Ford Ranger Super Duty Double Cab v Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series Double Cab GXL 2026 comparison

So different is the 2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty Double Cab to the rest of the Ranger line-up, it almost deserves an entirely unique name. According to the brand, only about six per cent of the ladder-frame chassis is carried over like for like, with extra reinforcements added.

Essentially, the Super Duty is an Aussie-led development, spurred on by feedback from customers who liked the size of the Ranger, but wanted more load-lugging muscle. For them, stepping up into a big American truck like the F-150 wasn’t an option. So, Ford Australia got to work.

And it’s also obvious Ford Motor Company wanted in on Australia’s mining sector, something its rival here dominates. Yet, the hardware and engineering involved doesn’t come cheap – you’re looking at about $30,000 more than the equivalent standard Ranger. Making this Double Cab version $89,990 before on-road costs (ORCs).

Yet, no matter what you think of the pricing for the Super Duty, the 2026 Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series Double Cab GXL is borderline ridiculous given its age. While the family of body styles is branded 70 Series, the double-cab chassis we have here is the 79; the ‘Troopy’ is the 78 and the four-door wagon is the 76 Series.

Toyota is charging $83,500 for a vehicle with roots, ahem, rooted in the ’80s... which doesn’t matter one iota given the waiting list. Although, some enthusiasts are up in arms at the axing of the trusty, and easily modified, turbo-diesel V8. Now it’s turbo-diesel four-cylinder power or nought.

The beauty of being around so long is that the aftermarket for the 79 Series is like a kid in a ‘candy shop’. You can buy and fit myriad items to make the LC79 as tough, or even tougher, than the Super Duty – but it’ll cost you.

Ford is attempting to cut out the middleman and offer what buyers want from the factory.

This pair might share philosophies, but their respective aesthetics tell two very different stories. And it’s crazy to think they aren’t the biggest bruisers in their respective ranges, with the Ford F-150 and Toyota Tundra offering another level-up in dimensions.

Compared to its Japanese competitor, the 2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty Double Cab couldn’t look and feel more contemporary if it tried. It utilises the front and rear track width of the Ranger Raptor, while that commanding stance is aided by the one-piece snorkel and ‘Super Duty’ being pressed into the bonnet.

This ‘base’ grade rolls on 18-inch steel wheels with 33-inch General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres, eight-stud hubs and beefed-up brakes. There are also niceties like keyless entry with push-button start and dual-zone climate control, but the manual seats are cloth and there’s no carpet on the floors. You’ll have to stump up for the upcoming XLT to gain ‘luxe’ items like faux leather and carpet.

Those allergic to change will find solace in the continuity of design with the 2026 Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series Double Cab GXL. Yes, there’s some charm in the yesteryear styling, but elements have been brought into the 21st century via the circular LED headlights and daytime running lights.

There are also auto-locking hubs for the 16-inch alloys and a raised two-piece air intake (it isn’t a single-piece snorkel), but that’s about it. It misses out on keyless entry (although it does have central locking), the aerial is an old-school extending type, and the side mirrors have no power adjustment.

It’s even more sparse inside. Although, the GXL does sport power windows. The air conditioning unit is archaic and analogue, but there is AC. The cloth seats are adjusted manually, while the floor is also vinyl.

However, neither of these two are standard, especially given the trays are optional extras. The Super Duty’s painted steel tray is $7176 (with water-storage provisions), but it also comes with the $750 Shadow Black hue and a dual-battery system that acts as a power source for accessories, which is great for the campsite.

Posh paint is a $675 premium with the LC79, with our tester coming in Merlot Red. The alloy tray, towbar and brake-controller kit are also cost-adding accessories.

Both are covered by five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranties, but when it comes to servicing, the Toyota requires more of it with six-month/10,000-kilometre intervals compared to 12 month or 15,000km for the Ford. Therefore, the LC79’s upkeep is also more expensive across five years, totalling $5450 compared to $2345.

Additionally, if you service with a Ford dealer, you can receive up to seven years of included roadside assistance. Toyota makes you pay a yearly fee of $99 for the basic coverage, or $139 for the ‘Plus’ plan.

Neither carry an ANCAP safety rating, but given the pair’s commercial-vehicle status, this isn’t likely to matter much with buyers.

The 2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty Double Cab harnesses a chunk more active tech.

