2023 Ford Ranger Wildtrak X review

Look at the list of Ford Ranger models and you’ll notice the Wildtrak X sits below the Raptor and above the X-less Wildtrak.

Ford Australia even says the “Ranger Wildtrak X bridges the gap between the high-performance Ranger Raptor and the recreation-orientated Wildtrak”.

To achieve this, the Wildtrak X has been granted a number of off-road-specific changes that include a wider track, increased ground clearance, tuned Bilstein Position-Sensitive Dampers and off-road drive functions like Trail Control and Trail Turn Assist.

35

Unlike the standard Wildtrak, though, this special edition variant can’t be optioned with the 3.0-litre V6 engine and is only available with the 150kW/500Nm 2.0-litre bi-turbo four-cylinder powertrain, running through a 10-speed auto.

Remember the first iteration of the Wildtrak X that was launched back in September 2019? Its changes were mainly cosmetic in the form of 18-inch alloy wheels (with +35 offset) beneath bespoke fender flares, a snorkel and a black nudge bar with in-built LEDs.

This iteration is markedly improved and its changes are transformative and useful when tarmac turns to dirt. But do the changes dial up the Wildtrak into Ranger Raptor territory, or is it more in-line with the standard Wildtrak? We think you already know the answer to that one.

JUMP AHEAD

• Pricing and features
• Interior and practicalities
• Safety
• Driving experience
• Off-road specs
• Ownership
• Verdict
• Specs

Pricing and features

The Wildtrak X starts at $75,990, positioning it between the 3.0-litre V6-powered Wildtrak ($71,190) and the recently released 3.0-litre V6-powered Platinum ($76,990). The 2.0-litre bi-turbo Wildtrak is priced at $67,990.

So comparing the similar-engined Wildtrak to the Wildtrak X, you’re looking at a price discrepancy of $8000. Its most immediate rival - the just-launched HiLux GR Sport - is slightly cheaper at $73,990.

For that coin, the Wildtrak X reaps significant benefits for off-road driving. For starters, the Wildtrak X is the first bi-turbo-powered Ranger variant to replace the part-time 4x4 set-up with an advanced full-time 4WD system. This is paired with fettled Bilstein position-sensitive dampers - the same ones found in the Bronco - with the suspension tuned to maximise both on- and off-road comfort. It retains its 3500kg braked towing capacity.

35

All of this wouldn’t be much good without a decent set of wheels and tyres, and Ford has delivered with a chunky and off-road-ready set of 265/70 R17 General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres wrapped around new 17-inch alloy wheels.

When all is said and done, the Wildtrak X has a Raptor-like 30mm wider track width (front and rear) and an additional 26mm of ground clearance - now 261mm.

The X also gets a number of features not seen on the Wildtrak including Matrix-LED headlights, an excellent 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, an overhead auxiliary switch bank, a unique grille design with integrated LED auxiliary lamps, a steel bash plate, Wildtrak X badging, gloss black highlights, and an exclusive Cyber Orange finish as seen here.

⬆️ Back to top

Interior and practicalities

The orange theme continues inside, with orange stitching prevalent on the steering wheel, front dash, transmission lever, door trims and seating. The visual impact is enhanced with soft-touch Terra Suede wrap mixed with grey accents.

Those leather-accented pews, wrapped in soft-touch Miko suede, are both comfortable and supportive in equal measure, with the driver’s seat perfectly positioned for visibility. The rear seats are much the same, and there’s ample legroom and width for three abreast. As has been said many times before of the next-gen Ranger, it’s the most passenger car-like ute on the market today.

As with the other premium models in the Ranger line-up, the Wildtrak X gets an intuitive and class-leading 12-inch centre multi-function touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It’s also equipped with a full-screen 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster, as seen in the Ranger Platinum and Ranger Raptor.

35

Cupholders and storage pockets are plentiful, with the only range-wide gripe being the narrow bottle holders in the door which fail to fit anything larger than a can or 600ml bottle - a compromise for having more leg room. Both the front and rear have USB-A, USB-C and 12-volt outlets, and a 12-volt outlet lives in the tub.

