2023 Ford Ranger Wildtrak X priced, off-road variant here later this year

The 2023 Ford Ranger Wildtrak X – another addition to Australia’s top-selling ute range – will arrive in the second half of this year.

Joining the luxury-focused Platinum flagship due in May, the Ranger Wildtrak X prioritises off-road capability by adding new Bilstein-tuned dampers and a Raptor-lite wider track.

However, unlike the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6-only Platinum, it’ll be restricted to the 2.0-litre four-cylinder bi-turbo diesel engine fitted to lower Ranger variants.

32

But, unlike other part-time 4x4 2.0-litre variants, it’ll follow its Everest large SUV stablemate in gaining the V6’s full-time four-wheel-drive system, with a 4A automatic mode.

It is priced from $75,990 before on-road costs – $8000 more than the standard 2.0-litre Wildtrak, and $1000 less than the Platinum V6.

It will be fitted as standard with the Wildtrak Premium Pack – adding matrix-LED headlights, a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, and an overhead auxiliary switch bank – reducing the price premium to $6150 compared to the standard Wildtrak.

32

Ford’s local arm has confirmed the Wildtrak X will become the first Ranger to meet the stricter Euro 6 light-duty truck emissions standard in Australia, requiring the use of AdBlue diesel exhaust fluid – as seen in the related Ford Everest and Volkswagen Amarok.

Currently, all local Ranger variants meet the lenient Euro 5 emissions standard – the minimum requirement for all new vehicles sold in Australia since 2016 – which doesn’t require AdBlue to reduce harmful gases being released into the atmosphere.

The addition of a Raptor-like wider frame sees the front and rear track width increased by 30 millimetres – adding to the range-wide 50mm increase compared to the previous-generation Ranger – while ground clearance is up 26mm over the regular Wildtrak, to 258mm.

32

Under the skin, Ford has fitted wheel and suspension improvements, highlighted by Bilstein-sourced ‘position-sensitive’ dampers, as found in its twin under-the-skin, the Ford Bronco.

This updated system allows the dampers to automatically adjust to the terrain, with ‘end stop control valve’ technology for greater off-road performance, while also improving on-road dynamics.

Unlike the performance-orientated Raptor, the Wildtrak X retains the Ranger’s standard leaf-spring rear suspension, with a 3500-kilogram braked towing capacity.

32

Other new additions include; 17-inch black and silver alloy wheels, chunkier 265/70 R17 General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres, and Trail Turn Assist – another Bronco-derived feature – to reduce the vehicle’s turning radius by up to 25 per cent on narrow tracks by applying the brake to the inside rear wheel.

It can be engaged under 19km/h when the vehicle is engaged in either 4H or 4L, with the rear differential unlocked.

In addition, the Wildtrak X will feature the Raptor’s Trail Control off-road cruise function to maintain a constant set speed below 32km/h while off-roading, and a rock crawl drive mode tuned for “uneven, rocky terrain in a controlled manner at low speed.”

32

Like the Platinum, it’ll become the next Ranger variant to feature Ford’s new flexible rack system. You can read more about that by clicking here.

External revisions include; a unique grille design with integrated LED auxiliary lamps, a steel bash plate, cast aluminium side steps, Wildtrak X badging, additional gloss black highlights, and an exclusive cyber orange finish.

Inside, the Wildtrak X gains leather-accented and suede upholstery, Wildtrak X badging, all-weather floor mats, suede on the glovebox, instrument cluster hood, door trim and centre console, and orange stitching throughout.

It also receives the full-screen 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster shared with the Ranger Platinum and Raptor, replacing the smaller 8-inch unit found in the standard Wildtrak.

As mentioned, the Ranger Wildtrak X will be exclusively available with the 2.0-litre four-cylinder bi-turbocharged diesel engine. The turbocharged V6 diesel is available on the standard Wildtrak, but it won’t appear in the new variant – at least initially.

With no power bump, it retains the standard 150kW and 500Nm tune, and remains paired to a 10-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.

The 2023 Ford Ranger Wildtrak X will arrive in Australia in the second half of this year, with pre-orders now open.

2023 Ford Ranger dual-cab 4x4 pricing

Prices exclude on-road costs. A full run-down for the 2023 Ford Ranger lineup is available here.