Ford Ranger Wildtrak: The Midsize pickup we should look out for

History of the Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup truck that has been in production since 1983. It was originally introduced as a replacement for the Ford Courier, and it quickly became one of the most popular midsize pickups, especially in the United States. The Ranger has been through several generations of design changes, but it has always remained a popular choice for consumers who need a versatile and reliable truck.

Design

The Ford Ranger Wildtrak is the second most rugged and capable version of the Ranger line-up, with only the Raptor above it. It features a bold and aggressive design with a blacked-out grille, side step, and sports bar and rail. The Wildtrak also comes with a number of off-road features, 20-inch aluminium alloy wheels, and a locking rear differential. Locally, there are six colour options to choose from, however, I think the version I drove, Cyber Orange, is the most attractive of the lot. There is something about it that screams excitement and uniqueness.

Interior

The interior of the Ford Ranger Wildtrak is both comfortable and functional. It features premium materials such as leather seats and a soft-touch dashboard. What stands out the most is the orange stitching, which creates a perfect contrast against the black leather. The Wildtrak also comes with a number of standard features, including wireless charging, reverse cameras and sensors, dual-zone climate control, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat.

Infotainment and Audio System

It comes standard with a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which takes up much of the centre console. The system is easy to use and features a variety of features, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. When I connected my phone to it, via a USB cable, the Android Auto system worked seamlessly, giving me easy access, on the screen, to Google maps, Spotify, and my contacts. The Wildtrak also comes with a premium sound system with six speakers that are tuned to deliver one of the best mid-range sounds on the market.

Cargo Space

When it comes to cargo space, the bed is 61.3 inches long and 54.3 inches wide and has a noticeably light tailgate. It can hold up to 3,500 pounds of payload and tow up to 7,500 pounds. In addition, there are lights on either side, which is extremely useful in the dark, along with the two 110v power sockets.

Driving Experience

The Ford Ranger Wildtrak is powered by a 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine that produces 210 horsepower and 500lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission with four-wheel drive option that can be activated by a knob located behind the gear lever.

The Wildtrak is a capable off-roader. It has a ground clearance of 9.8 inches and a maximum approach angle of 32.5 degrees. It also comes with a number of off-road features such as a locking rear differential, hill descent control, and a trail control system.

This is a great option for consumers who need a truck that can handle both on-road and off-road driving. The Wildtrak is also well-equipped with a comfortable interior, a premium infotainment system, and a number of standard features.

Price of tested model: $12.5m

Engine: 2.0-liter bi-turbo diesel

Horsepower: 210 hp

Torque: 500lb-ft

Transmission: 10-speed automatic, 4WD

Fuel tank: 80

Gas consumption: 11L/ 100 km, Highway

Body Type: Pickup

Ground Clearance: 9.8 inches

Competition: Mazda BT50, Toyota Hilux, Nissan Frontier, Mitsubishi L200

Vehicle was provided courtesy of Kingston Industrial Garage Ltd, 923-6479, sales@kigjamaica.com