2023 Ford Ranger Wildtrak X
Engineered to go further off-road without compromise, Ford’s new Ranger Wildtrak X is built to help owners tackle daily adventures and weekend escapes with a host of new trail-ready technologies and equipment.
Packed with capability and designed to help customers press on where others would be forced to turn back, the Wildtrak X is the latest member of the Ranger family. Positioned as a more off-road-oriented version of the Ranger Wildtrak, the Wildtrak X opens new opportunities for exploration, and is priced at R1 013 000 (incl VAT).
The launch of the Ranger Wildtrak X marks the first introduction of Ford’s pioneering Trail Turn Assist, which works in four-wheel drive off-road conditions (in 4H and 4L) to reduce the turning radius by up to 25%. This complements the ingenious Trail Control, first seen on the new Ranger Raptor, which manages the vehicle’s acceleration and braking in challenging terrain.
Expanding off-road horizons
Based on the hugely popular Ranger Wildtrak, the new Wildtrak X provides a perfect step towards more extreme adventure without compromising on the outstanding level of luxury and safety that are hallmarks of this high-spec model.
It has a 30mm wider stance to provide an even more stable footprint off-road, while ground clearance has risen by 26mm.
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To achieve this boost in both track width and ground clearance, Ford engineers fitted newly designed 17-inch alloys wrapped in 265/70 R17 General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres with bold white lettering.
To ensure that the Wildtrak X has the capability to take you to far-flung destinations well off the beaten track, it is equipped with specially tuned Bilstein Position-Sensitive Dampers.
The Ranger Wildtrak X also introduces Ford’s innovative new Flexible Rack System, which is available as an option.
Hidden in plain sight, it consists of two main components: a sliding load rack that can be locked into five positions along the length of the load bed, and folding roof racks that store inside the roof rails when not in use. The system can be operated by one person and doesn’t require any tools to set up or stow.
The Wildtrak X features seven driving modes that cover everyday and off-road driving (Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, Sand, and Rock Crawl) and comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and safety systems.
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These include Active Park Assist, Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert and Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering, Lane Departure Warning and a 360-degree camera as standard.
It also features a couple of extra tools that help owners when negotiating tight turns and tricky terrain:
Trail Turn Assist: The new Trail Turn Assist helps owners negotiate tight bends on narrow tracks by applying the brake on the inside rear wheel which reduces the turning radius by up to 25%. It’s designed to be used on loose surfaces at speeds under 19km/h, and can be activated when the vehicle is engaged in either 4H or 4L and the rear differential is unlocked.
Trail Control: Also seen in the new Ranger Raptor, Trail Control helps drivers maintain constant low speed while driving off-road. The driver simply selects a set speed below 32km/h and the vehicle will manage its acceleration and braking while the driver concentrates on steering through difficult terrain.
Welcoming cabin
Inside, Wildtrak X is fitted with new accented leather seats with Miko suede trim and Wildtrak X embroidered into the seat backs, upper glovebox, and all-weather floormats.
The high-tech cabin is centred around the eight-inch fully digital instrument cluster and the portrait-oriented 12-inch touchscreen that controls Ford’s powerful SYNC 4A infotainment system. The Wildtrak X also features wireless device charging as standard and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Connectivity is delivered by a FordPass Connect modem, which enables Ford Power-Up software updates to be carried out when required.
Making it ideally suited to adventurous families, the Wildtrak has a 10-speaker B&O premium sound system along with USB-A and USB-C connectivity and charging ports, and a built-in 400W/240v inverter which can be accessed from the rear of the centre console, as well as from the auxiliary power points in the load compartment.
Bi-turbo power
The Wildtrak X is powered by Ford’s powerful yet efficient 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine that produces 154kW of power and 500Nm of torque. It is matched to the smooth-shifting and responsive 10-speed automatic transmission.
It is the first Ranger 2.0L Bi-Turbo model to be available with Ford’s on-demand four-wheel drive system that offers four modes. It can be driven in 4A (automatic) on high-traction surfaces, with the system continuously distributing power between the front and rear axles for optimum performance in all on-road conditions.
The driver can also select 2H for on-road driving, as well as four-wheel drive high-range (4H) and low-range (4L) for more challenging off-road terrain.
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Retailing at R1 013 000, the Ranger Wildtrak X 2.0L BiT 4×4 10AT’s price includes Ford Protect comprising a four-year/120 000km warranty, four-year/unlimited distance Roadside Assistance, and five-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty.
The recommended service interval is 15 000km or annually, whichever occurs first.
Customers have the option of purchasing service or maintenance plans up to eight years or 135 000km. The warranty can be extended up to seven years or 200 000km, while the Roadside Assistance can be extended for an additional one or two years.
