The rate of change at Ford Australia is frenetic. It seems like only yesterday they launched the beefy Super Duty variant of perennial favourite, the Ranger. As a chart topper for a few years running, it’s pleasing to see the brand improve what’s already a good thing.
Launched late last year, with a curated program centring around trails designed to showcase the vehicle on and off road, including testing its 4.5-tonne braked towing capacity, what was missing was the Pickup.
While it wasn’t available to drive back then, we found ourselves with an invitation to a new event, and this very launch drive. As per this earlier news piece – among other adjustments to the range is the fact the Cab Chassis is now available in a higher XLT trim.
The pickup is available in the base XL trim (as well as XLT) and they’ve even charted a path for what MY27 will look like. That aside, the Flinders Range is a region I’ve always been keen to explore.
With its vast plains, rocky ridges, red dirt and big skies, it’s been on the off-road bucket list for many years. Bendleby Ranges is a 37,000-acre property that’s been owned by the same family for generations and the venue for our launch.
It’s had many uses over the years, including the Sydney to Perth mail run, when that was a thing. We spotted many thousands of sheep, but more importantly, it has also become a bit of an off-road tourism hotspot.
Offering 50km of tracks, with everything from goat trails on ridges to dried creek beds, it was more than a fitting location to test the Ranger Super Duty. Following a wet 3.5-hour run out of Adelaide Airport, we finally hit red dirt for the last half hour into the property.
It was a pleasingly comfortable trip in an XLT Pickup. Compared to the base XL, the leather-accented power-adjustable seats and carpeted floors just added a little more refinement to the otherwise unchanged interior.
The way it rides is a real highlight, with suspension that’s supple enough to soak bumps despite its weight carrying intentions, the ability to stay true to the steering regardless of the conditions, and a level of NVH that is simply not befitting of a commercial vehicle.
It’s designed to be worked hard, and I recalled the effort that had gone into engaging with industry in the design process. Let’s face it, the people who will use these vehicles for their ultimate intent will be behind the wheel for long stints in challenging conditions.
Three days on outback dirt was exactly what the doctor ordered. The earlier Super Duty launch included custom built tracks designed to provide a range of folk the opportunity to get a feel. This trip was to be far more challenging.
With rocky ridges and outcrops with plenty of sharp crumbly shale around, it promised for some spectacular driving and views, but ultimately necessitated a level of capability. The General Tyre Grabber rubber was aired down to 25psi – hinting at what was ahead.
With a forecast that seemed to be changing on the fly, it was off to Pat’s Peak on the first afternoon, rather than the original plan for the following morning. It’s named after old mate and business partner Pat Callinan (he of his self named 4×4 Adventures fame).
It scored its moniker as part of an episode of his TV show. Another dear friend in Scott Mason from Southern Sky Images was also along for the ride and interestingly, he had co-presented on the aforementioned naming episode. He had a good idea of what to expect too.
Not even he could warn me about the jutting rock trackside, which promptly put an end to my incline at the beginning of the track. It resulted in much entertainment for everyone else for the remainder of the trip but also reminded me how useful steel wheels can be.
I was in the XL utility at the time, and with no chance of changing a tyre where we were, we simply and slowly continued up the track and parked up somewhere safe. There’s nothing stopping you from doing that with an alloy wheel, of course.
It is worth noting though that alloy gets scratched, bent and can chip or break. Steel is more likely to bend, which can be beaten straight with a mallet, allowing you to re-bead and keep going; an asset off-road.
It also reminded me that while the extra track width of the Ranger Super Duty is an asset, it can at times be a liability in these sorts of conditions. The track peaks atop a ridge that seemingly allows one to see out to the edge of the Earth.
It’s real low range territory in parts and having the added benefit of lockers up front adds a layer of confidence on ascent and descent. There’s no substitute for these mechanical pieces in my aging eyes, but they also complement the electronic wizardry.
It was perhaps most impressive when watching the car ahead navigate the obstacles. It’s with this viewpoint where you can see the flex in the suspension front and rear and the tyres absorbing the rocks when deflated.
That’s not to say it’s any less impressive behind the wheel. However, one of the things that I found challenging was the obstruction created by the factory Safari Snorkel out the driver side view.
To be clear, there are cameras for days and visibility in general is good, but there were times where I’d have like a little better vision from the A pillar, particularly when on a steep descent with direction change.
It just goes to show everything comes at a compromise, and a good spotter is worth his/her weight in gold. It’s truly remarkable how capable these cars are out of the box.
Car people will understand when I say that the entire thing just feels “built”, in a way where a fourby with lift, wheels and tyres would feel. This use case put an end to any complaint around the power deficit comparison to the normal Ranger too.
With low range engaged, the 600Nm of torque made light and importantly, controlled work in tricky conditions. Although I would’ve liked to test with some load, I suspect the power output would have been less of a factor than stability in these conditions.
That doesn’t mean I have any reason to doubt it, because the extra track, while requiring more attention, simply provides an incredibly reassuring level of confidence, even when the angles were a little wild.
The pickup was the Ranger Super Duty I was waiting for, and it’s delivered. It maintains all the credentials and capability available in the cab chassis, but in a much more cohesive and attractive visual. It’s going to sound stupid, but to me it looks hot.
Those wheels, the guards, the height and width all create a menacing stance. This will sound all the crazier, but to me it’d be the perfect daily driver. It’s got all the amenity I need with the benefit of the off-road capability and finally, the visuals.
Yes, it’s slow off the mark, but I need a fast car like a hole in the head. Now for that Jetski license. You can find out more about the new additions to the Ranger Super Duty range on the Ford Australia website, or by talking to your local dealership.
Our test vehicles were provided by Ford Australia as part of a multi-day launch event. Exhaust Notes Australia was not paid to attend this event.
