New X-rated Ford Ranger ute special-edition bridges the gap between Wildtrak and Raptor
Ford Australia has announced the release of the 2023 Ford Ranger Wildtrak X special-edition, a new off-road variant of its award-winning dual-cab 4×4 ute, priced at $75,990 plus on-road costs and due in showrooms in the second half of this year.
Featuring a wider track and increased ground clearance, the new X variant is designed to bridge the gap between the range-topping Ford Ranger Raptor ($86,790 plus ORCs) and the regular Wildtrak variants – 2.0L Bi-Turbo ($67,990), V6 ($71,190), V6 Platinum ($76,990).
Specific off-road equipment includes Trail Control, Trail Turn Assist and upgraded monotube Bilstein Position-Sensitive Dampers with End Stop Control Valve (ESCV) technology and nitrogen-charged external reservoirs, which are claimed to improve off-road capability and on-road cornering.
General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres are fitted as standard, with the 265/70R17 rubber wrapped around new 17-inch alloy wheels.
The combination of new suspension, wheels and tyres results in a 30mm wider track width front and rear, and an additional 26mm of ground clearance compared to the existing Wildtrak.
Distinguished by an exclusive new Cyber Orange paint colour and Matrix LED headlights with auxiliary LEDs integrated into a new off-road grille with Cyber Orange accent strip, the Wildtrak X also comes with a steel bash plate, cast aluminium side steps and Wildtrak X badges on the front doors and tailgate.
There are also black Ford oval badges front and rear, plus distinctive Ranger lettering across the bonnet, while the grille surround, bumper H-bar, wheel lip mouldings, fender vents, mirror caps, door handles and rear bumper are all finished in asphalt black.
The Wildtrak X also adds a premium B&O system, the bigger 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster from Raptor and Platinum variants, plus an overhead auxiliary switch bank for aftermarket accessories.
Also added is Ford’s Flexible Rack System, which makes carrying various cargo easier by comprising 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.
Inside, the Wildtrak X boasts new leather-accented seat trim with Miko suede and Wildtrak X logos embroidered into the seatbacks, upper glove box and all-weather front and rear floor mats.
Terra suede wraps the glove box, 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 glove box.
The Wildtrak X will be the first Ranger 2.0L Bi-Turbo Diesel variant of the new Ranger to feature the Raptor’s advanced full-time 4WD system instead of the part-time ‘shift on the fly’ 4×4 system.
Towing capacity remains the same 3500kg as the standard Ranger Wildtrak.
Ford says Trail Turn Assist helps drivers 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, Trail Turn Assist can reduce the Wildtrak X’s turning circle radius by up to 25 per cent, providing significant benefits when navigating tricky off-road conditions.
Meantime, Trail Control – as seen in the Ranger Raptor – helps drivers maintain a constant low speed while off-road, simply by selecting a set speed below 32km/h, when the vehicle will manage its acceleration and braking.
Similar to the drive mode on Ranger Raptor, the Wildtrak X’s Rock Crawl mode is designed to help drivers traverse 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 designed to help the driver traverse the terrain as smoothly as possible.
The Wildtrak X is powered exclusively by Ford’s 150kW/500Nm 2.0-Litre Bi-Turbo inline four-cylinder diesel, matched to a 10-speed automatic transmission as standard, which Ford says makes it the first Ranger variant to meet the Light Duty Truck EU Stage 6 emissions level and will require the use of AdBlue.
“We have designed and engineered Wildtrak X with the overlanding community front of mind,” said the Ranger’s chief platform engineer, David Grice.
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Keyword: 2023 Ford Ranger Wildtrak X aims off-road