Sitting somewhere in between the Ranger Wildtrak and the Ranger Raptor, Ford Australia has announced the Ranger Wildtrak X. This is no doubt looking to tackle the likes of the Toyota HiLux Rugged X.
Think of it as like a Wildtrak with a range of enhancements and accessories fitted on, without a big price jump. For example, the exterior showcases a set of unique 18-inch alloy wheels with a “+35” offset, finished in matt black. At the front you’ll notice a matching black nudge bar along with an LED light bar attached, and an engine snorkel running up the A-pillar.
To further accentuate the contrasting elements, the front grille, lower bumper bar, fog light bezels, and door handles are finished in dark grey. Finishing it all off and really setting the X apart from the rest are matching wheel arch extensions and a Wildtrak X decal for the front doors.
Inside, the Ranger Wildtrak X features the usual leather seats with orange stitching, which extends to the steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake boot. Up on the dash is an 8.0-inch touch-screen media interface running SYNC 3 software, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard.
No changes are made under the bonnet. Buyers have the choice of a 3.2-litre turbo-diesel five-cylinder engine that produces 147kW and 470Nm, or a newer 2.0-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel that develops 157kW and 500Nm. Matched up to the 2.0L is a new 10-speed auto while the 3.2L engine continues with a six-speed auto.
Buyers of the 3.2L engine can make use of a 3500kg towing capacity and 920kg payload, with the 2.0L engine seeing the payload increase to 950kg. Fuel consumption on the combined cycle is rated at 7.4L/100km for the 2.0L, and 8.9L/100km for the 3.2L. All models are stamped with a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
Ford Australia says the added features add up to a value of $6000, however, the starting prices mean customers are only paying $2000 extra over the Wildtrak. The new variant goes on sale in September from the following prices (excluding on-roads):
2019 Ford Ranger Wildtrak X 3.2L 6spd auto: $65,290
2019 Ford Ranger Wildtrak X 2.0L 10spd auto: $66,790
