims this model directly at South Africa’s most demanding sectors: mining, agriculture, utilities, and emergency services. To handle the increased loads, the Super Duty features a unique chassis, heavy-duty front and rear axles, and the strongest rear differential ever fitted to a production Ranger.
"Ranger Super Duty blends the smart features and advanced safety of the award-winning Ranger with heavy-duty capability... this enhanced capability will give owners the flexibility they need to get the big jobs done," says Neale Hill, President of Ford Africa Operations.
Customisation
The Super Duty will be available in both Single Cab and Double Cab configurations. For those with highly specific requirements—whether it's a bulletproof conversion for security or a specialised loadbed for forestry—Ford is leaning heavily on its Ford Pro Convertor programme.
This ensures that any third-party modifications meet Ford’s standards while maintaining factory-backed warranty support.
Overlanding
For the adventure set, the Super Duty provides a backbone for overlanding. With nearly 2 tonnes of payload capacity, enthusiasts can fit heavy canopies, rooftop tents, and enough gear for transcontinental travel without worrying about exceeding the vehicle’s legal limits.
Coming to SA: 2027
Body Styles: Single & Double Cab