New Ford Ranger Wildtrak X revealed: ute war intensifies

Car brands are racing to attract cashed-up tradie families with better equipped and more expensive dual-cab utes.

2019 Ford Ranger Wildtrak X.

Ford is cashing in on its popular Ranger dual-cab ute as it beefs-up its arsenal.

The Blue Oval has taken the covers off the newly minted four-wheel drive Ranger Wildtrak X, a fresh high-spec version of the country’s second best selling vehicle.

The Wildtrak X is more off-road focused than the regular Wildtrak.

The new version is the latest combatant in the rapidly escalating ute war, in which HSV, Mazda and Nissan have upgraded tough-looking trucks in the last few months, joining long-term stalwarts the Toyota HiLux Rugged X and special editions such as the Ford Ranger FX4.

In chasing the dollars of cashed-up buyers, Ford’s ute sales ratio — of dearer four-wheel drives to cheaper 2WDs — is 12 to one.

The Wildtrak X is from $65,290 before on-roads for the 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo diesel (147kW/470Nm) and six-speed auto.

Equipped with the 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel (157kW/500Nm) and 10-speed auto combo borrowed from the flagship Ranger Raptor, the price is from $66,790.

A standard snorkel is one of the big additions.

The Wildtrak X costs $2000 more than the regular Ranger Wildtrak.

Ford says that the Wildtrak X will have greater focus on off-roading and adventure and will have more opportunities for personalisation.

Ford Australia chief Kay Hart says: “Ranger owners are telling us that they want more personalisation, specialised gear and more kit for weekends away and family trips.

“The Wildtrak X brings the high equipment levels, rugged good looks and tools to take things up to the next level.”

The interior remains unchanged.

Ford beefs-up the truck’s image with black wheel arch flares, nudge bar, snorkel, LED light bar, 18-inch alloy wheels and charcoal-coloured bumpers and grille among many other details.

Inside, the X keeps to the Wildtrak’s standard leather trimmed seats, steering wheel and gear knob with contrast orange stitching. Infotainment tech combined with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Wildtrak X can be had with the same engine and transmission as the flagship Raptor.

Safety and driver aids includes autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, hill descent and launch control, tyre pressure monitoring and locking rear differential for greater off-road prowess.

A semi-autonomous parking feature can help steer the vehicle into a parallel park with the driver required to use only the accelerator and brake.

The Wildtrak X is available to order now.