Ranger Wildtrak X restyled for 2021
Ford’s rollout of the “MY21.25” range that started back in early November continues with an upgraded version of the Ranger Wildtrak X, which is due for local release shortly.
The 2021 Wildtrak X is primarily a cosmetic makeover of the 2020 version, and despite press images showing the new model in a variety of off-road situations, this variant now appears to be more of an urban-focussed ute, while the Ranger FX4 Max has taken the mantle as the tough off-roader.
“Since we first launched the Ranger Wildtrak X in late 2019, it has proven popular with customers because it built on those core thoroughbred Ranger qualities, while offering more personalisation for family weekends away,” said Andrew Birkic, President and CEO, Ford Australia and New Zealand.
“With the arrival of the more aggressively designed 2021 Ford Ranger Wildtrak X, we aim to ensure it remains front-of-mind for intending customers.”
Black & Saber
Most of the features that defined the Wildtrak X when it was first announced in 2019 have carried over to this latest upgrade, all bar the snorkel, which reinforces the “urban” orientation.
The 18-inch black alloys with a +35mm offset remain, as do styling touches like the sailplane sports bar, front nudge bar with a 20.5-inch LED light bar, black side steps and black wheelarch flares.
Most of these bolt-on cosmetic parts are now in gloss black instead of the previous ‘Bolder Grey’ matte finish. This also extends to the roof rails, tub rails, foglamp bezels, mirror caps, tailgate handle and door handles, but the side steps and lower front and rear bumpers remain matte.
There’s a new grille pattern for 2021, which is accentuated by ‘Saber’ (orange) accents that have also been applied to the sailplane.
Inside, Saber striping is added to the standard black leather seats up front, with contrast orange stitching on both front and rear seats. Additional leather accents feature on the side bolsters, too.
The other interior update for 2021 is the addition of illuminated front door sill plates.
Standard Spec
While engine choices for the 2021 Wildtrak X have not changed, transmission options have. The 3.2-litre turbodiesel five-cylinder with a six-speed automatic and 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel with a ten-speed auto carry over, but the 3.2 with a six-speed manual has been dropped.
Outputs for the remaining combinations are 147kW/470Nm for the 3.2 auto and 157kW/500Nm for the 2.0 auto, with listed fuel economy of 8.9lt/100km for the former and 7.4lt/100km for the latter.
Drivetrain choices have no impact on the Wildtrak X’s towing capacity, which is 3500kg (braked), but payload increases with the 2.0/ten-speed, from 913kg to 943kg.
Convenience and tech features, like the powered roller shutter tonneau, 8.0-inch centre console touchscreen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity carry over unchanged for 2021, with the new model gaining the FordPass Connect embedded modem for enhanced services and vehicle functions that began its rollout last year.
Ford’s Driver Assist Technology safety features, like AEB with Pedestrian Detection, Adaptive Cruise Control, Hill Descent Control and Hill Launch Assist, ensure the 2021 Wildtrak X gets a 5-star ANCAP rating.
X Factor
Deletion of the manual transmission option for 2021, means Ranger Wildtrak X list pricing now starts at $66,490 for the 3.2/six-speed, with the 2.0/ten-speed at $67,990. Both prices are $200 increases on the Wildtrak X updates released in mid-2020.
See your Ford dealer for further details.