For instance, it gains front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree reversing camera, rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, active lane centring and adaptive cruise control – all features the 2026 Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series Double Cab GXL misses out on.

The LC79 also only has dual airbags compared to the Super Duty’s nine.

Shared features include autonomous emergency braking (AEB), stability/traction control, anti-lock brakes and road sign recognition for speed limits. And depending on how you look at it, the fact the LC79 misses out on driver attention monitoring could be a boon.

Within an instant it’s clear to see the winner in this department. The 2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty Double Cab is light years ahead – and this isn’t even the XLT.

Commanding attention is the 12-inch portrait-style infotainment screen. It’s powered by Ford’s SYNC4 operating system, which delivers a clean digital aesthetic and a relatively intuitive menu layout. After a couple of days, you’ll be familiar with it, a process that’s aided by the fact the climate control also affords separate physical dials.

The instrument cluster is housed within an 8.0-inch screen, and while it doesn’t dazzle with myriad colourful themes and customisation, it’s loaded with useful information. And of course, the experience looks and feels thoroughly fresh compared to the competition here, despite it also receiving a revamp.

As far as the 2026 Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series Double Cab GXL goes, you should just be thankful it has any tech features at all. The redesigned, largely analogue instrument cluster now houses a small 4.2-inch screen for the trip computer. Although the 6.7-inch infotainment unit looks decidedly aftermarket, with poor lighting and slow functionality.

It does support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, yet you’ll need a USB-A cable with you – one that also must be connected to the head unit, which adds clutter. There’s no such clutter in the Super Duty with both applications available wirelessly, while the Ford alone gains a wireless charge pad and native sat-nav.

Both come with Bluetooth, but the Ranger outperforms the LC79 significantly in the audio department with a six-speaker system compared to the Toyota’s two.

Both powertrains are a bit contentious for different reasons.

It’s a factor that’s been somewhat slid to the side, but the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 in the 2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty Double Cab has reduced power due to it needing to meet Euro6 emissions laws.

With 154kW/600Nm, the Lion V6 engine now develops 30kW less, while torque remains unchanged. Considering the added weight of the Super Duty, it isn’t the swiftest, either. What grunt it has is channelled through the intuitive 10-speed automatic transmission to the full-time 4x4 system.

It also includes high and low ranges as well as front and rear locking differentials which can be engaged independently of each other.

You’d think that cutting the cylinder count in half would hamper the 2026 Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series Double Cab GXL. However, that is far from the case and it actually outpaces the Super Duty – the gap increasing as the national speed limit approaches.

Toyota’s widely used 1GD-FTV 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel is a stoic performer and it endows the LC79 with a sprightliness the bent-eight wouldn’t match. Do we miss the V8? Not really. Especially given the four-cylinder produces 150kW/500Nm. 

It’s tied to a six-speed automatic transmission (a five-speed manual is also available, but torque drops to 450Nm) that sends power to a part-time 4x4 system that also employs high and low range with locking front and rear diffs.

This probably isn’t high on the priority list. And given both are classified as light trucks, they aren’t required to publish an official claimed average fuel consumption.

The 2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty Double Cab proves to be quite a bit thirstier than a standard Ranger – no surprises there given the extra weight. Throughout testing, which included varied conditions and a 650kg weight ballast, the Ford returned 15.96L/100km.

That’s a significant bump on the early nines we achieved with a Ranger Sport V6, and also thirstier than the 12.3L/100km the PHEV mustered while towing a caravan in the Grampians.

One of the many benefits of dropping the V8 is greater fuel efficiency – even without the 48-volt mild hybrid system. The 2026 Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series Double Cab GXL carries an official rating of 9.6L/100km. After a range of driving, we achieve 12.96L/100km, giving it a clear advantage.

Both run with an upsized 130-litre fuel tank from factory and have a predicted range of more than 1000km. However, unlike the LC79 and the standard Ranger, the Super Duty requires an AdBlue replenishment every 9000-16,000km.

Yes, the 2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty Double Cab is engineered up to be a workhorse, but it hasn’t lost the dynamic traits that make the standard Ranger a class-leading dual-cab on-road.

But a lot has changed. The front locking differential is based off a Bronco Raptor, while the rear one can be linked back to a unit used in the Transit. To deal with the higher loads, the steering rack has been recalibrated, and the tracks now mirror those of the Baja-inspired Ranger Raptor.

