2021 Ford Ranger 2.0 Bi-Turbo WildTrak 4x4 (A) Review

In Malaysia's pickup truck market, vehicles that balance daily commuting and outdoor utility have always been the focus of consumer attention—after all, it's necessary to tackle urban congestion while also meeting the need for weekend cargo transport or light off-road activities. When choosing a vehicle, buyers often need to strike a balance between performance, features, and reliability. The 2021 Ford Ranger 2.0 Bi-Turbo WildTrak 4x4 is designed precisely to target this niche market. With its twin-turbocharged diesel engine, comprehensive active safety features, and iconic WildTrak appearance package, it has sparked the curiosity of many pickup enthusiasts: can this truck truly balance "work" and "play"? In this test drive, we focus on its static appeal, dynamic performance, and practicality in daily use to see if it meets market expectations.

Starting with its exterior, the Ranger WildTrak has high recognizability. The front fascia features a large black grille with chrome accents and the exclusive "WILDTRAK" badging. Combined with dual LED daytime running lights and halogen main headlamps, the overall design is rugged without losing its refinement. The side profile of the vehicle is characterized by straight lines, with black plastic cladding around the wheel arches, 18-inch alloy wheels, and 265/60 R18 tires that enhance its off-road vibe. The side steps below the doors make it convenient to get in and out. At the rear, the vertically aligned taillights echo the design of the front, while the rear bumper includes a silver skid plate. The cargo bed features WildTrak badging, creating a design that balances the practical nature of a pickup truck with an emphasis on exclusive details.

Stepping inside, the interior is predominantly black, enhanced with silver trims for contrast. The overall layout is simple and utilitarian. The center console houses an 8-inch touchscreen that supports Bluetooth and Sound Plus functionality, with smooth operation. Below the touchscreen are physical buttons, making blind operation while driving more convenient. The steering wheel is multi-functional, with the left side controlling cruise control and the audio system, and the right side managing the onboard computer. It feels solid and offers a comfortable grip. As for the seats, the driver side offers 6-way electric adjustment, while the passenger side has 2-way manual adjustment. The seat padding leans towards firmness, yet provides sufficient support, ensuring long rides are not tiring. Regarding space, the vehicle’s 3220mm wheelbase delivers a front headroom of approximately one and two fingers' width and rear legroom of about two fists, providing enough comfort even for passengers around 180cm tall. The rear row includes air conditioning vents and ISOFIX child seat anchors, maximizing practicality. For storage, the central armrest box is generously sized, and the door storage compartments can accommodate two bottles of mineral water. The front row is also equipped with a 220V power outlet for convenient connection of external devices.

In terms of performance, the 2.0L twin-turbocharged diesel engine produces a maximum power of 213PS and peak torque of 500Nm (1750-2000rpm), paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. During daily driving, the throttle responds linearly, acceleration feels adequate at start-up, and low-speed gear shifts are smooth. Once the engine exceeds 1750rpm, there’s a significant torque surge. When overtaking, pressing the accelerator deeply causes the transmission to downshift quickly, with direct power output. While cruising at 120km/h on the highway, the engine speed hovers around 1800rpm, offering impressive quietness. The truck provides Normal, Eco, Sport, and Off-Road driving modes. In Eco mode, the throttle response softens, making it suitable for urban commuting. In Sport mode, gear shifts are delayed, and power delivery becomes more aggressive.

The handling and chassis performance are in line with the positioning of a pickup truck. The front suspension is a double-wishbone independent structure, and the rear suspension is a leaf spring non-independent structure. When driving on city paved roads, the chassis performs well at filtering out small bumps, and when going over speed bumps, the vibration is not overly harsh. When cornering at high speeds, the body roll is slightly pronounced, but it's within the normal range for a pickup. In terms of off-road performance, with a minimum ground clearance of 237mm, an approach angle of 28 degrees, and a departure angle of 25 degrees, it handles light off-road terrains without issues. The 4H mode is easy to switch, and coupled with electronic limited-slip, it quickly controls wheel slippage on muddy roads. As for fuel consumption, urban road conditions average about 9.5L/100km, highway conditions 7.8L/100km, and a combined consumption of 8.6L/100km. For a vehicle weighing 2.1 tons, the performance is just average.

The ride comfort details are worth mentioning. Engine noise control is pretty good, while wind and tire noise are slightly noticeable at high speeds, but still within an acceptable range. The seats provide good support, making long drives less tiring. The automatic dual-zone climate control allows rear passengers to adjust the temperature as well. However, the rear seatback angle is relatively upright, which might be slightly uncomfortable for long durations. The cargo bed is not equipped with a roll bar, so users who need one will have to pay extra for an aftermarket installation.

Overall, the 2021 Ranger 2.0 Bi-Turbo WildTrak 4x4 has clear core advantages: its twin-turbo diesel engine delivers strong power, the 10AT transmission is smooth, and it comes with rich features as standard (6 airbags, active braking, automatic parking, etc.). Its space is practical, balancing urban commuting with light off-road capabilities. Compared to its classmate, the Toyota Hilux Rogue, it offers better power specs, more comprehensive features, and a more budget-friendly price, making it highly cost-effective.

This vehicle is suitable for two types of users: first, those who need a pickup truck as a work vehicle but also want to use it for family purposes — its cargo space is spacious, the rear seats offer enough room, and its features meet everyday needs; second, outdoor off-road enthusiasts — with a ground clearance of 237mm and a 4WD system, it can handle most light off-road scenarios. If you're looking for an "all-round" pickup truck that doesn't compromise on everyday comfort while still allowing you to occasionally "go wild," the Ranger WildTrak would be an excellent choice.