You’d suppose after claiming the titles of Australia’s favorite 4WD, then Australia’s favorite new automobile general, that we had reached peak Ford Ranger.
However carrying out these spectacular feats clearly wasn’t sufficient for the Blue Oval, which continues to broaden and diversify the mannequin vary of its top-selling ute nameplate in an try to succeed in seemingly each nook of the market.
The Ford Ranger Tremendous Obligation was launched late final yr as the newest and most hardcore spinoff of the favored homegrown ute, bringing a degree of professional quality functionality beforehand supplied solely by the likes of the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Sequence.
In contrast to the Japanese workhorse, nonetheless, the Tremendous Obligation – like each different Ranger since 2011 – may be very a lot the product of an Australian workforce, because it was conceived, designed, engineered, developed and examined Down Underneath.
And now, Ford is launching the ‘Pickup’ physique type in addition to the extra premium ‘XLT’ gear grade, which can be geared toward non-public/retail patrons who need the elevated Gross Automobile Mass (GVM) and towing capabilities beforehand solely supplied by full-size American pickups and the LC70, however with the familiarity and comfort of the common Ranger’s packaging and footprint.
With slightly below 1.7 tonnes of payload, whereas sustaining a GVM of 4.5 tonnes and a GCM (Gross Mixed Mass) of 8.0 tonnes, the Ranger Tremendous Obligation Pickup vary retains the identical heavy-duty specs of the cab/chassis variants within the extra trendy dual-cab ute physique type – certainly, it is a recipe for much more success.
To go along with the upgraded 18-inch braking system in addition to the beefed-up driveshafts and rear axle (borrowed from the Transit business van), the Tremendous Obligation’s tub has been strengthened with thicker-gauge metal for the ground panel and two bigger, extra cross-members – totalling six, versus 4 for the usual ute.
Whereas the Tremendous Obligation additionally scores wider tub sheetmetal to wrap round its wider rear wheel observe, inner tub dimensions stay the identical because the common Ranger, that means you’ll be able to nonetheless match the identical tub equipment as you’ll on non-Tremendous Obligation variations of the Blue Oval’s top-selling dual-cab. Even the extra 400W inverter carries over.
To see if the fancier Tremendous Obligation is value its six-figure on-road price ticket, we joined the nationwide media launch within the picturesque Flinders Ranges in South Australia, the place we subjected the hardest Ranger ever to a little bit of outback touring and a few fairly hardcore off-roading.
How a lot does the Ford Ranger Tremendous Obligation price?
The brand new XLT variations of the Tremendous Obligation add $6000 to the worth of equal commonplace fashions.
|
Mannequin |
Worth earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
|
2026 Ford Ranger Tremendous Obligation Single-Cab/Chassis |
$82,990 |
|
2026 Ford Ranger Tremendous Obligation Tremendous-Cab/Chassis |
$86,490 |
|
2026 Ford Ranger Tremendous Obligation Double-Cab/Chassis |
$89,990 |
|
2026 Ford Ranger Tremendous Obligation Double-Cab Pickup |
$93,990 |
|
2026 Ford Ranger Tremendous Obligation XLT Single-Cab/Chassis |
$88,990 |
|
2026 Ford Ranger Tremendous Obligation XLT Tremendous-Cab/Chassis |
$92,490 |
|
2026 Ford Ranger Tremendous Obligation XLT Double-Cab/Chassis |
$95,990 |
|
2026 Ford Ranger Tremendous Obligation XLT Double-Cab Pickup |
$99,990 |
Later this yr, Ford will add Single-Cab and Tremendous-Cab variations of the XLT to spherical out the V6 diesel-powered Tremendous Obligation vary, as a part of the mannequin yr 2027 (MY27) lineup.
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Whereas $100,000 is loads of cash for any ute, not to mention a Ford Ranger, it is value contemplating the place the Tremendous Obligation’s primary rivals sit at.
