2025 Ford Ranger Wildtrak X: Rugged ute returns to bridge the gap to Raptor

The Ford Ranger Wildtrak X is returning to Australia, giving buyers a more off-road-ready version of the top-selling ute without having to shell out for a Raptor.

Deliveries of the Wildtrak X will begin during the first quarter of 2025, with just 750 examples earmarked for Australia.

It’s priced from $77,640 before on-road costs, just $3000 less than the turbo-diesel V6 Platinum and $1650 more than when it was last sold in Australia.

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However, this time around it has a 400W power inverter in the rear console and tray, along with Pro Trailer Backup Assist – both features that have been introduced to more affordable Rangers.

As before, it’s offered not with the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 but rather a 2.0-litre bi-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine.

This produces 150kW of power at 3750rpm and 500Nm of torque at 1750-2000rpm, and is mated with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Unlike other bi-turbo Rangers in Australia, however, this meets Euro 6 emissions standards and therefore requires AdBlue.

Also differing from the rest of the four-cylinder Ranger fleet here, there’s an available full-time four-wheel drive mode that’s safe to use on pavement.

Off-road ability is improved compared to more affordable Rangers through a 30mm increase in track width, a 26mm increase in ground clearance, and the fitment of Bilstein Position-Sensitive Dampers with remote nitrogen-filled reservoirs.

Trail Turn Assist helps owners negotiate tight turns on narrow tracks by applying the brake on the inside rear wheel. This is designed to be used on loose surfaces at speeds under 19km/h and in either 4H or 4L modes with the rear differential unlocked.

Ford claims the Trail Turn Assist feature can reduce the Ranger Wildtrak X’s turning circle radius by up to 25 per cent.

Another feature is Trail Control which helps drivers maintain a constant low-speed while off-road. It works at speeds below 32km/h and manages acceleration and braking.

Braked towing capacity is an unchanged 3500kg, while as before the Wildtrak X features Ford’s Flexible Rack System.

While the Wildtrak X’s distinctive Cyber Orange exterior finish isn’t available this time, there are still unique exterior touches like an exclusive grille. You’ll also find Cyber Orange on the front bumper highlights and interior stitching.

The Wildtrak X isn’t the only recently introduced Ranger with a focus on off-road ability.

Ford Australia introduced the limited-edition Tremor last year, based on the bi-turbo Sport but featuring much of the Wildtrak X’s extra kit including a full-time four-wheel drive system, Bilstein dampers and General Grabber AT3 tyres, among others.

It’s cheaper than the Wildtrak X, at $69,690 before on-roads, and Ford Australia has confirmed there’s still stock available.

Ford Ranger Wildtrak X specification highlights:

• Asphalt Black machine-faced 17-inch alloy wheels
• 265/70R17 General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres
• Bilstein Position-Sensitive Dampers with external reservoirs
• Heavy-duty electronically power-assisted steering gear with shielding
• Trail Turn Assist
• Trail Control
• Rock Crawl drive mode
• Matrix LED headlights
• Flexible Rack System
• Heavy-duty side steps
• Front steel bash plate
• Asphalt Black wheel arch mouldings
• Asphalt Black front bumper with Cyber Orange accent strip
• Overhead auxiliary switch bank
• 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster
• B&O Premium sound system
• Cyber Orange stitching on seats, upper glovebox, doors, steering wheel and shifter
• Precision Grey accents on upper glovebox, steering wheel, doors
• Terra suede-wrapped glovebox, instrument cluster hood, door trim and console rails
• Miko suede and leather upholstery
• Wildtrak X embroidered logos
• All-weather front and rear floor mats

The only option is prestige paint at $700. Arctic White is the standard paint colour.

While Cyber Orange isn’t available this time, you can now get the Wildtrak X in Luxe Yellow and Blue Lightning like on other Australian-market Ranger models.

Carryover finishes comprise Shadow Black, Meteor Grey and Aluminium.

MORE: Everything Ford Ranger MORE: 2024 Ford Ranger Wildtrak X review