2023 Ford Ranger Wildtrak X ute revealed

Australians love their utes and the latest creation from Ford is sure to have tradies and weekend warriors lining up around the corner.

Ford has whipped the covers off its new Ranger Wildtrak X.

The new tough guy ute will sit just below the hardcore Ranger Raptor performance dual-cab and above the popular Wildtrak variant.

The special edition is due to go on sale later this year priced from about $82,500 drive-away, which is about $8000 more than the Wildtrak.

The new Ranger Wildtrak X boosts the ute’s off-road pedigree.

Set to go head-to-head with the Toyota HiLux Rogue, the Wildtrak X has a wider track for increased stability and more ground clearance.

Upgraded suspension includes new Bilstein position-sensitive dampers that Ford claims help improve off-road performance and on-road cornering ability.

New 17-inch alloy-wheels are wrapped in General Grabber all-terrain tyres to further boost grip off the bitumen.

It is only available with a 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine.

Unfortunately the Wildtrak X misses out on Ford’s excellent 184kW/600Nm 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 and is only available with the bi-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine carried over from the previous generation.

This engine makes 150kW and 500Nm and is paired with a 10-speed auto. It can tow 3500kg, too.

The Wildtrak X wins back points with the standard fitment of Ford’s permanent four-wheel drive tech that is usually reserved for the V6-powered variants.

Ford has included some nifty new driver aids, too.

There are plenty of hi-tech off-road features.

Its Trail Turn feature helps drivers navigate tight off-road courses by braking the inside wheel during narrow bends to reduce the vehicle’s turning circle.

It can be used at speeds up to 19km/h and is available in high and low gears.

The Wildtrak X also borrows the Raptor’s Trail Control feature that helps the driver maintain a low speed – under 32km/h – when navigating tricky terrain.

A Rock Crawl setting further boosts its ability to tackle the toughest trails.

Upgraded suspension is expected to boost its on- and off-road performance.

Ford hasn’t just added to its off-road ability, there have been some cosmetic upgrades, too.

A new grille, steel bash plate, aluminium side steps and Wildtrak X badges are joined by bright orange highlights, black Ford badges and plenty of other black elements.

Passengers are greeted by leather-accented and faux-suede seats with Wildtrak X embroidered in the seat backs, glovebox and floor mats.

There is extensive use of suede surfaces and contrast orange stitching throughout.

A 12.4-inch fully digital instrument display combines with the 12-inch tablet-style central screen for a hi-tech feel. A premium Bang & Olufsen stereo further boosts its appeal.

Originally published as 2023 Ford Ranger Wildtrak X ute revealed