The LandCruiser 70 Sequence GXL could also be priced $10,000-$15,000 decrease at base degree, however has a much less highly effective four-cylinder diesel engine and much decrease commonplace spec, whereas the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster dual-cab is positioned as a extra premium proposition with a beginning worth of $105,000 plus ORCs with a six-cylinder petrol or diesel engine.
It is value noting that neither the Toyota nor the Ineos can match the Tremendous Obligation’s 4500kg braked towing capability. You’ll want to look to full-size US pickups like Ford’s personal F-150, Toyota’s Tundra, the Ram 1500, or the Chevrolet Silverado for that form of functionality.
To see how the Ford Ranger strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
What’s the Ford Ranger Tremendous Obligation like on the within?
The great thing about the Tremendous Obligation is that it is actually no totally different to a regular Ranger on the within.
The 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.0-inch portrait-oriented central infotainment touchscreen are acquainted from the usual ute in addition to the associated Everest off-road SUV, as are niceties like wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, embedded satellite tv for pc navigation, DAB+ digital radio, and related providers.
Choosing the XLT grade over the usual Tremendous Obligation brings low-gloss ‘Magnetite’ metallic accents, leather-accented upholstery, a 10-way energy driver’s seat with reminiscence, an eight-way energy entrance passenger seat, heated and ventilated entrance seats, in addition to carpet flooring with all-weather flooring mats within the first row.
The heated seats undoubtedly got here in helpful throughout our winter-time take a look at in regional South Australia given the contemporary morning temperatures. As with the bottom grade, there is a built-in electrical brake controller for towing, and the overhead console includes a financial institution of six auxiliary switches to wire-in spot lights, beacons, an air compressor, or a fridge – the listing goes on…
Different comfort objects which might be typical Ranger fare embody pop-out cupholders built-in into every finish of the dashboard, in addition to the toothed pair within the centre console. There’s a regular wi-fi cellphone charger in addition to USB-C ports to maintain gadgets juiced, plus a helpful cubby underneath the front-centre armrest.
Nonetheless, not like greater grades of the usual Ranger at equally lofty worth factors, the Tremendous Obligation XLT would not add any soft-touch or padded trim components on the dashboard or higher door playing cards, although the cabin does really feel fit-for-purpose and hard-wearing for the meant use case.
We did not discover any misaligned trim in our take a look at autos, like my colleague Ben did through the preliminary launch, however in our expertise the Ranger and Everest aren’t proof against the odd fit-and-finish mishap, which is one thing to look out for.
That stated, we subjected the Tremendous Obligation to loads of rough-and-tumble situations whereas off-roading and touring on high-speed sealed and unsealed roads, and we did not be aware any niggling rattles or squeaks which is an efficient signal.
After all, in the event you’re carting round people within the second row typically, the Double-Cab variations are for you. Like common variations of the Ranger dual-cab, there’s loads of area for a few burly tradies within the again, in addition to ISOFIX and top-tether anchors for little one seats in case your co-workers are of the new child sort.
Facilities embody directional vents on the rear of the centre console, along with energy retailers together with a 400W inverter with a traditional home wall socket, so you’ll be able to energy the whole lot from a drill to a hair dryer – relying on the form of instruments you want.
Additional, the rear map pockets and bottle holders within the doorways imply the whole lot from worksite paperwork to colouring books are catered for, in addition to Dare iced espresso or child bottles. The carpeted flooring of the XLT mightn’t be as onerous carrying as the usual mannequin’s hoseable vinyl flooring, nevertheless it provides a level of consolation and insulation that is good in the event you’re extra All-Obligation than Tremendous Obligation.
Ford says the ‘Pickup’ Tremendous Obligation’s tub is dimensionally equivalent to the usual Ranger’s, that means it is appropriate with the identical vary of equipment like canopies and drawers in the event you’re desirous to carryover your present Ranger’s package. It additionally carries over the extra 400W inverter for a complete of two in the event you go for the tubbed mannequin.
