Ford Ranger Wildtrak X 2019 UK review
December 31, 2018
While most new pick-ups want to give an illusion of being a true alternative to a big SUV, the Ford Ranger is unashamedly a pick-up truck. Ford’s marketeers will probably still try to convince you otherwise, but the Ranger is as rough and tough as pick-ups come.
Torque-rich, five-cylinder, 3.2-litre diesel engine from an old Transit? Check. Solid rear axle and leaf springs? Check. The ability to tow a steam locomotive? Check.
Since this generation of Ranger arrived in 2012, it’s had a series of updates, culminating in this latest, plushest Wildtrak X range-topper, designed to take the fight to the likes of the Mercedes-Benz X-Classand Volkswagen Amarok – each a truck too, of course, but aimed at the more ‘lifestyle’ minded buyers who are migrating to pick-ups in larger numbers.
Ford will be hoping to woo 1000 of them with this Wildtrak X limited to that number, the special edition getting a few visual styling tweaks, an exclusive blue paint colour with lots of black trim to go with it, a locking cover for the tray, 18in alloy wheels and extra convenience and safety kit.
Ford transforms the Ranger into a plush £40k rival to the new breed of more road-focused pick-ups – but it can't hide its roots
Ford Ranger Wildtrak X specification
Where Berkshire Price £38,574.64 On sale Now Engine 5 cyls, 3196cc, turbodiesel Power 197bhp at 3000rpm Torque 347lb ft at 1500-2750rpm Gearbox 6-spd automatic Kerb weight 2211kg Top speed 109mph 0-62mph 10.6sec Fuel economy 32.1mpg CO2 231g/km Rivals VW Amarok, Mercedes-Benz X-Class