Raptor Lite: Ford unleashes 2023 Ranger Wildtrak X

It was back in 2019 when Ford first used the Wildtrak X name for the Ranger. Serving as a more “extreme” version of the already capable Wildtrak (hence the X name?), it sits below the Ranger Raptor (and Ranger Stormtrak) but comes with off-road goodies to make it even more capable off the beaten path.

With the Ranger now on its latest generation, it was only natural for Ford to make it a new version of the aforementioned variant. Say hello to the 2023 Ford Ranger Wildtrak X, and boy did it receive one heck of an upgrade.

While it already looks imposing as it is, we have to talk about what actually makes the Wildtrak X unique from the rest of the Wildtrak lineup, its suspension. For starters, its track is wider by 30mm while ground clearance has risen by 26mm to help drivers go over uneven terrain.

This was made possible thanks to newly-designed 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 265/70 General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tires. It's also equipped with position-sensitive Bilstein dampers with external reservoirs for better suspension performance, as well as new springs.

To make carrying cargo and long loads easier, Ford put its Flexible Rack System (FRS) as standard equipment on the Wildtrak X. Also present in the Stormtrak, it features a sliding load rack that can be locked into five different positions along the bed and comes with folding roof racks that can be stored inside the roof rails when not in use.

Other key exterior features present on the Wildtrak X include; an off-road-style grille with integrated auxiliary lights with Cyber Orange accents, a steel bash plate, cast-aluminum side steps, Wildtrak X badges, unique lettering across the hood, and Asphalt Black finishing on the grille surround, bumper H-bar, wheel lip moldings, fender vents, side mirror caps, door handles, and rear bumper.

Inside, the pick-up truck is upholstered with new accented leather seats with Miko suede trim, along with the Wildtrak X embroidered into the seat backs, upper glovebox, and all-weather floor mats. Meanwhile, Terra suede wraps the glovebox, instrument cluster hood, and door trim. The Cyber Orange accents can also be seen on the contrast stitching on the seats, steering wheel, gear shifter, doors, and upper glovebox.

Ford’s overhead auxiliary switch pack for fitment of aftermarket accessories is fitted as standard on the Wildtrak X. The panel, which is mounted in the headliner above the rear-view mirror, is connected to a distribution box and six pre-wired circuits around the truck that can be used to power accessories such as external lights, a compressor, and other electrical items.

Powering the Wildtrak X is the familiar 2.0-liter bi-turbo EcoBlue diesel engine. It makes 210 PS with 500 Nm of torque and is connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission. To ensure its capability off-road, it comes with the full-time 4WD system as opposed to the part-time 4WD system that's fitted on regular Wildtrak variants.

For now, Ford says the 2023 Ranger Wildtrak X has been confirmed for Australia and New Zealand. There's no word yet if it will be offered elsewhere around the world. Do you think Ford Philippines should offer the Wildtrak X? Or should they simply offer the Stormtrak which was recently launched in Thailand? Let us know in the comments.