To account for the improved payload and functionality of the Tremendous Obligation, Ford has enhanced the bathtub with with thicker-gauge metal on the ground panel and two bigger, extra cross-members for a complete of six.
|
Dimensions |
Ford Ranger Tremendous Obligation XLT Double-Cab Pickup |
|---|---|
|
Size |
5447mm – With out tongue 5621mm – With tongue |
|
Width |
2197mm – incl. mirrors |
|
Peak |
1975mm |
|
Wheelbase |
3270mm |
|
Tub size |
1453mm – at flooring 1471mm – at high of tub |
|
Tub width |
1217mm – between wheel-arches 1416mm – at high of tub |
|
Tub depth |
513mm |
To see how the Ford Ranger strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
What’s underneath the bonnet?
All Tremendous Obligation autos are powered by a model of the Ranger’s 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel, tuned to fulfill N2 heavy-duty automobile emissions rules.
|
Specs |
Ford Ranger Tremendous Obligation XLT Double-Cab Pickup |
|---|---|
|
Engine |
3.0L V6 turbo-diesel |
|
Energy |
154kW at 3250rpm |
|
Torque |
600Nm at 1750rpm |
|
Transmission |
10-speed auto |
|
Drive sort |
4WD incl. 4A mode |
|
Gas financial system (claimed) |
– |
|
Gas financial system (as examined) |
11.9-13.2L/100km |
|
CO2 emissions (claimed) |
– |
|
Emissions commonplace |
Euro 6 |
|
Gas tank |
130L |
|
Weight |
2803kg |
|
Payload |
1697kg |
|
Braked towing capability |
4500kg |
|
Gross automobile mass (GVM) |
4500kg |
|
Gross mixture mass (GCM) |
8000kg |
As with the usual Tremendous Obligation, XLT variants obtain a big 30kW drop in peak energy output to 154kW, in comparison with the 184kW of ordinary Ranger V6, although the utmost 600Nm torque output stays the identical.
The N2 classification on account of the Tremendous Obligation’s 8000kg GCM score requires AdBlue injection to cut back dangerous NOx emissions from the tailpipe, and Ford permits the driving force to delay a DPF burn if it is unsafe or not handy.
Drive is distributed to an automated four-wheel drive system with 4A mode by way of a 10-speed automated transmission, permitting the Tremendous Obligation to drive the rear wheels the vast majority of the time, however ship energy to the entrance wheels when a lack of traction is detected, like in moist corners.
There is no selectable 2H mode, however 4A gives for 4WD on each unsealed and sealed surfaces, not like another utes. And the Tremendous Obligation is the one Ranger variant aside from the Baja-bashing Raptor that will get a locking entrance differential to go along with the usual rear diff lock. Low-range gearing can also be commonplace, naturally.
Hill-descent management and path flip help – which may drag an rear inside wheel to assist pivot the automobile round tight turns – can all be accessed by way of the SYNC infotainment touchscreen, and the previous permits the driving force to toggle a set velocity by way of the cruise controls on the steering wheel.
You even have the identical vary of drive and terrain modes as the usual Ranger, that means the whole lot from Eco and Tow/Haul to Slippery and Rock Crawl.
Our indicated gasoline consumption of high-11s into low-13s is greater than the usual Ranger V6, however signifies the Tremendous Obligation is able to properly over 1000km between refills, courtesy of its huge 130-litre long-range tank.
To see how the Ford Ranger strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
How does the Ford Ranger Tremendous Obligation drive?
We spent fairly a little bit of time behind the wheel and within the passenger seat of varied Tremendous Obligation XLTs, together with on-road, off-road, and a little bit of the whole lot in between.
The media launch commenced at Adelaide airport and took us out to the Flinders Ranges on a mixture of highways and unsealed roads. And there have been a collection of off-road trails for us to deal with on the Bendleby Ranges property which additionally served as our base camp (actually).
