Ford Ranger levels up with Wildtrak X

FORD Australia has added another limited-edition grade to its hot-selling Ranger ute range, with the all-new Wildtrak X entering showrooms this month to take the fight to the Toyota HiLux Rugged X.

Based on the 4x4 Wildtrak dual-cab pick-up and restricted to about 1000 units, the Wildtrak X is available with two diesel engine/automatic transmission combinations, including a 147kW/470Nm 3.2-litre single-turbo five-cylinder and a 157kW/500Nm 2.0-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder, mated to six- and 10-speed torque-converter units respectively.

According to the Blue Oval, the Wildtrak X attracts a $2000 premium over its base grade but represents $6000 of additional value. Its 3.2- and 2.0-litre variants are priced from $65,290 and $66,790 plus on-road costs respectively.

Described by Ford Australia as “a more off-road-focused, highly capable and outdoors-oriented model”, the Wildtrak X ups the ante with a fresh set of matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels with a +35 offset, and black fender flares at the front and rear.

It also picks up a black nudge bar with an LED light bar, as well as an A-pillar-mounted snorkel, which, among other uses, improves the Wildtrak X’s ability to wade water. The Ranger can do so up to a class-leading 800mm.

The HiLux Rugged X, which launched in April last year, is specified in a similar manner, although it takes its off-road credentials further with a front bash plate, steel bumpers, recovery hooks and rock rails.

For reference, the HiLux Rugged X costs $64,490 when paired to a six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission. In this form, its 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine produces 130kW/450Nm.

The Wildtrak X otherwise comes with the same standard equipment as its base grade, including a rear electronic differential lock, an 8.0-inch touchscreen Sync3 infotainment system, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, keyless entry and start, and leather-accented upholstery with orange stitching.

Advanced driver-assist systems extend to autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, park assist, a reversing camera, hill-descent control, hill-start assist and tyre pressure monitoring.

Prestige paintwork is available for $600.

Claimed fuel consumption on the combined-cycle test is 7.4 and 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres for the 2.0-litre and 3.2-litre respectively.

Both have a maximum braked towing capacity of 3500kg, but the former’s maximum payload is 30kg heavier, at 950kg.

“Ranger owners are telling us that they want more personalisation, specialised gear and more kit for weekends away and family trips,” said Ford Australia and New Zealand president and chief executive Kay Hart.

“The Wildtrak X brings the high equipment levels, rugged good looks and tools to take things up to the next level.”

Ranger sales have eased off slightly this year, with 27,845 examples sold to the end of August – a 2.5 per cent decrease over the 28,571 deliveries made during the same period in 2018.

Nonetheless, the Ranger is still the second best-selling model in Australia, trailing the HiLux by a considerable 5320 units.

2019 Ford Ranger Wildtrak X pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs