Heading: The Ford Ranger Wildtrak: A Pick-Up Truck for All Occasions

When you think of a pick-up truck, you might imagine a vehicle that is purely functional and designed for hauling heavy loads. However, the Ford Ranger Wildtrak is a different kind of pick-up truck. In the UK, 80% of the previous generation of Rangers were ordered in Wildtrak spec, which includes features like alloy wheels, leather upholstery, and soft-touch interior materials. This trend has come from the US, where the Ford F-150 has been the best-selling vehicle for years. Many of these trucks are used as lifestyle vehicles, perfect for towing boats or transporting camping gear.

With this in mind, Ford has introduced a new generation of its European pick-up truck for 2023. We tested the Ranger Wildtrak with the mid-range 2.0-litre twin-turbocharged diesel engine to see how well it works on the road as well as off it.

Heading: The New Ranger Line-Up

The new Ranger line-up is extensive, with chassis cab, single cab, and double cab options. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine comes with three power outputs, and there is one V6 diesel option. The V6 petrol engine is only available in Raptor guise. If you want any of the more powerful engines, you will need to go for the double cab.

Here is a breakdown of the available versions and their power outputs:

– Ford Ranger 2.0 EcoBlue 170PS Chassis Cab (168bhp)

– Ford Ranger 2.0 EcoBlue 170PS Single Cab (168bhp)

– Ford Ranger 2.0 EcoBlue 170PS Double Cab (168bhp)

– Ford Ranger 2.0 EcoBlue 205PS Double Cab* (202bhp)

– Ford Ranger 3.0 EcoBlue 240PS Double Cab (237bhp)

– Ford Ranger 2.0 EcoBlue 210PS Double Cab Raptor (207bhp)

– Ford Ranger 3.0 Ecoboost Double Cab Raptor (282bhp)

*Version tested

Heading: Driving the Ranger Wildtrak

The Ranger Wildtrak is a pleasure to drive, both on and off the road. The 2.0-litre twin-turbocharged diesel engine provides plenty of power, and the 10-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. The ride is comfortable, and the cabin is quiet, even at high speeds.

Off-road, the Ranger Wildtrak is just as capable as you would expect from a pick-up truck. The four-wheel-drive system and high ground clearance make it easy to tackle rough terrain, while the hill descent control system ensures a safe descent down steep hills.

Heading: Interior Features

The Wildtrak trim level comes with a host of interior features that make it feel more like a car than a pick-up truck. The leather upholstery is comfortable and durable, while the soft-touch materials on the dashboard and door panels add a touch of luxury.

The infotainment system is easy to use, with a large touchscreen display and intuitive controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, allowing you to connect your smartphone and access your favourite apps and music.

Heading: Safety Features

The Ranger Wildtrak comes with a range of safety features to keep you and your passengers safe on the road. These include:

– Adaptive cruise control

– Lane departure warning

– Blind spot monitoring

– Rear cross traffic alert

– Autonomous emergency braking

Heading: Conclusion

The Ford Ranger Wildtrak is a pick-up truck for all occasions. Whether you need it for work or play, it has the power, capability, and features to get the job done. With its comfortable interior, advanced safety features, and smooth driving experience, it’s easy to see why so many UK buyers are choosing the Wildtrak trim level. If you’re in the market for a pick-up truck, the Ranger Wildtrak is definitely worth considering.