Ford updates performance Ranger range
Following the release of XL Special Edition and XLT Fully Loaded variants of the “work” models of the Ranger, Ford have updated their Wildtrak and Raptor “play” models, too. After debuting last year, the Wildtrak X also makes a return.
The new President and CEO of Ford Australia, Andrew Birkic, says the upgrades and return of the Wildtrak X are all about offering Australian customer greater choice and personalisation across the Ranger range.
“Ranger continues to adapt, grow and expand its offering, bringing more targeted, specific capabilities and attributes to Australian customers to help them meet any challenges they face,” says Birkic, who took over from Kay Hart in August.
“Now, with Ranger Wildtrak X, alongside upgraded Wildtrak and Ford Performance Ranger Raptor, customers can get even more out of their off-road adventures.”
FordPass Connect
The Ranger Raptor and Wildtrak are amongst the first locally-available Fords to be fitted with the FordPass Connect embedded modem that brings a new level of connectivity.
Using cloud-based technology and fitted with a global-roaming SIM card linked to all three of the main mobile carriers in Australia (thus ensuring maximum signal strength), FordPass Connect allows owners to link their smartphone to the vehicle via the FordPass app.
As well as being able to remotely lock, unlock, start and stop the vehicle through your smartphone, the FordPass app and FordPass Connect system allows the vehicle to be located in busy carparks, provides live traffic updates and allows owners to check the “health” of their vehicle through their phone, providing information like fluid levels and tyre pressures, as well as reminders for upcoming scheduled servicing. Owners can access warranty details, a digital owner’s manual and roadside assistance via the app, too.
While the FordPass app can be used on all Ford vehicles, its usability is expanded on vehicles fitted with the FordPass Connect modem. It should also be noted that the modem is a factory-fitted item and cannot be retrofitted to older vehicles.
While the Ranger, Everest and Transit are the initial beneficiaries of this technology, Ford plan to have FordPass Connect on all their new models by midway through 2021.
Wildtrak X
To the base Ranger Wildtrak, the returning Wildtrak X adds a claimed $6,000 in extras for a $2,000 premium.
The ‘X’ in the Wildtrak X comes in the form of cosmetic features like model-specific matte black 18-inch alloy wheels with a +35mm offset for a slightly more aggressive stance (compared to the +55mm offset on the stock Wildtrak), complemented by black wheelarch flares. The Wildtrak X also comes standard with a snorkel and a black nudge bar with incorporated LED lighting.
Of course, the Wildtrak X also carries all the upgrades applied to the regular Wildtrak for the 2020 model year, including Bi-LED projector headlights, while a powered roller tonneau cover is standard. This new design shutter increases opening length and height clearance, while adding multiple operation options - from inside the cabin, inside the tub or remotely via the key fob.
A new Alabaster White paint is available and also selectable on the stock Wildtrak. Its pearlescent finish is a Ranger first, but like other prestige paint options, Alabaster White is a $650 extra.
There are no mechanical changes to the Wildtrak or Wildtrak X in line with the tech upgrade, so engine options remain as the 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbodiesel with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed auto, and the 2.0-litre bi-turbo four-cylinder diesel with a 10-speed auto transmission. Regardless of engine and transmission choice, on-demand four-wheel drive remains standard.
Raptor
A Tough Bed spray-in tubliner is now standard on the Raptor, applied at the factory and offering increased strength and rust resistance compared to drop-in tubliners that tend to trap moisture between the liner and the ute tub.
Ford says the spray-in liner is an industrial-strength, two-part coating that resists impacts and has a textured high-grip finish to minimize load slippage when travelling.
The aforementioned Alabaster White pearlescent paint option will also be available on the Raptor, while the Raptor decal pack remains a $750 option.
Mechanically, the Raptor retains its single mechanical specification of the 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine, matched to a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard on-demand four-wheel drive.
The updated Ranger Wildtrak and Raptor, along with the new Wildtrak X, are available now. Pricing has risen slightly compared to 2019 models, but the increases are less than $500 in most instances. See your Ford dealer for more details.
2020 Ford Ranger update pricing
Wildtrak 4x4 dual cab pickup 3.2 MT $62,090
Wildtrak 4x4 dual cab pickup 3.2 AT $64,290
Wildtrak 4x4 dual cab pickup 2.0 AT $65,790
Wildtrak X 4x4 dual cab pickup 3.2 MT $64,090
Wildtrak X 4x4 dual cab pickup 3.2 AT $66,290
Wildtrak X 4x4 dual cab pickup 2.0 AT $67,790
Raptor 4x4 dual cab pickup 2.0 AT $77,190
