Ford is set to release a new Ranger variant, the Wildtrak X, a special edition model designed to bridge the gap between the performance-oriented Ranger Raptor and the recreation-focused Ranger Wildtrak. Due to commence deliveries in the second half of 2023, the Wildtrak X will retail for $75,990 and is geared towards customers who want to venture off-road with a vehicle with a slightly more adventurous bent than the regular Wildtrak while also retaining the Ranger’s impressive 3,500kg towing capacity.

It’s not just a sticker-pack upgrade though. The Wildtrak X features Bilstein Position-Sensitive Dampers that Ford says improves on- and off-road handling, while End Stop Control Valve technology within the dampers allows for better fine-tuning and calibration so that the Wildtrak X’s on-road comfort matches its off-road performance. Additionally, the Wildtrak X is the first Ranger 2.0L Bi-Turbo Diesel variant to feature the advanced Full-time 4WD system rather than the part-time ‘shift on the fly’ 4×4 system.

Those who tow and those into the caravanning lifestyle are in the Wildtrak X’s sights, with its suspension being specifically tuned for touring and payload, while also delivering good comfort during unladen driving. Overlanding enthusiasts will benefit from the damper tuning, which improves tarmac handling and cornering composure. General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres are fitted as standard, with the 265/70 R17 rubber wrapped around new 17″ alloy wheels, resulting in a 30mm wider track width front and rear, and an additional 26mm of ground clearance when compared to the existing Wildtrak.

It also features a torque vectoring system of sorts – technology usually seen on high-performance road cars. Trail Turn Assist helps owners navigate tight bends on narrow tracks by applying the brake on the inside rear wheel, sending torque to the outer wheel and significantly reducing the turning radius. Trail Control, also seen in the Ranger Raptor, helps drivers maintain a constant low speed while off-road as well. The Wildtrak X also features a specific rock crawling mode, designed to help customers traverse uneven, rocky terrain in a controlled manner at low speed. The drive mode requires low-range 4WD to be engaged and automatically locks the rear diff for maximum traction.

For workers, the Wildtrak X features Ford’s integrated rack system, which consists of a sliding rack that can be locked into five positions along the length of the load bed and fold-away roofracks that store inside the rails when not in use. The flexible load system can be operated by one person and does not require any tools to set up or stow. Keeping loads secure should be an easy chore

The Wildtrak X also features a new off-road grille design with LED headlamps and an orange accent strip to match its Cyber Orange paintwork. A steel bash plate, cast aluminum side steps, and Wildtrak X badges on the front doors and tailgate complete the look, along with black Ford badging front and rear. The grille surround, bumper H-bar, wheel lip moldings, fender vents, mirror caps, door handles, and rear bumper are all finished in asphalt black. The Wildtrak X is also equipped with matrix LED headlamps with auxiliary LEDs integrated into the unique front grille to ensure drivers have the best possible vision during low-light conditions.

Inside, the Wildtrak X has a dark headliner, sporty ebony seats with leather accents, suede upholstery on the glovebox and binnacle lid and contrast orange stitching throughout. An overhead swtich panel is standard too, with provision for owners to wire their own accessories in. It also has a wireless charging pad, a six-speaker sound system, a portait-format 12″ touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a 12.4″digital dash, a B&O premium audio system and satellite navigation.

The Ranger Wildtrak X is available to order now, though it can only be had in the 4×4 dual-cab bodystyle with the 2.0L twin-turbo diesel four-cylinder and 10-speed auto, with outputs of 150kW and 500Nm.