Even the leaf springs have been lengthened for better on-road dynamics as well as greater articulation and travel off it – more on that later.

Therefore, the Super Duty applies itself well on tarmac. The ride quality does lean toward the firmer side unladen, but the benefits are felt in reduced body roll and an eagerness to change direction despite its all-terrain rubber.

And while the 2675kg kerb weight (closer to 3000kg when we put it on the scales) hampers straight-line performance, it doesn’t demonstrably impact handling. Not that corner-carving is the aim here.

Still, the experiences behind the wheel are like chalk and cheese. The 2026 Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series Double Cab GXL feels dated and uncouth in comparison.

Like the Super Duty, the LC79 runs on a ladder-frame chassis with a live rear axle and leaf springs. Kerb weight is significantly reduced at 2185kg, yet it doesn’t help proceedings as much as you’d hope.

On-road, the LC79’s slow-geared hydraulic power steering is anything but direct and the turning circle is large (14.4m vs 13.6m), especially when you engage the front axles. It understeers more readily, while the brake pedal is wooden and body roll through corners is pronounced.

Even the unladen ride quality is more unsettled – although how that changes with weight in the tray proves Toyota has built the ’Cruiser to perform well while working/carrying a load. Unlike in the Ranger’s sensors and cameras that make it easier to live with inside city limits, you rely on the LC79’s thin pillars for increased visibility.

Rather hilariously, the fact the external mirrors aren’t powered matters little as they tend to auto adjust at speed via the wind.

Pretty darn good. 

The 2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty Double Cab’s extended plastic wheelarches look cool and make room for the wider wheel tracks, ground clearance is amped up to 295mm and the wading depth is 850mm (50mm more than the standard Ranger).

It doesn’t stop there, though. The redeveloped parabolic rear leaf springs offer greater articulation, longer control arms increase travel and raised differential breathers combine with the snorkel to help combat water crossings. All that, pooled with the driveline hardware, means the Super Duty is virtually unstoppable in myriad off-road conditions.

Nothing we point it at within Victoria’s Lerderderg 4WD Training Park fazes it. Most of the time there’s little need to scroll through the various off-road modes or engage the diff locks, which is a sinch to do via on-screen menus and the physical control wheel. Most obstacles can be conquered with only the rear locker active.

It also utilises a handy off-road traction mode that doubles as hill-descent control. After selecting it, you choose a speed through the cruise control buttons on the multi-function steering wheel and the Ranger will maintain it – either going up or down inclines. It works vastly better than Toyota’s system which often requires brake intervention to arrest downhill speeds.

Much like the Ford, the 2026 Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series Double Cab GXL shines on tracks most sane people would tackle given the tools at its disposal. It has as much, if not more, wheel articulation and manages to get through most tracks without engaging any lockers or low range. The Dunlop all-terrain tyres also work a treat.

Switching between two- and four-wheel drive, as well as high and low range is done via an old-school lever. And it’s a bit clunky, often protesting instruction. But you get there after some fiddling. It’s also a shame the LC79 doesn’t use the same off-road-helping cameras as the Ranger.

The LC79’s traction control system – when not using diff locks – has a slight calibration edge, yet both intervene a little too late and allow wheelspin. Speaking of spin, the Super Duty’s turn assistance feature is a bit of a gimmick. It takes some trial and error, with more aggressive inputs garnering better results.

The Super Duty outclasses the LC79 in terms of approach and departure angles with 36.1 and 28.6 degrees respectively compared to 33 and 27 degrees. Conversely, the Toyota has 7mm of extra ground clearance, but the same 850mm wading depth.

It’s also worth noting that the Toyota’s track widths are noticeably different (1555mm front vs 1460mm rear). It’s a carryover issue from having to fit the old 4.5-litre V8 within the engine bay and it can cause issues in sand. As expected though, there’s an aftermarket fix.

Super Duty branding is only applied to the toughest Blue Oval trucks, so this department must be the trump card. And it is.

The 2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty Double Cab’s stats are impressive, with a headlining 4500kg braked towing capacity and a payload of 1825kg. It results in a gross combined mass (GCM) of 8000kg and even when towing at max capacity, there’s still 825kg payload left.

While the 2026 Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series Double Cab GXL is outgunned, it still offers up 3500kg of braked towing capacity, a payload of 1325kg (reducing to 975kg at max towing) for a total GCM of 7010kg. So, it’s giving away a little on paper.

