2023 sees the Ford Ranger take the crown as the top-selling 4×4 ute. VFACTS 2023 cumulative sales through October has it beating strongholds like the Mitsubishi Triton, Isuzu D-Max and even the mighty Toyota Hilux. Despite its success, the Ranger kicks its boot heels in further by expanding its range with a super-rugged Wildtrak X.
The 2024 Wildtrak X endeavours to fill the gap between the already adventure-seeking Wildtrak and the high-performance Raptor. Off-road credentials expand with a wider track, increased ground clearance, added grip, and more features.
2024 Ford Ranger Wildtrak X: Specifications
Engine: 2.0-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel
Output: 154kW@6200rpm / 500Nm@1750-2000rpm
Gearbox: 10-speed auto
Drive type: RWD/4WD dual-range with rear diff lock
Wheels: F & R: 17×8.0, 265/70
ANCAP: Five stars
Tare weight: 2268kg
Power-to-weight: 14.72:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 8.7L/100km
Our consumption: 9.6L/100km
Theoretical average range: 920kmFuel tank/Fuel type: 80L/Diesel
Power efficiency: 17.70kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 4.75 seconds*
0-100km/h: 10.96 seconds*
60-110km/h: 8.46 seconds*
1/4 mile: 17.78 seconds at 125.7km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.510g*
100-0km/h braking: 46.28m in 3.47 seconds*
Max deceleration: -0.956g*
Decibel at idle (/sport mode): 47*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 81*
Starting price: $75,990
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2024 Ford Ranger Wildtrak X: How much does it cost?
The Wildtrak X grows the number of variants to eight; and it slots in third from the top. It retails from $75,990. The cheapest 4×2 XL Ranger starts from $36,380, and the top-of-the-range Raptor retails from $87,990 (all excluding on-road costs)
Among the 4×4 ute market, the price of the Wildtrak X is relatively high. Especially considering it is only available with the mid-range twin-turbo, four-cylinder diesel engine. Only the Volkswagen Amarok struts a higher price tag.
2024 Ford Ranger Wildtrak X: Interior & packaging
Exclusive to the Wildtrak X is the availability of a conspicuous Cyber Orange paint job, pairing with accent strips, a new off-road grille design with LED headlights, a steel bash plate underneath, cast aluminium side steps, distinguished labelling, as well as contrasting ‘asphalt’ black body parts. Vision in low-light conditions is also boosted with auxiliary LEDs in the front grille.
The latest-gen Ranger brings lots of never-before-seen practical elements to a ute, not just limited to the Wildtrak X. It introduces bedliner lights, a power ute tray roller shutter, tailgate cupholders, a Flexible Rack System that can be locked into five different positions along the length of the bed rails, folding roof racks that store inside the rails when not in use, a tailgate measuring ruler, and a 12-volt socket.
Inside, the Wildtrak X takes it a step further with leather and suede seats, contrasted with Cyber Orange stitching, an additional upper glovebox, and all-weather front and rear floor mats. You also get an exceptional Bang & Olufsen audio system, the larger 12.4-inch digital cluster from the Raptor and Platinum, a 12-inch portrait style centre touch-screen also found on the variants above it, and an overhead auxiliary switch bank to fit aftermarket accessories.
For a ute, the Wildtrak X lifts the Ranger to a premium level without feeling too ritzy. The layout is clear, and the materials feel high in quality. We love the soft blue glow of the buttons, the high-resolution graphics of the menus, and the generous storage areas scattered throughout.
Given the Thai-built Ranger is awarded with a five-star ANCAP safety rating, you can count on a long list of safety and driver assistance tech.
You get adaptive cruise with lane centring, blind-spot monitors, cross-traffic alert with trailer coverage, evasive steer assist, lane-keeping aid with road edge detection, post-impact braking, autonomous emergency braking, reverse brake assist, front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system, traffic sign recognition, and tyre pressure monitoring, to name a few.
2024 Ford Ranger Wildtrak X: Powertrain & handling
Even though the 2.0-litre engine is not the most powerful the Ranger has to offer, it still delivers with commanding force. With help from two turbos, the diesel unit outputs 154kW and thrusts with 500Nm of torque.
All that torque, which is available from as low as 1750rpm, means that it punches up to speed without struggle. There is no real need to push the engine hard to achieve your desired outcome. We timed 0-100km/h in 10.98 seconds, which doesn’t look good on paper, but this is one of those vehicles that can cover 0-60km/h or even 0-80km/h much quicker than what the 0-100 time suggests. The top end is not this vehicle’s forte.