Given my restricted earlier expertise with the Ranger Tremendous Obligation, I used to be desperate to see if the heavy-duty modifications made to the powertrain and chassis (and the additional weight they add) have been to the detriment of the Ranger’s efficiency each on- and off-road.
First up was a three-hour, circa-350km transit leg from Adelaide to the Bendleby Ranges close to Orroroo in South Australia. A lot of this was on dual-lane freeway, 110km/h nation freeway, and single-lane B-roads.
The added weight of the Tremendous Obligation is felt fairly shortly. Whereas it is nonetheless easy and its preliminary energy supply is simply as easy, the larger footprint as a result of further observe width combines with the now 2.8-tonne kerb mass to make this really feel just like the weightlifter of the Ranger household.
Nonetheless, the slick steering and basic dealing with prowess of the usual Ranger carries over to the Tremendous Obligation, making it surprisingly wieldy round city, much less intimidating to drive than say, an F-150, and each extra secure and agile than a 70 Sequence.
The large-boy really feel behind the wheel promotes a extra relaxed driving type, and pushed with measure the 10-speed auto not often feels indecisive or off the tempo.
For these unfamiliar with the interior workings of Ford’s newest auto, it makes use of a torque converter for taking off from standstill in first and reverse like a traditional auto, however there are 4 planetary gear units to vary between the ten gear ratios, with six clutches employed for stated gear adjustments.
This helps to minimise the danger of the torque converter overheating underneath heavy-duty masses like towing, whereas the clutches aren’t topic to high-wear eventualities like preliminary take-off. Having so many ratios to select from works within the Ranger’s favour, permitting it to maintain the V6 oiler on the boil underneath acceleration with out flaring revs or working additional time.
Whereas it’s something however fast, the 600Nm comes on faucet from simply 1750rpm and helps the Tremendous Obligation make easy and easy progress each round city and on the freeway, settling right into a refined hum round 1800rpm at triple-digit speeds.
Even higher, regardless of the added weight from heavy-duty chassis upgrades, the Tremendous Obligation largely retains the Ranger’s benchmark experience and dealing with traits, even when unladen.
As famous by Mr Zachariah after our preliminary launch drive, the Tremendous Obligation’s stability and composure (notably at excessive speeds) is surprisingly good and arguably a match for – if not higher than – commonplace leaf-sprung Rangers when unladen.
This might be as a result of added weight and longer two-stage leaf packs on the rear, in addition to the broader observe. Bump absorption and basic isolation of street imperfections was glorious over South Australia’s outback roads, with solely sharper, high-frequency hits upsetting the chassis.
The 33-inch Basic Grabber A/T rubber can also be surprisingly grippy and fairly quiet in all driving eventualities, Certainly, the Tremendous Obligation’s cabin was impressively properly insulated from any street noise or tyre roar, and the specialised tyres along side the very good mechanical grip got here into their very own after we ventured off the crushed observe.
From the 100km/h red-dirt entry street into the Bendleby Ranges to the rocky trails of the spectacular regional property, the Tremendous Obligation was unfazed by just about something we might throw at it.
When you’ve found out the right way to flick the rotary dial into the specified terrain mode and lock the entrance diff by way of the touchscreen – which, once in a while, is a bit of fiddlier than it ought to be – the Tremendous Obligation looks like it might definitely stay as much as Ford’s declare that it’s essentially the most succesful ever Ranger off-road.
With a lofty 296mm of floor clearance in Double-Cab Pickup guise, or round 60mm greater than a Ranger Wildtrak, the Tremendous Obligation appears like a Raptor that’s been on a bulk food plan of protein shakes and heavy-duty van axles.
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Steep ascents with rocky faces had been no match for this heavy-weight, which clobbered up the lately rained-on terrain with ease.
