Discover why the Ford Ranger Wildtrak X is South Africa’s top-selling bakkie, blending rugged off-road power with premium interior refinement and advanced driving tech.
1. Introduction
In South Africa’s pickup-dominated landscape, the Ford Ranger Wildtrak X has firmly established itself by merging off-road capability with day‑to‑day comfort. This model appeals to those who seek adventurous capability without sacrificing modern refinement. Straddling the gap between the standard Wildtrak and the sporty Raptor, the Wildtrak X offers elevated style, smart technology, and serious performance.
2. Market Dominance in South Africa
In mid‑2025, Ford sold over 3,000 vehicles in South Africa within a single month—with more than 2,300 units being Rangers. Among them, the Wildtrak X is the fastest‑selling high‑spec variant. This popularity highlights its appeal to both professionals and lifestyle buyers who demand a capable, stylish double‑cab pickup that thrives on highways as well as dirt tracks.
3. Bold and Distinctive Exterior
The Wildtrak X stands out with its 30 mm wider track and 26 mm raised ground clearance, giving it a commanding road presence and stronger off‑road stability. The visual identity is further amplified by blacked‑out “RANGER” lettering, blacked oval Ford badges, and cyber‑orange accent trim beneath the grille. It rides on chunky all‑terrain tyres on 17‑inch alloy wheels, and includes aluminium side steps and LED headlights, giving a perfect blend of rugged readiness and premium design.
4. Upscale Interior with Practical Utility
Step inside the Wildtrak X, and you’ll find unexpected luxury in a pickup: a 12‑inch portrait touchscreen paired with a fully configurable digital cluster and premium audio system. The seats and trim feature suede and leather surfaces accented in cyber‑orange stitching, creating a bespoke cabin ambience.
At the same time, Ford retains practical functionality: a 400 W / 240 V onboard inverter is built into the central console, with power outlets in the rear cargo area—ideal for working in the field or powering appliances when camping.
5. Engine & Smooth Powertrain
Under the bonnet resides a 2.0‑litre bi‑turbo diesel engine delivering 154 kW and 500 Nm of torque via a silky 10‑speed automatic transmission. This combination provides smooth acceleration, minimal turbo lag, and confident overtaking on highways. It’s the first Ranger to pair this engine with Ford’s on‑demand 4×4 system, offering four modes: 4A (automatic), 2H, 4H, and 4L, allowing effortless transition between tarmac and terrain.
6. Driving Experience: On-Road Comfort
For such a heavy-duty machine, the Wildtrak X handles remarkably well on paved roads. Driving a long highway route east of Johannesburg with varying traffic conditions revealed controllable steering, composed damping, and surprising refinement. The ride composure, even over potholes, can rival some mid‑size SUVs—while cabin insulation, supportive seats, and modern infotainment enhance the daily‑drive experience.
7. Off-Road Capability & Intelligent Assist Systems
Beyond looks, the Wildtrak X offers smart off-road functionality. Trail Turn Assist reduces turning radius by braking the inside rear wheel, making tight switchbacks easier. Meanwhile, Trail Control works like off-road cruise control at speeds under 32 km/h, managing throttle and braking so drivers can focus solely on steering.
Selectable terrain modes—Mud/Ruts, Sand, Rock Crawl, Tow/Haul, Slippery—optimize traction, throttle responsiveness, and shift logic for various surfaces. With rock crawl mode engaging refined low-speed control, this bakkie handles rock gardens and riverbeds with poise.
8. Safety & Advanced Driver Assistance
Safety technologies in the Wildtrak X exceed those found in the standard Wildtrak. The package includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane centring & departure warning, blind-spot detection with cross-traffic braking, active park assist, and a 360-degree camera system. Combined with the wider stance and elevated suspension, these features deliver increased on-road stability and driver confidence in diverse conditions.
9. Pricing & Value for Money
Launched at just over R 1,040,000 in early 2024, pricing for the Wildtrak X rose to around R 1,070,500 in mid‑2025. Compared to the standard bi‑turbo Wildtrak, it sits roughly R 100,000 higher, but remains about R 80,000 to R 100,000 below the V6‑powered Platinum trim or the Raptor. This pricing places it strategically as an aspirational yet accessible option for buyers who want advanced capability without stepping into premium V6 territory.
10. Opinion and Recommendation
When compared to close rivals like the Toyota Hilux GR Sport or VW Amarok V6, the Wildtrak X excels in blending rugged design with everyday comfort. It outpaces its direct competitors not just on paper, but in the feel‑good factor while driving around town or venturing into the wilderness For complete specifications, detailed features, and official feature list, see the Ford South Africa page for the Wildtrak X.
11.Market Position and Alternatives
While the Ford Ranger Wildtrak X stands out in its segment, it faces strong competition from other premium bakkies like the Toyota Hilux GR-S and the Volkswagen Amarok PanAmericana. Each of these models brings unique strengths, but the Wildtrak X’s combination of cutting-edge technology, balanced performance, and rugged capability keeps it highly competitive. For a broader comparison of South Africa’s top bakkie options in 2025, you can refer to this comprehensive review published by CarMag South Africa:
https://www.carmag.co.za/news/new-models/top-bakkies-south-africa-2025/
Final Verdict
The Ford Ranger Wildtrak X strikes the ideal balance between off-road toughness and urban sophistication. It brings serious power, smart technology, high safety standards, and bold design into a single package—all while avoiding the price jump of full-blown V6 variants.
Priced around R 1,070,500, it stands as a wise investment for South Africans who need towing capability, comfort, and adaptability in one stylish pick‑up. For drivers who demand both performance and refinement, the Wildtrak X is a standout choice.
