As the North American market eagerly awaits the new Ford Ranger, Australia is being treated to yet another variant of the midsize pickup truck. The all-new Wildtrak X serves as a special edition that fills the gap between the standard Wildtrak and the powerful Raptor. Notably, it is the first version to combine the twin-turbodiesel 2.0-liter engine with a full-time 4WD system instead of a part-time setup.
Compared to the non-X Wildtrak, this latest Ranger iteration features wider tracks, with an additional 30 mm at the front and rear, and 26 mm of additional ground clearance. The off-road vehicle boasts a "specifically tuned" suspension for long trips and transporting cargo without compromising comfort. It maintains the impressive payload capacity of 3,500 kilograms and rolls on new 17-inch all-terrain General Grabber AT3 tires sized 265/70 R17.
The Wildtrak X also includes a range of upgrades worth noting, such as Bilstein dampers, a distinct front grille with auxiliary LEDs, cast aluminum side steps, and black badges. A significant improvement is the Trail Control system, which works like cruise control for off-road use at speeds under 20 mph (32 km/h). Additionally, the truck comes with a Rock Crawl feature to maximize traction in challenging off-road conditions while in low-range 4WD mode.
The four-cylinder diesel engine with twin turbos, delivering 201 horsepower (150 kilowatts) and 369 pound-feet (500 Newton-meters) of torque, is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This 2.0-liter engine requires AdBlue, and it is the first Ranger version to meet the Light Duty Truck EU Stage 6 emissions standard.
The Wildtrak X comes in an exclusive Cyber Orange color and is equipped with matrix LED headlights, a sliding load rack, a folding roof rack, and an overhead auxiliary switch bank for powering aftermarket accessories. Upgrades over the non-X model include the B&O sound system and a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster.
The Ford Ranger Wildtrak X is priced from around $51,000 in Australia and will be available in showrooms in the latter half of the year.
Source: Ford