2021 Ford Ranger Wildtrak X Bi-Turbo Review


July 7, 2021

Ford’s best-selling Ranger is soon to be superseded by a next generation, but let’s see how the current Aussie favourite shapes up in Ford Ranger Wildtrak X flavour.

What we love:

  • Ride, handling and refinement among the best in the segment
  • Quiet and comfortable country tourer
  • High level of standard equipment and impressive tech interface

What we don’t:

  • Sudden driveline shunts
  • One of the most expensive options in the segment
  • Wide turning circle makes city duties a shenanigan

Ford has somewhat of a problem on its hands. It’s currently readying up a successor to the wildly popular Ranger ute, which is promising, but with sales of its current-generation Ranger still ticking along at industry-leading rates, Ford can’t afford to stuff up its successor.

Despite the T6 Ranger platform existing for nearly 10 years now, Ford has continually put work into the Ranger. It has been tweaking it through updates to keep it competitive within its segment, and creating new variants such as this 2021 Ford Ranger Wildtrak X we have on test.

It’s the ‘MY21.25’ update to the preceding MY20 iteration, and scores a number of additions over and above the standard Wildtrak, while still sitting below the full-fat Ranger Raptor. A majority of them are style-based, like the wheel arch flares, new front grille with accented nostrils, and black trim highlights. Although, it is equipped with a few useable items, such as a front Lumen LED light bar, power roller shutter for the tub, black side steps, black front nudge bar, and unique 18-inch black alloy wheels with a wider offset.

The usual spattering of Wildtrak X branding combines with some enhanced interior trim appointments to present a properly serious-looking ‘truck’.

The Wildtrak X can be had with Ford’s tried-and-true 3.2-litre turbo diesel five-cylinder engine with six-speed automatic. However, our car is fitted with the more expensive 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel four-cylinder engine, which comes mated solely to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Both engines are able to tow 3500kg, though the 2.0-litre scores a higher payload of 943kg and uses less fuel with a 7.4L/100km combined consumption claim.

In Wildtrak X guise equipped with the 2.0-litre powertrain, it’s priced at $67,990 before on-road costs, and our example wears the $650 Saber orange prestige paint. It slots in near the top of the Ranger model line-up, but sits below the top-dog new Ranger Raptor X that costs $79,390 plus ORCs.

Ford equips the Ranger Wildtrak X with an 8.0-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, satellite navigation, reversing camera, bi-LED headlights, keyless entry, push-button start, ambient lighting, electric driver’s seat adjustment, part-leather upholstery and heated front seats.

This article originally featured on drive.com.au and can be viewed here.