There’s sufficient wheel articulation that we not often had a wheel within the air for greater than a second, and I don’t recall listening to a bang or a knock on the underbody bash plates because of the beneficiant floor clearance and method/departure angles – and the dual-cab has the ‘worst’ off-road geometry of the bunch.
Whereas it’s not essentially any extra succesful off-road than a 70 Sequence, or perhaps a Jeep Gladiator with its removable sway bars, the great thing about the Tremendous Obligation in comparison with its most succesful opposition is the ease-of-use that it provides.
Aside from the occasional second of fiddling round with a few of the 4WD and mode controls, which in our opinion might be simply amended with extra bodily switchgear, it is easy to extract the perfect from the Tremendous Obligation. Simply interact the specified mode and programs with one or two inputs, then off you go.
On the return leg from Bendleby Ranges again to Adelaide by way of the Barossa Valley, the Tremendous Obligation needed to take care of the identical mixture of unsealed and sealed roads in reverse, however with the added ingredient of current heavy rain – which turned the high-speed dust part into puddles and slush.
Once more, the Tremendous Obligation was unflappable in its stability and road-holding, ploughing via standing water and corrugations like they had been nothing. On the open 110km/h highways between the Flinders Ranges and Barossa Valley, the unladen high-speed experience and refinement was once more top-notch.
And once you’re on the paved stuff, the Tremendous Obligation additionally outdoes the LC70 and Grenadier with its expansive suite of driver assists like adaptive cruise management, lane-centring, blind-spot monitoring and encompass cameras – all as commonplace.
As soon as once more, this underlines the heavy-duty ute’s on a regular basis Ranger usability, regardless of its added Tremendous Obligation functionality.
|
Off-road dimensions |
Single-Cab/Chassis |
Tremendous-Cab/Chassis |
Double-Cab/Chassis |
Double-Cab Pickup |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Observe entrance and rear |
1710mm |
1710mm |
1710mm |
1710mm |
|
Floor clearance |
299mm |
297mm |
295mm |
296mm |
|
Strategy angle |
36.3 levels |
36.2 levels |
36.1 levels |
36.6 levels |
|
Departure angle |
29.3 levels |
29.0 levels |
28.6 levels |
27.8 levels |
|
Ramp breakover angle |
26.9 levels |
26.5 levels |
26.3 levels |
26.1 levels |
|
Wading depth |
850mm |
850mm |
850mm |
850mm |
To see how the Ford Ranger strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
What do you get?
The introduction of the XLT grade brings the Tremendous Obligation trim degree depend to 2, throughout a number of physique types.
2026 Ford Ranger Tremendous Obligation gear highlights:
- Automated LED headlights
- LED entrance fog lights
- Zone lighting
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Proximity entry with push-button begin
- 18-inch metal wheels incl. 8-stud wheel hub
- Basic Grabber A/T LT 275/70 R18 tyres
- 18-inch spare metal wheel
- Composite aspect steps
- Onboard scales
- Professional Trailer Again-up Help
- Built-in trailer brake controller
- 4.5t appropriate tow bar and hitch
- 2 x entrance rated restoration factors
- 2 x rear rated restoration factors
- Moulded mud guards
- Heavy-duty mount package
- Path Management
- Path Flip Help
- Hill descent management
- Energy-folding, heated exterior mirrors
- Puddle lights
- Selectable drive modes – Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, Sand, Rock Crawl
- Material upholstery
- Vinyl flooring
- 8-way handbook driver’s seat
- 4-way handbook passenger seat
- Steering wheel peak and attain adjustment
- Electrical park brake
- Electrochromatic rear-view mirror
- 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- DAB+ digital radio
- 2-speaker sound system – Single-Cab/Chassis
- 6-speaker sound system – Tremendous-Cab, Double-Cab
- Wi-fi cellphone charger
- Twin-zone local weather management
- Auxiliary change financial institution – 6 x switches
- 400W 230V inverter – Rear console
2026 Ford Ranger Tremendous Obligation XLT provides:
- 18-inch 8-stud alloy wheels
- Leather-based-accented seat upholstery
- Entrance seats with heating, air flow
- 10-way energy driver’s seat incl. reminiscence
- 8-way energy passenger seat
- Carpet flooring
- All-weather flooring mats, entrance
To see how the Ford Ranger strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
Is the Ford Ranger Tremendous Obligation secure?
