Soon to be joining the Ford Ranger lineup is the Ranger Wildtrak X. Designed to bridge the gap between the Wildtrak and higher-performing Raptor, the Wildtrak X is for those who want greater off-road capability and features without compromising the Ranger’s 3500kg towing capacity.
“Ranger is more than just transportation: it enables an unlimited lifestyle, giving owners the ability to tackle work, family and play with one, feature-packed vehicle. We have designed and engineered Wildtrak X with the overlanding community front of mind.”
David Grice, Chief Platform Engineer, Ford Ranger
How much will it cost and when will we see it?
Let’s get the important question out of the way first. The Ford Ranger Wildtrak X starts at $75,990 plus on-roads and it’s scheduled to hit showrooms in the second half of the year.
Now we can get into the nitty-gritty of it.
Under the bonnet
Under the bonnet is a 2.0-Litre bi-turbo four-cylinder diesel paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Ranger enthusiasts will already be familiar with this workhorse, and with outputs of 150kW/500Nm, there’s no question that Wildtrak X can take you wherever you want. In a continuing effort to reduce emissions, Wildtrak X is the first Ranger variant to meet the Light Duty Truck EU Stage 6 emissions level 7 and as such, will require the use of AdBlue.
Into the wild and back
In a nod to the majority of us who still need to drive around on the sealed stuff, Ranger Wildtrak’s suspension has been tuned for touring and payload but without sacrificing comforts when it’s time to return to reality.
Bilstein position-sensitive dampers sidestep the usual drawbacks associated with a lift kit so you can go further off the beaten track but still enjoy improved cornering and tarmac handling. This is due to End Stop Control Valve (ESCV) technology within the dampers, which allows for better fine-tuning and calibration.
Off-road capability
Dropping the part-time ‘shift on the fly’ system, the Wildtrak X is full-time 4WD. General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres are fitted as standard on 17-inch alloys and an additional 26mm of ground clearance over the existing Wildtrak has been achieved. How? This is due to the combination of new suspension, wheel and tyres. The X also has a 30mm wider track, both front and rear.
New off-road tools
Two new off-road tools in Trail Turn Assist and Trail Control (also seen in the Raptor) are featured in the Wildtrak X. Trail Turn Assist helps negotiate tight bends on narrow tracks by applying the brake to the inside rear wheel to reduce the turning radius. Trail Control helps maintain a constant low speed when off-roading so drivers can concentrate on steering.
Flexible rack system
Of interest is the flexible rack system that doesn’t require any tools and can be operated by just one person. A sliding load rack that can be locked into five positions along the length of the bed, and a folding roof rack that can be stored inside the rails when not in use are the two main components.
Hey good looking
For those who like their rig to stand out, you’ll want to order yours in Cyber Orange, an exclusive colour for the Wildtrack X special edition. Although according to Ford’s ‘build your Ford’ tool on its website, this will set you back an additional $700.
Externally, Wildtrak X gets a new off-road grille with LED headlamps and a Cyber Orange accent strip. You’ll also find a steel bash plate, cast aluminium side steps, and both Wildtrak X and Ford badges.
Asphalt black is the finish for the bumper H-bar, grill surround, fender vents, door handles, mirror caps and rear bumper. All up, this is one good looking Ranger.
But it’s what’s on the inside that counts, right?
The Wildtrak X looks just as good inside with leather-accented seats and Wildtrak X embroidered into the upper glovebox, seat backs and floor mats. The glovebox, instrument cluster hood, centre console rail and door trim are wrapped in Terra suede. Cyber Orange contrast stitching abounds.
Unlike the regular Wildtrak, the X comes standard with a B&O4 sound premium audio system and the larger 12.4-inch digital cluster found on the Raptor and Platinum variants.
