The new variant of the pickup benefits from a beefed-up suspension, minor visual touches and generous equipment
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by Thanos Pappas
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Ford Australia unveiled a Wildtrak X trim for the Ranger, bridging the gap between the Wildtrak and the Raptor in terms of off-road prowess and on-road comfort. The new trim – which was also available in the previous generation of the pickup – gains a beefed-up suspension, wider tracks, and increased ground clearance, alongside a long list of standard features.
Starting with the exterior, the Ranger WIltrak X gets a slightly different grille with a colorful accent above the lower intake, a steel bash plate, and a set of Matrix LED headlights at the front. Other distinct features include the cast aluminum side steps, the black Ford emblems, the Wildtrak X badges, and the version-specific Cyber Orange shade with contrasting Asphalt Black accents. Ford also added the Flexible Rack system with foldable roof racks and a sliding loading rack on the rear bed.
Read: Ford Ranger Platinum Debuts As The Most Expensive Trim Besides The Raptor
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Most pickup enthusiasts will notice the new set of 17-inch alloy wheels which are shod in grippy General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tires (265/70 R17). Unlike the Wildtrak X trims of the previous-gen Ranger which were mostly limited to cosmetic changes, the new model comes with some serious suspension upgrades., thanks to the new Bilstein Position-Sensitive Dampers with End Stop Control Valve (ESCV) technology. Ford says that the new dampers have greater “tuning bandwidth” allowing chassis engineers to improve the pickup’s abilities both on and off the beaten track while retaining the same 3,500 kg (7,716 pounds) towing capacity.
The combination of larger wheels and upgraded suspension increases the track widths by 30 mm (1.2 inches) on both axles, and give the Wildtrak X an extra 26 mm (1 inch) of ground clearance compared to the regular Wildtrak without the drawbacks of a lift kit. As described by David Grice, chief platform engineer of the Ford Ranger, the Wildtrak X was designed and engineered with the “overlanding community front of mind”.
The Wiltrak X is exclusively available with the bi-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel producing 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque. This means it doesn’t get the more powerful 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel which is optional in the Wildtrak and standard in the Platinum. Power is transmitted to all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic gearbox with the help of the full-time 4WD system.
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Off-road capability is further improved by the Trail Turn Assist and Trail Control systems, plus the Rock Crawl drive mode which is borrowed from the Raptor. The Trail Turn Assist brakes the inside rear wheel at low speeds when you drive off the beaten track, reducing the turning radius by 25%. On the other hand, the Trail Control is like cruise control for off-road courses, allowing the driver to set a stable speed of up to 32 km/h (20 mph) in order to concentrate on the steering.
Standard equipment of the Wildtrak X includes a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen, a B&O premium audio system, and an overhead auxiliary switch bank supporting the fitment of aftermarket accessories. There’s also leather and Miko suede upholstery for the seats, Wildtrak X embroidery, Terra suede accents, and Cyber Orange contrasting stitching all around the cabin.
The Ford Ranger Wildtrak X will arrive at Australian dealerships in the second half of 2023. The suggested retail price is AU$ 75,990 (US$ 50,815) and the estimated drive-away price at AU$ 84,789 (US$ 56,698). The latter is AU$ 8,546 (US$ 5,715) more expensive than the regular Wildtrak, but AU$ 11,451 (US$ 7,657) cheaper than the full-blown Raptor.
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