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2022 marks a significant year for Ford Australia with the release of the long-awaited next-get Ranger Ute, which is one of the best-selling and most significant models on the Australian market. Designed and engineered in Australia, the new Ranger is genuinely a global model, sold in over 180 countries all over the world. As you probably know, the pickup market is really hot with so many competitors locally and internationally, so Ford put extra effort into making Ranger better in every way.
As before, the 2022 model will be manufactured in Ford’s manufacturing plant in Thailand and offer numerous versions, cab configurations and drivetrain options. Today, we will tell you all you need to know about the 2022 Ford Ranger Wildtrak, a 4x4-only model which is designed to be a capable off-road-oriented Ute packed with great options, usable features and an all-new design.
As expected, the 2022 Ranger Wildtrak is slightly bigger than its predecessor. The new model is 5370 mm long, 1918 mm wide and 1884 mm tall, which is just a few mm more than the outgoing model. However, due to intelligent engineering, interior space and bed size are improved. The Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) for the 2022 Ranger Wildrak is 3280 to 3350 kg (depending on the engine choice), and the curb weight is 2341 to 2399 kg. The payload of the new 2022 Ranger Wildtrak is 1009/1021 kilograms, depending on the engine option. All next-gen Wildtrak models come with 18-inch alloys, all-season tyres, and a full size spare wheel. The fuel tank size is 80 litres, and CO2 emissions are in the range of 201 to 222 g/km.
With a 3,500 kg maximum tow capacity (braked), the 2022 Ranger Wildtrak has the same value as its competitors in the segment. However, due to the new 10-speed automatic transmission, this model has improved performance and fuel consumption. The Ranger Wildtrak with a smaller engine is capable of sub-10-second 0 to 100 km/h times, while the optional V6 engine can propel the 2022 Wildtrak to a pretty substantial 8.4 seconds sprint time. Even though the top speed is not overly significant in this segment, prospective buyers need to know that driven flat-out, the 2022 Ranger Wildtrak will achieve 185 km.
Interestingly, all those figures come with an average fuel consumption of 7.6 or 8.4 litres of diesel, depending on engine choice.
Image via Ford Official Website
The interior is one of the most significant areas of improvement over the outgoing model. The 2022 Ranger Wildtrak features an all-new interior with advanced features, innovative tech and materials. For a start, there is a new digital instrument cluster (8-inch) in front of the driver as well as a new infotainment display (12-inch) on the central console. The steering wheel and shift knob are wrapped in leather, and all models get Apple Car Play and Andriod Auto as standard, along with a Sync 4 infotainment system with navigation and voice controls. All seats have leather inserts, while the front seats have a heating function. The 2022 Ford Wildtrak has dual-zone air conditioning and a rear glass defroster as part of the package.
Under the hood of the 2022 Ranger Wildtrak, prospective buyers will find two diesel engines options. One is the base 2.0-litre Bi-turbo unit, which delivers 154 kW and 500 Nm of torque thanks to innovative technology. The optional unit is a 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel with 184 kW and a massive 600 Nm of torque. Both engines are available with Ford’s modern 10-speed automatic transmission. The smaller engine comes with part-time 4x4, while the V6 comes with full-time 4x4 drive only. Interestingly, the 2022 Ranger Wildtrak will come with several driving modes and locking rear differentials, so it is well-equipped for any off-road duties.
In order to make this capable Ute more appealing to a broader range of customers, Ford prepared a lot of exciting features for the 2022 Ranger Wildtrak, both standard and optional. For example, every Ranger Wildtrak will come with six driving modes ranging from Normal to Mud and Sand. All models will have new LED daytime running lights, power exterior mirrors, steel underbody protection, side steps and roof rails. The tailgate features a 12v socket, cargo management system and power tailgate lock. Ford also equipped this model with an alarm system as standard, nine airbags, power door locks and emergency assistance. The intelligent adaptive cruise control is also included, along with Blind Spot Monitoring, Cross Traffic Alert, Dynamic Stability Control, Lane Keeping Aid and rear camera. A traffic sign recognition system and tyre pressure monitoring are also included. Needless to say, the 2022 Ford Ranger Wildtrak will come very well equipped and filled with helpful comfort and safety features.
Image via Ford Official Website
When ordering a 2022 Ranger Wildtrak, customers will be offered a “Premium Options Pack”. This option will include an additional six switches pack, premium matrix headlights, and an upscale Bang & Olufsen sound system.
At the moment, the 2022 Ranger Wildtrak is available in six colours – Artic White, Aluminum, Meteor Gray, Shadow Black, Sedona Orange and Luxe Yellow. All except the base white colour are optional extras, and Luxe Yellow is Wildtrak exclusive colour not available on any other 2022 Ford Ranger model. Also, Wildtrak has a distinctive appearance with unique design detail, graphic package and alloy wheel design.
Utes have always been the perfect canvas for numerous cosmetic or mechanical upgrades which help improve the vehicle characteristics, performance and off-road abilities. Even though the 2022 Ranger Wildtrak just arrived on the market, we can already see that specialized shops will offer dozens of exciting accessories for this model. The things you can expect to be available really soon include lightning additions in the form of LED light bars, spotlights and so on. They are straightforward to mount and can provide valuable additional lighting when driving on the trail. Bull bars at the front and rear are also very popular and useful, while automatic side steps, rock sliders and lift kits are also one of the most popular upgrades for any Ranger model. Also, we can expect a host of interior upgrades, custom steering wheels, seat covers and so on. But really interesting will be to see what tuners have in store for Ranger Wildtrak engines and if it’s possible to upgrade the power output safely with performance chips and intakes.
Ford’s Thailand plant officially started production in May 2022, which meant that the first models were delivered to buyers in Australia in June or July 2022. However, the 2022 Ranger models included Wildtrak, XTL and Sport grades, while Ranger Raptor became available in August. Also, the entry-level XL grade is also available this year. We can expect that other models will join the lineup later with additional features for 2023, but the 2022 Wildtrak is available now, facing a lot of interest from potential buyers.
As an upscale model in the Ranger lineup, the 2022 Wildtrak is reasonably more expensive than the average grade level. It means that the base price for the 2022 Ranger Wildtrak with 2.0-litre diesel will be $67.000, depending on location. However, if you are looking to purchase a fully equipped Ranger Wildtrak with an optional 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6 engine and Premium Options Pack ($1,500), the price will be close to $80,000. The only Ranger model that is more expensive than the Wildtrak is the Ranger Raptor.
Life-long car enthusiast, an experienced car journalist, blogger, classic car expert, and avid collector of all things automotive. Always on the lookout for innovative automotive tech, exciting barn finds, and twisty scenic route for that perfect early-morning drive.
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