The 2268 tare weight means fuel consumption is fairly high, especially if you’re regularly in a rush. The advertised average is listed as 8.7L/100km. Our average consumption was worse, at 9.6L/100km. Being a diesel, we expect the average to be slightly lower. Obviously, city-style slower traffic flow will send the average further north. The fuel tank holds a hefty 80 litres, so your tank range still works out decently, with an easy 650km of travelling, or 920km based on the official average.
Unlike some other 10-speed auto gearboxes on the market, the Ranger’s transmission exhibits smooth transitions and fast reactions to acceleration input. It does hunt around at times and might seem indecisive, but 10 ratios is a lot to utilise.
You also get low range 4WD, a locking rear differential, and Trail Control only seen in the upper-spec models, which helps drivers maintain a constant and controlled low speed crawl while off road. The driver can select a set speed below 32 km/h and the Ranger will manage its acceleration and braking so the driver can put more concentration into steering the vehicle through difficult terrain.
Managing that off-road landscape is improved over the other variants thanks to Bilstein position-sensitive dampers. These absorb rough conditions compliantly, yet it tackles on-road bends without feeling floppy. Ford explains that thanks to the position-sensitive dampers with ‘end stop control valve’ (ESCV) technology, a monotube design, and a nitrogen-charged external reservoir, the Bilstein dampers have an increased tuning bandwidth that enable dual driving characteristics.
Boosting off-road credentials on the WildTrak X further, a Rock Crawl driving mode is fitted. It helps drivers negotiate uneven, rocky terrain in a controlled manner at low speed in low-range. This drive mode will automatically lock the rear differential and alter throttle and transmission calibration to help the driver traverse such conditions.
There is also Trail Turn Assist that helps drivers negotiate tight turns on narrow tracks by applying brake pressure on the inside rear wheel. Ford explains that when on loose surfaces at speeds under 19km/h and when the rear differential is unlocked, it can reduce the turning circle by up to 25 per cent.
Adding to the rugged formula are a set of General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres that surround unique 17-inch alloy wheels, a 30mm wider front and rear track, and 26mm more ground clearance (261mm) compared with the regular Wildtrak.
As you’d expect, off-road performance is superb. The preparation and added capability of the Wildtrak X pack clearly increases the popular ute’s overall potential. However, it is worth keeping in mind those big AT3 tyres do impact braking performance, with our testing revealing a 100-0km/h distance of 46.28m. Similar packages equipped with road-oriented tyres can pull up in around 39-42m.
2024 Ford Ranger Wildtrak X: Key attractions/reasons to buy
For those who want a significant boost in off-road ability and practicality, the Wildtrak X is one to look out for. It shares the benefits of the top-shelf Raptor without the larger, more expensive six-cylinder engine. The enhancements on top of an already strapping ute make this a very attractive proposition in this class.
If the Wildtrak X is above your budget, there are six lower-priced variants to choose from with other engines. But they still incorporate some of these practical and rugged features, too.
Interior tech is just as impressive as mid- to high-end SUVs and sedans. Huge digital screens and a brilliant sound system ensure ute drivers are not missing out. But it achieves this without feeling too swanky.
We admire the performance of the twin-turbo four-cylinder engine. Even though it’s only a four-pot, it still feels lively and competent from a stop, up hills, or with a heavy load.
Ford offers a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty, and the first five servicing prices are advertised upfront at $395, $470, $500, $730, and $395 (MY24 model). Servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km.
2024 Ford Ranger Wildtrak X: Key considerations before you buy
The Wildtrak X is the first Ranger variant to meet the Light Duty Truck EU Stage 6 emissions level. But this also means that it requires AdBlue fuel additive every now and then. It’s also a shame that Ford doesn’t offer its 3.0-litre V6 diesel with the X as an alternative, despite offering it in the Wildtrak, Sport and XLT.
Although the Wildtrak X has lots going for it, it certainly comes at a price. Some features, like a measuring ruler, tray side steps, black-painted accents wouldn’t cost much more for Ford to manufacture. But they seem to be a good excuse to elevate the price, on top of the proper hardware changes that is.
2024 Ford Ranger Wildtrak X: Videos
How does it rate against its rivals?
Final word
The 2023 Ford Ranger is the leading 4×4 ute in Australia for good reason. With so many variants and powertrains to choose from, the Wildtrak X markets itself in the premium ute sector with boosted off-road prowess and genuinely practical solutions. Though, its high price tag and the need for AdBlue might turn away some potential buyers.