The next generation of Ford’s highly-anticipated Ranger is finally here, bringing with it an incredible 24 derivatives to choose from.
This includes single, extended, and double cab body types, as well as numerous different engines, but the ones that many people are most excited about are right at the top of the range.
The “top-of-the-line” entry in the popular bakkie series consists of two units; the Wildtrak, which is the highest-spec version of the standard variant, and the Raptor, which has undergone numerous modifications to make it the ultimate off-roader.
This time around, the price difference between the high-end vehicles comes to R141,400, and while it’s easy to assume that the Raptor is a straight upgrade over the Wildtrak, there are a few key differences between the two that make the comparison less clear-cut.
Two flavours of V6
The new Wildtrak is available with a 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine with 154kW and 500Nm, but the real headliner is the 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 diesel – a first for this model.
Crucially, the new Raptor also comes with a V6 engine, instead of the 2.0-litre bi-turbo it previously had, though it has substituted its thirst for diesel with that of petrol.
However, while the Wildtrak and Raptor are both running on a 3.0-litre setup with a 10-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel-drive, they have noticeably different outputs, with the Raptor favouring power while the Wildtrak leans towards torque.
You can find a full breakdown of the two different engines below:
| Specification | Ford Ranger Wildtrak | Ford Ranger Raptor |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0-litre turbo diesel | 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol |
| Power | 184kW | 292kW |
| Torque | 600Nm | 583Nm |
| Fuel consumption | 8.4l/100km | 11.5l/100km |
| 0-100km/h | 9.8 seconds | Under 6.0 seconds |
| Top speed | 180km/h | 180km/h |
The Raptor’s fuel consumption is noticeably higher that the Wildtrak’s, and it’s drinking the more expensive fuel, which is worth considering if you are planning to use these cars every day.
The torque vs power debate brought about by the blue oval’s creation also leads to other interesting considerations, such as their towing potential, but their engines alone don’t tell the whole story.
While they are both Rangers, the two vehicles have slightly different proportions, and the Raptor’s special shocks and suspension have impacted the more practical aspects of the bakkie:
| Specification | Ford Ranger Wildtrak | Ford Ranger Raptor |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 5,350mm | 5,360mm |
| Width | 2,208mm | 2,225mm |
| Height | 1,886mm | 1,926mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,720mm | 3,720mm |
| Ground clearance | 237mm | 272mm |
| Wading depth | 800mm | 850mm |
| Approach angle | 30.0 degrees | 32.0 degrees |
| Break-over angle | 22.0 degrees | 24.0 degrees |
| Departure angle | 25.6 degrees | 27.0 degrees |
| Load capacity | 944 kg | 667kg |
| Towing capacity | 3,500kg | 2,500kg |
As you can see, the Raptor is slightly bigger than its sibling, and its off-roading capabilities do outshine the Wildtrak’s, but this comes at the cost of a substantially smaller towing and load-carrying capacity.
If you are the sort of person who likes to plan long treks out into the wilderness, it’s important to decide whether you’ll want the increased carrying potential of the Wildtrak for all your outdoor gear, or the Raptor for maximum comfort and performance.
All the bells and whistles
As the two most expensive units in the Ranger catalogue, both high-riders are equipped with a considerable amount of kit.
Starting with their shared attributes, buyers can look forward to LED headlights and daytime running lights, side steps, eight-way adjustable electric seats, leather upholstery, wireless phone chargers, keyless entry and start, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, 360-degree camera systems, 10-speaker Bang and Olufsen stereos, a 12-inch vertical infotainment unit, and a 12.4-inch digital driver display.
This is on top of things like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, pre-collision assist, autonomous emergency braking, hill launch and descent control, and an Active Park Assist capable of steering, shifting gears, accelerating, and braking by itself to navigate into parallel or perpendicular parking spaces.
Where the Raptor starts to set itself apart from the Wildtrak is in its model-exclusive seats and contrast stitching, a signature steering wheel, and driving modes.
The Raptor has Normal, Eco, Sport, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud and Ruts, and Sand settings just like the Wildtrak, but it also has one more – Baja mode.
This special function takes its name from the off-road motorsport race held in Baja California in Mexico, and maintains the Ranger’s peak performance by keeping the turbocharger spooled up to eliminate all turbo lag.
It also gets new front and rear locking differentials, and its body has been reinforced to be able to take extra punishment while off the beaten path.
The underside is protected by a high-strength steel bash plate, and the Raptor boasts specially-developed Fox racing shocks and suspension which can adapt to the terrain in real-time for better control while absorbing ruts with ease.
Expanding on the Wildtrak’s list of features, the Raptor also gets Matrix LED headlights, ambient cabin lighting, racing paddle shifters, an active exhaust system with selectable engine tones, and smaller 17-inch alloy rims, as opposed to its sibling’s 18-inch ones, so as to accommodate chunkier off-road tyres.
Pricing
The Ford Ranger 3.0 V6 Wildtrak 4WD has a South African starting price of R953,500.
The Ford Ranger 3.0 V6 EcoBoost Raptor 4WD has a starting price of R1,094,900.
Each sale includes a 4-year/120,000km warranty. Buyers can also purchase a service or maintenance plan of up to 8 years and 165,000km.
Ford Ranger Wildtrak
Ford Ranger Raptor
Keyword: Ford Ranger Wildtrak vs Raptor – The difference R140,000 makes