Ford Ranger Wildtrak X Unveiled as "Raptor Lite" with Off-Road Features

Ford has launched the latest addition to its lineup of midsize pickup trucks, the Wildtrak X, designed to bridge the gap between the regular Wildtrak and the tough Raptor, offering an array of off-road features and capabilities.

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