An already imposing and capable double cab in its vanilla configuration, Ford has introduced a Wildtrak model with a greater affinity to rugged off-roading. This is all you need to know about the 2023 Ford Ranger Wildtrak X, including local pricing.
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Pricing is as follows:
- Ranger Wildtrak X 2.0L BiT 4×4 10AT: R1 013 000
The Wildtrak X is offered with the Ford Protect 4-year/120 000km warranty as standard alongside a 4-year/ unlimited distance Roadside assistance plan and a 5-year/ unlimited distance corrosion warranty.
“We created Ranger Wildtrak X for people who want to get more from their bakkie. For example, one of the first things keen off-roaders do is look at replacing their tyres and suspension with aftermarket options that are more focused on off-roading. We’re ensuring they don’t need to do this by giving them what they need right out of the factory.” — Doreen Mashinini, General Manager for Marketing at Ford South Africa
As the latest member to join the local Ranger ranks, the Wildtrak X is second only to the domineering Raptor model. What distinguishes this new Wildtrak offshoot from the rest of its similarly badged brethren is a broader stance which has been increased by 30mm, and its ground clearance has been raised by 26mm, which makes it nearly identical to the Raptor in terms of sheer size.
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Below the metal, Ford has introduced tuned Holstein Position-Sensitive Dampers, as well as its on-demand automatic four-wheel drive system. The Wildtrak X also benefits from the addition of two new driver assistance features, namely;
–Trail turn Assist: this applies the brake on the inside wheel allowing for a reduction in turning radius up to 25%.
–Trail Control: Found on the range-topping Raptor model, this system is purposed to maintain a constant speed in off-road conditions to allow the driver to focus on steering inputs rather than throttle modulation.
Additional off-road oriented enhancements include a pair of 17-inch alleys and 265/70 R17 General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres. To sweeten the deal, Ford’s new Flexible Rack System is offered an extra for the Wildtrak X model.
With added brawn comes a few bits of beauty modifications. The exterior is kitted with a new grill with integrated auxiliary lights accompanied by a steel bash plate. Further down are cast aluminium side steps, Wildtrak X badging, Black Ford oval badges and Asphalt black finishing across elements like the bumpers and wheel-lip mouldings.
The interior’s layout remains the same with the exception of new leather seats and Miko suede elements, and Wildtrak logo embroidering.
Related: A hybrid Ranger could be in the works for Ford
Has Ford’s emboldening of the Wildtrak’s off-road capability justified its new seven-figure price tag?
