Ford Ranger Wildtrak X confirmed for Australia: Bilstein shocks, B&O stereo and more for Raptor-lite grade

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Ford Australia has confirmed the Wildtrak X will be returning to the Ranger lineup with the new grade gaining a slew of off-road and luxury options but no V6 diesel will be available. 

Servicing as a bridging grade between the regular Wildtrak (from $67,990) and the Raptor ($86,790), the Wildtrak X will start at $75,990 when it goes on sale in Australia in the second half of the year.

The 150kW/500Nm 2.0-litre twin-turbo-diesel will be the only engine available, though, unlike other grades in the Ranger’s lineup, this option will be paired with full-time four-wheel drive, similar to that of the Everest large SUV. A 10-speed automatic transmission also remains.

Bilstein dampers, wider track confirmed

In an effort to bridge the gap between the Wildtrak and Raptor, the Wildtrak X offers Blistein position-sensitive dampers, which Ford says improves handling ability both on- and off-road. 

The dampers themselves feature a monotube design and a nitrogen-charged external reservoir. Unlike the Raptor, however, the claimed braked towing capacity remains capped at 3500kg, as opposed to 2500kg. 

Ford has fitted 265/70R17 General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres at each corner, wrapped in 17-inch alloy wheels, with the changes resulting in a 30mm extension of the track and 26mm more ground clearance.

Other off-road upgrades include Ford’s Trail Turn Assist, which brakes the inside wheel to assist in turning at speeds of up to 19km/h to cut the radius by 25 percent. It also works when the Ranger is in either four-high or four-low drive, and even when the rear diff is locked.

The Raptor’s Trail Control driving mode (effectively off-road cruise control at speeds under 32km/h) will also be added along with Rock Crawl mode that can be used while in low range.

More tech and luxury inside the cabin

The Wildtrak X will become the third variant along with the Raptor and Platinum to offer Ford’s full-width 12.4-inch digital driver’s display along with other luxury features such as a B&O sound system and Matrix LED headlights. 

Ford has trimmed the interior in a combination of leather and Miko suede material, with other suede-like touches across the centre console, door trim and glove box. 

An all-weather glove box has also been fitted inside the cabin and an auxiliary switch bank for aftermarket accessories to be wired in. 

Flexible rack system joins the list of exterior upgrades

Buyers will also nab Ford’s new flexible rack system, which effectively acts as a sports bar that can be slid out by a single person to the end of the tailgate to carry longer loads.

Ford will offer the Wildtrak X exclusively in Cyber Orange matched with a series of black accents on areas such as the mirrors, door handles and grille along with black Ford badges front and rear.

Ford Ranger dual-cab 4×4 models 2023: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• XL 2.0 auto: $50,180
• XL 2.0 TT: $53,680
• XLS 2.0 TT: $54,730
• XLT 2.0 TT: $61,990
• XLT 3.0: $65,190
• Sport 2.0: $64,490
• Sport 3.0: $67,690
• Wildtrak 2.0: $67,990
• Wildtrak 3.0: $71,190
• Wildtrak X 2.0: $75,990
• Platinum: $76,990 
• Raptor: $86,790