Ford is expanding its Ranger line-up with the special edition Wildtrak X, expected in Australian showrooms in the second half of this year.
Ford says the Wildtrak X bridges the gap between the Ranger Raptor and the regular Wildtrak.

Power comes via Ford’s 150kW/500Nm 2-litre Bi-Turbo inline four-cylinder diesel mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Ford says the Wildtrak X will be the first Ranger variant to meet the Light Duty Truck EU Stage 6 emissions level 7 and will require the use of AdBlue.

It will also be the first Ranger 2-litre Bi-Turbo Diesel variant to feature the advanced Full-time 4WD system instead of the part-time ‘shift on the fly’ 4×4 system.

Wildtrak X comes with Bilstein Position-Sensitive Dampers that Ford says allows drivers to go further off the beaten track but also improves on-road cornering manners as they have a monotube design and nitrogen-charged external reservoir that allow increased tuning bandwidth for dual driving characteristics. Towing capacity remains the same as the standard Ranger Wildtrak at 3500kg.

General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres are fitted as standard, with the 265/70 R17 rubber wrapped around new 17-inch alloy wheels. The combination of new suspension, wheel, and tyres results in a 30mm wider track width front and rear, and an additional 26mm of ground clearance when compared to the existing Wildtrak.

Wildtrak X is also set to come with Trail Turn Assist, designed to help negotiate tight bends on narrow tracks by applying the brake on the inside rear wheel, reducing the turning radius. It’s designed to be used on loose surfaces at speeds under 19km/h and can be used when the truck is engaged in either 4H or 4L and the rear differential is unlocked. In certain circumstances, Ford says Trail Turn Assist can reduce the Wildtrak X’s turning circle radius by up to 25 per cent.

Trail Control – also seen in the Ranger Raptor – helps drivers maintain a constant low-speed while off-road. The driver selects a set speed below 32 km/h and the vehicle will manage its acceleration and braking while the driver concentrates on steering.

There’s also Rock Crawl on Wildtrak X, which is designed to help on uneven, rocky terrain in a controlled manner at low speed. This drive mode requires low range 4WD to be engaged and will automatically lock the rear differential for maximum traction. Rock Crawl mode will also automatically actuate a unique throttle and transmission calibration that is designed to help the driver traverse the terrain as smoothly as possible.

Ranger Wildtrak X features Ford’s Flexible Rack System, which consists of a Sliding Load Rack that can be locked into five positions along the length of the load bed, and the Folding Roof Racks that store inside the rails when not in use. The flexible load system can be operated by one person and doesn’t require any tools to set up or stow.

The Wildtrak X will be available in Cyber Orange – an exclusive colour for the special edition model, and it is also set to come with a new off-road grille design with LED headlamps and a Cyber Orange accent strip, a steel bash plate, cast aluminium side steps and Wildtrak X badges on the front doors and tailgate, black Ford oval badges front and rear, as well as distinctive Ranger lettering across the hood. The grille surround, bumper H-bar, wheel lip mouldings, fender vents, mirror caps, door handles, and rear bumper are finished in asphalt black. There are also auxiliary LEDs integrated into the unique front grille.

Inside, there are new leather-accented seats with Miko suede and Wildtrak X embroidered into the seat backs, upper glovebox and all-weather front and rear floor mats.

Terra suede wraps the glovebox, instrument cluster hood, door trim and centre console rails while Cyber Orange contrast stitching is used on the seats, steering wheel, gear shifter, doors and the upper glovebox.

Also standard for Wildtrak X compared to the regular Wildtrak is a B&O Sound premium audio system, and the larger
12.4-inch Digital Cluster found on the Ranger Raptor and Platinum variants. The Wildtrak X is also fitted with an overhead auxiliary switch bank for aftermarket accessories.

Recommended Manufacturer List Price (MLP) for the Wildtrak X is $75,990.

VIDEO: FORD RANGER WILDTRAK X REVEAL

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (April 2023) 

17 April 2023