The Tremendous Obligation is not lined by the usual Ranger’s five-star ANCAP security score, nevertheless it does function just about the identical suite of lively and passive security package as the broader lineup.
Customary security gear contains:
- 9 airbags
- Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring incl. trailer protection
- Evasive Steer Help
- Lane centring
- Lane-keep help
- Parking sensors – Entrance, rear
- Rear cross-traffic help
- Encompass-view cameras
- Site visitors signal recognition
- Tyre stress monitoring
To see how the Ford Ranger strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
How a lot does the Ford Ranger Tremendous Obligation price to run?
The Tremendous Obligation is roofed by Ford’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee, with as much as seven years of roadside help – offered the automobile is serviced yearly at a Ford dealership.
|
Servicing and Guarantee |
Ford Ranger Tremendous Obligation |
|---|---|
|
Guarantee |
5 years, limitless kilometres |
|
Roadside help |
As much as 7 years – Conditional |
|
Service intervals |
12 months or 15,000 kilometres |
|
Capped-price servicing |
5 years |
|
Common annual service price |
$469 |
|
Complete capped-price service price |
$2345 |
Service intervals are 12 months or 15,000km (whichever comes first), with Ford’s capped-price servicing costing $469 a pop for the primary 5 years or 75,000km.
To see how the Ford Ranger strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
CarExpert’s Tackle the Ford Ranger Tremendous Obligation XLT
It is onerous to not be impressed with how a lot further functionality the Blue Oval has unlocked from the Ranger with some alternative modifications and re-engineering, whereas retaining the core attributes which have made it Australia’s favorite ute and best-selling automobile general.
The XLT will little doubt attraction to people who’re tempted by the Tremendous Obligation’s elevated load-carrying/hauling and off-road capabilities, however who do not need to sacrifice too many luxuries. And added bonus is the SD has the look of a Raptor with military-style heavy-duty seasoning.
The actual fact this ute prices greater than $100,000 as soon as it is in your driveway, but is heavier and provides 30kW much less energy than a regular Ranger V6 would possibly appeal to scoffs on the worksite, however it is a real do-it-all ute with the payload and towing capability of a full-size pickup, wrapped within the extra compact packaging of the perfect and most superior dual-cab diesel ute available on the market.
Except for its worth, the continued reliability and longevity of the Ranger Tremendous Obligation ha but to be confirmed, not like the comparatively historical LandCruiser 70 Sequence, and Ford does have a patchy historical past with sturdiness and buyer relations in Australia.
That stated, greater than half one million Rangers had been delivered in Australia alone between 2015 and 2025, and gross sales aren’t displaying many indicators of slowing down, which reveals the vast majority of the shopping for public is not all that phased by the ‘what ifs’, and that fleet prospects maintain coming again to the nation’s solely homegrown ute.
In comparison with its extra pure heavy-duty rivals, the Ranger Tremendous Obligation units itself aside with the identical tech-laden inside and SUV-like on-road manners as the usual model, with full-size pickup-matching towing functionality that the LC70 and Grenadier can’t match.
It is a disgrace the six-figure spend would not get you the Raptor’s trick Matrix LED headlights or bigger in-car shows, however in the event you consider the Tremendous Obligation because the Raptor’s not-quite-identical twin that is much less about leaping over dunes and extra about doing precise ute stuff, it makes a whole lot of sense.
I will have mine in Traction Inexperienced with a manufacturing facility cover, thanks.
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