2023 Ford Ranger Wildtrak X price and specs: New off-road variant added

Ford Australia is set to introduce a new variant to the 2023 Ford Ranger line-up – the Wildtrak X, due in the second half of 2023.

Ford says the Ranger Wildtrak X has been designed as a rugged off-road-focused variant of its popular ute, slotting between the existing Wildtrak and Raptor variants, both in its price and equipment levels.

Priced from $75,990 plus on-road costs, the Ford Ranger Wildtrak X costs $4800 more than the Ranger Wildtrak and $10,800 less than the Ranger Raptor – and introduces mechanical and technology changes to justify the price.

MORE: 2023 Ford Ranger price and specs

Powering the Ford Ranger Wildtrak X is the familiar 2.0-litre four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel engine derived from the standard Wildtrak, matched with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

However, the Wildtrak X's version of the engine has been upgraded to meet stricter Euro 6 emissions standards – which makes it the first Ranger model to require the use of AdBlue.

The switch cuts outputs to 150kW/500Nm – 4kW down on the standard bi-turbo engine, and 34kW and 100Nm less than the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 optional in the Ranger XLT, Sport and Wildtrak (which is not available on the Wildtrak X).

The Ranger Wildtrak X is fitted with a full-time four-wheel-drive system shared with the V6 Ranger, as well as four-cylinder and V6 versions of the related Ford Everest SUV – rather than the part-time system fitted to other 2.0-litre Ranger variants.

Under the body, the Ford Ranger Wildtrak X is equipped with unique Bilstein shock absorbers which feature ‘End Stop Control Valve’ (ESCV) technology, which the car-maker claims delivers better on-road comfort and off-road performance.

The addition of the new suspension and a set of 17-inch wheels shod in General Grabber AT3 tyres (265/70R17) has resulted in a 30mm front and rear track width increase for the Ford Ranger Wildtrak X, as well as a 26mm increase in ground clearance.

According to Ford, the Ranger Wildtrak’s 3500kg towing capacity is unaffected by the changes, and carries over to the X.

Additional exterior equipment changes for the Ranger Wildtrak X includes Ford’s new 'flexible rack system', consisting of folding roof racks and a sliding load rack which are fitted to the Ranger’s tub, allowing owners to adjust its position between five preset locations – depending on the length of their items.

Cosmetic upgrades for the Ranger Wildtrak X includes a new ‘off-road’ grille design (with auxiliary LEDs), a Cyber Orange accent strip, steel bash plate, cast aluminium side steps, Wildtrak X badging, black Ford badging and Ranger lettering on the bonnet.

Ford has also finished the Ranger Wildtrak X’s grille surround, wheel lip, wheel arch vents, mirror caps, door handles and rear bumper in asphalt black.

The Ranger Wildtrak X receives the standard Ranger Wildtrak's Premium Pack as standard, which includes matrix LED headlights, a 10-speaker B&O sound system, and overhead auxiliary switches.

Inside, drivers are given three off-road drive modes for extra assistance. 

Ford’s ‘Trail Turn Assist’ function can apply brake pressure to the inside rear wheel while making a turn at less than 19km/h – on a loose surface such as dirt – which the car-maker claims can reduce the Ranger’s turning circle by up to 25 per cent.

Carried across from the Ranger Raptor is Ford’s ‘Trail Control’ mode, a low-speed cruise control which can be set at less than 32km/h, allowing drivers to focus on navigating tricky terrain without having to worry about gaining or losing speed.

Another Ranger Raptor-derived mode is ‘Rock Crawl’, only available in low-range four-wheel-drive mode, which locks the rear differential and gives drivers a unique throttle calibration for better control.

The Ford Ranger Wildtrak X’s interior gains leather-accented seats (with Miko suede inserts), Wildtrak X embroidery (seats, upper glovebox, all-weather front and rear floor mats), and a suede-upholstered glovebox, instrument cluster cover, door trims and centre console rails.

Cyber Orange contrast stitching can be found on the seats, steering wheel, gear shifter, doors and the upper glovebox.

Ford has also fitted the Wildtrak X with a 12-inch digital instrument cluster from the Platinum and Raptor models – replacing the standard 8.0-inch display. A 12.4-inch infotainment touchscreen is retained.

The 2023 Ford Ranger Wildtrak X is due to arrive in showrooms in the second half of the year.

Note: List curated to include only dual-cab pick-up variants in high model grades with four-wheel drive, for brevity. All prices exclude on-road costs.

Note: All prices above exclude on-road costs.