To test the pair out, we chucked a 650kg ballast into the trays.

The Super Duty’s parabolic leaf springs don’t come cheap, so it’s heartening to discover the ballast isn’t really felt – at all. It’s almost as if the Ranger doesn’t know it’s there, though you can check this thanks to the tray having in-built scales to weigh its contents, with the figures displayed on the infotainment screen.

A further sign that the Japanese giant knows it’s building a workhorse is the fact that the LC79’s ride quality improves with weight in the back, so much so that it gains a compliance advantage in this state. It starts to use more of its travel and absorb bumps instead of skipping over them.

Where the LC79 feels the 650kg ballast is when cornering, as the already top-heavy nature is exacerbated. Lateral roll increases, whereas the Super Duty is planted. Both handle the load well in terms of maintaining their respective engine performance.

The differences between these two are starkly apparent inside the cabin.

Sure, you’re not getting faux-leather upholstery or soft-touch plastics, but even with the vinyl flooring and cloth seats, the 2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty Double Cab manages to maintain an air of upmarket appeal – for a dual-cab.

The design conveys up-to-date vibes and many will see value in the six pre-wired, roof-mounted auxiliary switches, too.

If your Super Duty is going to be more for personal use, then upgrading to the XLT’s carpeted flooring as well as heated and ventilated leather seats might be worth the price premium.

Sliding out of the Ranger and into the 2026 Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series Double Cab GXL is the ultimate juxtaposition – and this is the ‘fancy’ variant of the range. While heritage-listed aesthetics, old-school ergonomics and tough materials abound, there’s also a hardwearing dependability about it.

Sadly, there isn’t adequate adjustment in the manual seat to sit low enough and while the steering wheel moves up and down, in and out, its range of motion isn’t quite sufficient for the optimal positioning. The seats themselves are also flatter and less supportive than the Super Duty’s.

Power windows are no longer a novel modern feature, but they seem that way in the LC79. You know you’re clutching at straws when a soft-touch, door-mounted armrest becomes a creature comfort. In terms of storage, the Super Duty wins with more glove boxes, cubby holes and useful cup holders.

Back-seat passengers are far happier in the Ranger – especially given it has rear air vents. The Super Duty also affords much more head and legroom. The LC79 carries over a weird wheel-arch provision from the Wagon even though it isn’t needed, which makes getting in and out harder. It also lacks a centre armrest, unlike the Ford.   

Neither has USB ports in the rear, but the Super Duty counters this with a 400W inverter (three-prong plug) and a 12V outlet to run something like a portable fridge. Although, unlike plug-in hybrid utes, they only work when the ignition is on.

Overall, the Ford is markedly quieter on the road. It has decidedly less wind noise than the LC79, but the Super Duty introduces a driveline whine that isn’t present in the ‘lesser’ Ranger.

By now, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work out the winner… it isn’t the 2026 Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series Double Cab GXL. And not to devalue the point of this comparison, to many, it doesn’t matter. Such is its reputation that demand continues to outstrip supply.

The fact the LC79 has reliability runs on the board the Ranger doesn’t can’t be discounted. Yes, it has time on its side, but the reputation has been earned and offers reassurance to buyers who’ll likely find themselves in remote pockets of Australia. Finding parts for it in the Outback will be an easier task.

However, the 2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty Double Cab outpaces the LC79 in just about every metric apart from pace (ironically). Clearly, its hardest task will be winning over punters no matter how many light years ahead it feels. To those who buy these vehicles, reliability is paramount.

No, it isn’t perfect, but that shouldn’t take the shine off the Super Duty’s win. Ford is taking a big swing at a section of the market Toyota has largely monopolised.

And while only time will tell if the beefed-up Ranger can match the LC79’s enviable status for being bombproof, it lands a crucial first blow. Instead of merely trying to meet the standard for rough-and-tumble dual cabs, Ford is setting a new benchmark.

2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty at a glance:
Price: $89,990 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel
Output: 154kW/600Nm
Transmission: Ten-speed automatic
Fuel: Not available
CO2: Not available
Safety rating: Not tested

2026 Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series at a glance:
Price: $83,500 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 150kW/500Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 9.6L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 253g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Unrated

Join the conversation at our Facebook page
Or email us at editor@carsales.com.au