Ford Ranger Wildtrak is what you get when you get 5000 customers input

A Bakkie inspired by the people 

Good day, gentleman. Are you sitting down? If not, at least put your beer down. The reason I ask is that we have finally been listened to (not by the missus) but by our favourite bakkie brand. Ford has interviewed literally thousands of their customers to see how they can improve on their already impressive Ranger range, and boy did they really listen and take every comment to heart. 

The next-generation 2023 Ford Ranger Wildtrak is proof of this. Starting with two engine options, both diesel, the 2.0 Bi-turbo TDCi and the 3L V6, both available in 4x2 and 4x4 variants, and a whole host of new amazing features both on the outside and inside.

Let's take a look at some of the new features, starting with the outside.

 

Putting the customer first led to new features and a market-leading engineering and testing programme that made sure every part of the Wildtrak's versatility was built Ford Tough.

The next-gen Ford Wildtrak takes its design cues from Ford’s global truck portfolio with a bold new design, a wider stance, a larger grille and signature ‘C-clamp’ daytime running lamps with powerful halogen or Matrix LED technology. The Wildtrak has muscular sides and a strong design on the outside. It also has a new tailgate and the option of halogen or LED taillights, which add to the bakkie's tougher, don't mess with me attitude.

 

The Next-gen Wildtrak offers an array of organisation and storage solutions to secure cargo, make fitting accessories a cinch, and even DIY customisation. The easy-lift tailgate, which can be raised and lowered with one hand, doubles as a mobile workbench. The tailgate work surface is designed to help owners with professional or DIY jobs. The tailgate has two clamp pockets that are hidden by spring-loaded caps. These pockets can be used to secure wood or other project materials, and an integrated ruler with 10mm increments makes measuring easy.

Owners can create segmented DIY storage spaces, both big and small, by sliding pieces of wood into slots moulded into the bed liner, or even get creative and build things like a bike rack. 

There are tie-downs mounted in the bed, and sliding cleats that can be adjusted into nine positions to help secure odd-shaped cargo, while external tie-down rails make securing bulky loads easier. And the new rear load box access step is the result of the interviews with bakkie owners, learning how they used their bakkie and what they wanted from their next one. The addition of six structural attachment points in the protective load box capping makes it easy to fit for those who use their bakkie for adventur

Accessories like a canopy, cross bars or a tent. The rear load box access step makes climbing up into the cargo box much easier. Attached directly to the load box via two steel supports, the box step boasts a strong, durable construction and means you no longer need to jump onto the wheel to access your gear, tools, or equipment in the back of your Wildtrak. Lighting can be controlled via the infotainment system inside the vehicle or via the FordPass app on your smartphone. A combination of the headlights, puddle lamps, number plate lamps, and box lighting can be set to illuminate a 360-degree area around the truck, or in specific areas. 

It is perfect for safely inspecting the area around the vehicle at night, truly making the next-gen Wildtrak the most versatile Ranger bakkie ever. The interior has had numerous upgrades. Ford designers have redesigned the interior of the next-gen Ranger to help customers keep their vehicle organised. More storage space inside and the new centre console design with dedicated storage compartments means owners can keep their next-gen Wildtrak more organised than ever before.

The cabin is completely redesigned with more comfort, technology, and functionality, along with more premium materials, more colour choices, and more storage. The new instrument panel creates a spacious and premium feel. Double cab, fold-flat rear seats give you more functional space in the rear, while under-seat storage and storage space behind the rear seats help keep the interior in order. 

A new customisable digital instrument panel featuring impressive graphics and animations completes the picture. It responds to the bakkie's selectable drive modes and displays bakkie data and off-roading information as well as turn-by-turn navigation. A 360-degree camera with split-view helps give you a view of what’s in front and what’s behind the vehicle, while a top-down view helps you park and avoid obstacles near the vehicle.

The new wireless charger is big enough to charge large mobile phones. The wireless charging pad not only does away with cables but also allows you to use Bluetooth SYNC phone features while charging. With the new high-resolution touchscreen display with sync 4 Designed for real-world bakkie customers, the standard 10.1-or available 12-inch high-resolution portrait-oriented display allows for a split-screen app or feature viewing. With seamless over-the-air updates, help ensure your bakkie stays at the forefront of technology, gets preventative maintenance or improves performance. 

The Wildtrak's high-tech interior is made even better by the brand-new E-Shifter and Electric Parking Brake. The E-Shifter has a short throw, and the electric parking brake is easy to use.

 Customers can personalise their next-gen Ranger with a range of as many as 600 factory-backed work, urban, and adventure accessories, depending on the market. These accessories include those developed in collaboration with global off-road icon ARB 4x4 Accessories. The ARB 4x4 Accessories and Ford collaboration will initially be rolled out in selected markets and we are still awaiting confirmation.

For customers who want the ability to operate electrical accessories easily from the inside of the cabin, the new Ranger offers a pre-wired auxiliary switch bank. This allows customers to safely and easily add accessories such as light bars, work lights, warning beacons, loudspeakers, and other electrical equipment to their vehicle. And for those owners looking to make their next-gen Ranger adventure-ready, the team made sure to create a space in the engine bay for a dual battery setup. With this kit, new owners can add an extra battery to power their fridges, lights, tools, and other electrical devices without draining their main battery. 

Now, gents, this is the part where you show the missus. Ford South Africa is limiting the number of units available in the South African market. This could have something to do with some whispers that I have heard that for every Wildtrak sold to the overseas market, they will be making close to a hundred thousand Rand profit. With the release being touted for the beginning of 2023 this is definitely something to put on your Christmas wish list, only question to ask yourself is have you been naughty or nice?

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