After months of rumors, speculation, and bits of information slowly trickling out, Ford has finally unveiled the Ranger Heavy Duty — its most rugged version to date.
This new variant of the American pickup boasts a towing capacity of up to 9,921 pounds, which is on par with what most full-size pickups can handle.
However, there’s a catch: this Heavy Duty version won’t be offered in North America.
Built for Work
The Ford F-150 is a highly versatile vehicle and the number one choice for most contractors in North America. However, it’s important to note that this pickup isn’t available everywhere in the world. That’s where the Ford Ranger HD comes in — and it becomes a very compelling option.
Although the exact numbers haven’t been released yet, we already know that the American automaker’s midsize truck will be powered by a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 engine. This will be paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Thanks to this combination, the Ranger HD is able to offer a towing capacity of 9,221 pounds — nearly 2,200 pounds more than the regular Ranger.
The Ranger HD is built for long hauls as well, with its fuel tank upgraded from 68 liters to a massive 130 liters.
The Ranger Heavy Duty truly earns its name thanks to numerous enhancements to the chassis and suspension. This new variant of the American midsize truck is also available in multiple configurations, including a chassis-cab version that can be customized to meet contractors’ needs. Add to that 18-inch reinforced wheels wrapped in factory General Grabber 33-inch tires. And as if that weren’t enough, the Ford Ranger HD also comes standard with a roof-height snorkel — a feature typically found on extreme off-road vehicles.
In the end, I find it pretty unfortunate that the Ford Ranger Heavy Duty won’t be available in North America. In my opinion, it’s exactly the kind of vehicle that would do well here, especially among small businesses. Who knows — maybe the American automaker will reconsider its decision if demand is high enough.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
