Ranger is Ford’s best seller. Ford sold 69,081 cars last year of which 42,144 were Rangers. Only 5,261 were rear wheel drive. The remainder were full-blooded 4WD models, just as it should be.
Ford was down 11.6% as a result of the large Australian-made models coming to an end. Ranger then becomes it most important segment.
Updates include infotainment, engine, transmission and onboard technology.
Exterior
Wildtrack was previously top of the Ranger tree. Now simplified to 3 models: XLT, Wildtrack, and Raptor.
The latter 2 models eschew the utilitarian function of the base model. They’re intended to be for the man who fancies something other than the notorious school-run SUVs.
Ranger sits high off the ground with 232mm of ground clearance. It is 2163mm wide, 5355mm long, and 1848mm high. Wheelbase is a useful 3220, and the ute tray is 1549 long at floor level.
The tray is covered by a handy roller-door-like cover. It locks to keeps things nice and safe back there. The 4-door cabin is topped by roof rails. A sports bar unique to Wildtrack sits on top of the tray behind the cabin.
It is finished off with a smart set of 18”wheels with P265/60 R18 tyres. Hallelujah, there is a proper full-size alloy spare wheel.
Projector head lights, and LED running lights sit either side of the multi level grille. The sides are deeply sculptured with a smart vent detail in ahead of the front doors.
Just in case you need them, there are discrete side steps to help vertically-challenged drivers.
There is a choice of 5 colours.
Interior
The cabin is access via Smart-Entry keyless push-buttons on the door handles. There is also push-button start, so the key can remain in your pocket.
There is no hiding the tradie roots of Ranger. Surfaces are a mix of soft and hard plastic. Soft, material on the upper dash has a neat stitch detail which does a decent job of imitating leather. The leather covered steering wheel is festooned with controls for active cruise, audio, and menu selection.
There driver instruments include a dual multi-function LCD system.
In fact, much of the technology from Ford’s passenger cars is now included in the LCV range.
The centre stack is topped by a SYNC 3 8” touch screen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Controls below are zoned in to audio, and climate. These physical controls are repeated within the SYNC 3 menus including climate controls.
The centre console bin is cooled and big enough for your water, and soft drink cans.
Seating is leather “accented”, heated, and for the driver, powered as well. There is lumbar support too. Rear leg room is not what you might expect.
Most LCVs have the same issue. Remember, Ranger is a work ute, albeit a posh one. The back seats are meant to convey a couple of sweaty apprentices and their tools to a work site.
There are storage bins all over the cabin, some of which are not obvious. As well as cup holders, there are spots for bottles too.
Ambient lighting sets a mood, and has 7 colours to choose from.
Features
Features include:
- SYNC3
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Cooled console bin
- Powered driver’s seat
- Dual 4.2” multi function screens8” TFT infotainment screen
- USB
- CD player
- 6 speakers
- DAB radio
- 2 x child seat anchor points
- 2 x front 12v power outlets
- 230v in rear console
- Auto lights and wipers
- Reversing camera
- Front/rear parking sensors
- Navigation
- Auto lights with auto high beam
- Semi-automated parking
- eLock rear diff
- 4×4 switching on the fly
Drive and Engine
Our Wildtrack had the brand new 2.0L bi-turbo diesel. It is the most powerful engine in the range, and has 10kw more power than the 3.2L 6 cylinder, and 30Nm more torque. The 157kw/500Nm is put down to 2 or 4 wheels at the driver’s choice via a new 10 speed automatic.
The new engine is also the most economical, using a mere 6.7L/100k while emitting 177g/km of CO2. With an 80L fuel tank across the range, you might expect over 1,100 from a tank on combined figures. Imagine how far you’d get on the open road.
Around town, Wildtrack was smooth with just a hint of turbo lag. The 10-speed auto is a revelation. Changes are seamless, as we saw in the Mustang a few weeks ago. Under normal loads, it shifts up so that at 60 or 70kph, the engine is doing little more than idle. You could easily find yourself in 9th gear at 60.
There is no hiding the bulk of such a large vehicle. Despite its size, and the 12.7m turning circle, it feels easy to park. The reversing camera and parking sensors front and rear, allow the driver to put Ranger exactly where it should be with extreme accuracy.
Open roads are a delight. Wildtrack’s 10-speed is in top gear and the engine is doing a little over 1500rpm. The cabin is incredibly quiet, but it is the ride that surprises.
It is good around town, but highway travel is nothing short of luxurious. You waft along oblivious to the suspect road surfaces of the goat tracks masquerading as national roads. You could easily cross the continent in comfort with ease.
Towing might change things, but anti-sway will tidy up the worst of it.
Safety
- Reverse camera,
- Parking sensors
- Active cruise control
- Active lane controls
- Speed sign recognition
- AEB with pedestrian detection
- Driver impairment monitor
- Roll-over mitigation
- Hill descent control
- Hill launch assist
- DSC
- 3 point lap/sash seat belts all positions
- Belt minder all position
- Emergency assistance
- Emergency brake assist
- Emergency brake light
- 6 airbags
Good Bits
- Comfortable drive
- Quiet cabin
- Loaded with technology
Not So Good Bits
- Roller cover on tray hard to use
- Turning circle
- Some plastics cheap
Summary
Ranger is a top seller for a reason
Also Look At
Facts and Figures: 2019 Ford Wildtrack
- Engine: 2.0L four-cylinder bi-turbo diesel producing 157kW/500Nm
- Transmission: Ten-speed automatic
- Warranty: 5/ unlimited km
- Safety: Five stars
- Origin: Thailand
- Price: from $63,990 MLP*
*MLP – Manufacturers List Price includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of any options.
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