Ford’s new Ranger Wildtrak X boasts a wider track, special Bilstein dampers, bespoke exterior styling and more. Here’s what you can expect to pay in South Africa!

Meet the new Ford Ranger Wildtrak X. Yes, Ford has squeezed a fresh variant into the gap between the Wildtrak and the full-fat Raptor, handing the newcomer a wider track, special Bilstein dampers and a couple of extra off-road goodies.

Of course, the newcomer is produced at Ford’s Silverton facility here in South Africa. For the record, the old Wildtrak X didn’t ever make it to local roads.

“The Ranger Wildtrak range has been immensely popular in South Africa for more than a decade due to its trend-setting style, peerless status, innovative suite of driver assistance technologies and exceptional performance,” said Doreen Mashinini, General Manager for Marketing at Ford South Africa. “With the Wildtrak X we’re giving this prized nameplate a more muscular character and even greater off-road capability, enabling our customers to push the boundaries of an active, outdoor lifestyle.”

And the price? Well, the new Wildtrak X debuts at R1 013 000, which sees it positioned just below the V6-powered Wildtrak (R1 026 400) and 292 kW Raptor (R1 184 100).

What’s the difference between Wildtrak and Wildtrak X?

Note the higher ground clearance and all-terrain tyres.

So, what makes a Ranger Wildtrak X? Well, as you might have guessed from its nameplate, the newcomer is based on the Wildtrak, but gains a 30 mm wider stance (providing what Ford describes as “an even more stable footprint off-road”) and an extra 26 mm of ground clearance.

The track-width increase and loftier ground clearance are integrated with new 17-inch alloys (wrapped in 265/70 R17 General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres) and special Bilstein position-sensitive dampers. The Dearborn-based firm says “keen off-roaders” thus have no need to upgrade tyres and suspension since they will receive “what they need right out of the factory”. Interestingly, despite the suspension upgrade, this version of the bakkie retains its 3 500 kg braked towing capacity, unlike the Raptor.

A new Trail Turn Assist feature is also standard, helping the driver to negotiate tight bends on narrow tracks by applying the brake on the inside rear wheel, which Ford promises reduces the turning radius “by up to 25%”. The system can be used at speeds under 19 kph with the bakkie in either 4H or 4L (and with the rear differential unlocked). The Trail Control system from the Ranger Raptor is likewise part of the deal, aiding the driver to maintain constant low speed while off-road.

The Ranger Wildtrak X furthermore comes with a new Flexible Rack System, which comprises a sliding load rack that can be locked into 5 positions along the length of the load bay, and folding roof racks that store neatly inside the roof rails when not in use. There’s also the prewired overhead auxiliary switch pack, ready to cater for aftermarket accessories.

The Wildtrak X is available only with the 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder bi-turbodiesel engine (so, no option of the V6 oil-burner), which delivers 150 kW and 500 Nm to all 4 wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission. In stark contrast, of course, the Ranger Raptor boasts a 292 kW/583 Nm turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol mill.

The Ranger Wildtrak X’s styling and cabin upgrades

Off-road assistance via the 12-inch touchscreen.

The new derivative is visually set apart by its “off-road grille” (with integrated auxiliary driving lights and Cyber Orange accents), “enthusiast-rated” steel bash plate, cast-aluminium side steps, “Wildtrak X” badges (on the front doors and tailgate), black Ford badges (fore and aft) and distinctive lettering stretched across the leading edge of the bonnet. You’ll also notice the black finish applied to the grille surround, H-shaped front bumper bar, wheel-lip mouldings, fender vents, side-mirror caps, exterior door handles and rear bumper.

Inside, the Ranger Wildtrak X is fitted with new leather seats featuring Miko suede trim. “Wildtrak X” lettering has been applied to the seat backs, upper glovebox and all-weather floormats. Terra suede wraps the glovebox, instrument-cluster hood and door trim, while distinctive Cyber Orange contrast stitching adorns the seats, steering wheel, gear shifter, doors trim and upper glovebox. There’s also a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster, a portrait-oriented 12-inch touchscreen and wireless device charging.

How much does the Ford Ranger Wildtrak X cost in South Africa?

Ford Ranger Wildtrak X 2.0L BiT 4×4 – R1 013 000

The Ford Ranger Wildtrak X is sold with a 4-year/120 000 km warranty, 4-year/unlimited km roadside assistance and a 5-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty. Service or maintenance plans up to 8 years/135 000 km are optional, while the warranty can be optionally extended up to 7 years/200 000 km.

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