Also in the tub is what Ford calls its ‘Flexible Rack System’, essentially the same as Nissan’s Utili-track. The clever design allows the user to slide mounting points along either side of the tub to customise tie-down points. Four permanent tie-down points still remain inside the tub as well. Combined with a drop-in bedliner and powered roller shutter that’s easily controlled using the key fob, it certainly makes the Ranger’s rear end a market-leader.

⬆️ Back to top

Safety

Both the Ford Ranger and Everest were awarded five-star ANCAP safety ratings back in September 2022. All Rangers are fitted with dual frontal, side chest-protecting and side head-protecting curtain airbags, as well as a driver and passenger knee airbag, and a front centre airbag.

In addition, the Wildtrak X is the first Ranger to meet the stricter Euro 6 light-duty truck emissions standard in Australia, requiring the use of AdBlue.

⬆️ Back to top

Driving experience

The next-gen Ranger was highly regarded when it landed last year, lauded for its on-road driving dynamics and setting a new benchmark in the dual-cab space.

It’s much the same in Wildtrak X guise, but importantly the suspension and tyre changes have made it an even better off-road proposition.

The Bilstein position-sensitive dampers feature End Stop Control Valve (ESCV) technology, which essentially improves both on- and off-road performance, and the ride is more refined as a result, gliding over bumps and ruts without knocking vertebrae out of place.

35

As mentioned, the Wildtrak X rides on 17-inch alloy wheels inside chunky General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres. The wheels and tyres live beneath black wheel arches, with cast aluminium side steps running along the flanks. The all-terrain tyres are highly durable for off-roading pursuits and performed admirably on our test track.

Combining the suspension, wheels, extra track width and improved ground clearance, it's clearly more proficient and capable than the Wildtrak on technical terrain, and it remains well-planted and impressive on both corrugations and fast dirt roads.

Much like the rest of the Ranger line-up, it’s also well-calibrated on-road, providing a smooth, balanced experience on both freeways and twisty back-roads. The extra width is especially appreciated on bitumen.

35

The Wildtrak X features Trail Turn Assist, borrowed from the Bronco. This reduces the turning radius of the vehicle by applying the brake on the inside rear wheel, which in turn is significantly beneficial on tight, technical off-road tracks. Ford says it can reduce the Wildtrak X’s turning circle radius by up to a whopping 25 percent.

It’s also equipped with Trail Control, a highly useful feature also seen in the Ranger Raptor. In essence, it’s the off-road version of cruise control and it allows the driver to select a speed below 32km/h and the vehicle will maintain that speed. Further optimising off-road control is a Rock Crawl function, which locks the rear diff and calibrates the throttle and transmission for low-speed terrain.

35

In addition to Rock Crawl mode, the Wildtrak X is also equipped with the following selectable drive modes: Normal; Eco; Tow/Haul; Slippery; Mud/Rut; and Sand. That gear selector, though, remains a point of contention.

As a sum of its many parts, the Wildtrak X remains a highly competent on- and off-road vehicle, at the very pointy end of its class.

Ford Ranger Wildtrak X off-road specs

⬆️ Back to top

Ownership

Ford offers a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty for its Ranger. Service intervals are listed at every 12 months or 15,000km. Capped-price servicing of just $329 is eligible for the first four general services, covering up to four years (or 60,000km), though that is subject to change.

Verdict

So does the Wildtrak X bridge the gap between the Raptor and the Wildtrak? It certainly borrows some of its attributes from both the Ranger Raptor and Wildtrak, but it’s heavily swayed toward the latter. The Ranger Raptor remains in a league of its own.

35

That it’s more off-road-focussed than the Wildtrak with its full-time 4x4, uprated suspension and off-road driving modes certainly should make it a consideration for those willing to pursue more remote and technical 4x4 terrain.

For those who still want a premium ute but only occasionally head toward the wilderness, perhaps the Wildtrak sans X more suits your lifestyle.

Either way, the special edition Wildtrak X sets another benchmark for the Blue Oval brand, solidifying the Ranger as the leader in the highly competitive dual-cab segment.

Ford Ranger Wildtrak X specs

⬆️ Back to top