Meet the 2015 Ford Ranger Wildtrak. The flagship of the International-market midsize Ranger pickup, the new Ranger Wildtrak builds on the enhancements seen on the freshened 2015 Ranger, and brings with it a bolder look, more capability, and an array of smart technologies to make for a fun and capable truck.
The new Ranger Wildtrak presents an aggressive and distinctive design that set the truck apart and make it scream that it’s ready for adventure. At the front, the projector beam headlamps border a new, bold trapezoidal grille with strong outboard nostrils. The grille is finished in a dark, liquid metallic gray, the same accent color that’s used on the side mirrors, door handles, side air vents, bed rails and tail lamps. Rectangular fog lamps and a unique sports hoop emphasize the unique nature of Wildtrak and give it a more technical, refined appearance. The truck sits high on exclusive machined 18-inch alloy wheels. if all of those cues fail to make people take note, then the bold Wildtrak graphics and signature orange color will help it stand out even more. The truck will also be available in Cool White, Black Mica, Aluminum Metallic and Metropolitan Gray.
Ford used orange to adorn the cabin of the new Ranger Wildtrak to add a sense of sportiness to a strikingly modern and car-like interior. A strong horizontal beam spanning from driver to passenger door emphasizes the cabin’s width and houses a dual-TFT instrument cluster, an eight-inch touchscreen and air conditioning registers. A soft-touch instrument panel top with an orange accent stitch imparts a premium feel to the cockpit without sacrificing toughness. The rings around the conditioning vents are finished in shadow chrome with a smoky finish inspired by high-end machinery. Meanwhile, unique seats with bold graphical elements and orange stitching exude toughness, durability, and sportiness.
As the flagship of the Ranger nameplate, the new Wildtrak presents a full array of cutting-edge technology to help drivers stay connected and in control. For some reason, Ford didn’t include the all-new SYNC 3 infotainment system, strangely opting to give the truck the SYNC 2 system. There’s a 240-volt power socket that allows occupants to charge their a laptop, tablet, or other devices far from civilization. Plus, a host of driver assist technologies includes Lane Keeping Alert and Lane Keeping Aid, Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Alert, Front and Rear Park Assist, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Electronic Stability Program, Driver Impairment Monitor, and Emergency Assistance (as part of SYNC). Other smart technologies on the new Ranger Wildtrak include Hill Launch Assist, Hill Descent Control, Adaptive Load Control, and Emergency Brake Assistance.
The new Ranger Wildtrak doesn’t disappoint when it comes to capability. The latest iteration of Ford’s 3.2-liter Duratorq five-cylinder TDCi diesel engine is available. The engine features upgrades including an updated exhaust gas recirculation system help to improve fuel efficiency by up to 18 percent. The motor is rated at 147 kW (197 hP) of power and 470 Nm (346 pound-feet) of torque for excellent towing performance. It’s paired to a six-speed automatic transmission, carefully calibrated to maximize performance, refinement and efficiency. In addition, the 2015 Wildtrak can also be equipped with a 2.2-liter Duratorq four-cylinder TDCi diesel engine to maximize fuel efficiency. The motor features upgrades to improve efficiency and refinement, and puts out an improved 118 kW (158 hp) of power and 385 Nm (264 pound-feet) of torque.
Helping put that power to the ground is a robust, electronically-controlled transfer case that allows drivers in 4×4 models to shift on-the-fly from 4×2 to 4×4 high with a knob on the center console. For low-speed torque or additional downhill braking, drivers can also engage low-range 4×4 gearing, while an electronic locking rear differential helps improve traction in difficult conditions. The off-road capability is matched by towing capability of up to 3,500 kg (7,716 pounds), class-leading 800 mm (31.49 inches) water-wading capability, and 230 mm (9 inches) ground clearance.
“For customers looking for a truck that shares their appetite for adventure, the new Wildtrak is the complete package,” said Trevor Worthington, vice president, Product Development, Ford Asia Pacific. “It’s the toughest, smartest, boldest Wildtrak we’ve ever made, and it’s ready to take on the world.”
Ford hasn’t announced when the new Ranger Wildtrak will become available, but we expect it to arrive in dealerships over the next several months. It will serve as the flagship of the midsize Ranger family, at least until the rumored Ranger Raptor comes to market. Given that Ford sells the T6 Ranger in markets outside North America, the Ranger Wildtrak won’t be available in America, Canada, or Mexico.
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