2022 Ford Ranger 2.0 Wiltrak (AT) Review

In Malaysia's pickup truck market, models that balance household comfort and off-road capabilities have always been the focus of consumers' attention—after all, many people need it to run construction sites and carry equipment on weekends, while also hoping it drives as comfortably as an SUV for daily commuting. The 2022 Ford Ranger 2.0 Wildtrak (AT), as a mid-to-high-end configuration in the series, enters the market with its 210PS turbocharged engine, full-time four-wheel-drive system, and practical tech features. The core purpose of our test drive this time is to see if it can balance the hardcore attributes of a "workhorse vehicle" with the comfort needs of a "household car."

From the exterior, the Ranger Wildtrak has a very distinctive design. The front adopts a large trapezoidal air intake grille, complemented by black honeycomb-style patterns, paired with angular LED headlamp clusters on both sides. The overall style leans towards ruggedness, but the chrome accents ensure it does not look overly rough. The side profile features smooth lines, and the 18-inch alloy wheels paired with off-road tires not only align with the pickup truck's characteristics but also enhance its passability; the black plastic cladding around the wheel arches and side skirts adds scratch resistance, suitable for outdoor scenarios. The rear design is relatively simple, with LED taillight clusters echoing the front lights. The tailgate of the cargo bed is manual, and the silver anti-scratch skid plate below enhances the off-road vibe.

Sitting inside, the interior layout prioritizes practicality, but the details reflect Ford's thoughtfulness. The center console uses a mix of soft plastics and leather materials, which feels significantly more refined compared to the entry-level models. The 8-inch touchscreen at the center of the console is a visual highlight, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity with decent operating smoothness, though the screen resolution is fairly standard. The instrument cluster combines traditional analog gauges with a 4.2-inch color display that clearly shows information such as RPM, speed, and four-wheel-drive modes, which are intuitive enough for pickup truck users. The seats are wrapped in leather, with manual adjustments for the front seats. Lumbar support is adequate, making long drives not too fatiguing. The rear seats have moderate legroom, comfortably seating three adults without feeling cramped. What's more, the flat floor ensures comfort for the middle passenger as well.

Space utility is an advantage of pickups, and this Ranger is no exception. The vehicle's wheelbase is 3220mm, and the size of the cargo bed reaches 1549mm×1560mm×511mm, which makes it perfectly capable of carrying construction materials or camping gear on a daily basis. The cargo bed inside is equipped with anchor points and straps to secure items conveniently. Interior storage is also abundant—the central armrest box in the front has a large capacity, the door panel storage compartment can hold two bottles of mineral water, and the rear seats support a split-folding function to expand the trunk capacity.

In terms of performance, the 2.0T turbocharged engine exceeds expectations. With a maximum horsepower of 210PS and a peak torque of 350N·m, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the engine's response is quick during starts, with no noticeable turbo lag. When pressing the accelerator harder, the transmission shifts smoothly, the RPM climbs quickly, and the vehicle provides enough confidence for overtaking. The full-time four-wheel-drive system is one of the core configurations of the Wildtrak, supporting 2H, 4H, and 4L modes. Along with the rear differential lock, it easily handles muddy roads or light off-road conditions. During our test drive, we encountered a section of gravel road, and after switching to 4H mode, the vehicle's grip noticeably improved, with no instances of slipping.

In terms of handling, the combination of double wishbone independent front suspension and leaf spring rear suspension balances handling and load capacity. The steering wheel is precise with minimal slack, and driving it daily doesn’t feel as clunky as traditional pickup trucks; the body roll is well-controlled when cornering, making it more stable compared to some models in the same segment. However, the rear suspension is tuned for load-bearing purposes and is relatively stiff, so rear passengers may feel noticeable jolts when passing over speed bumps or uneven roads, but this is a common issue with pickup trucks.

The fuel consumption is average. We drove 50 kilometers each on city roads and highways, with a combined fuel consumption of about 10.5L/100km. On off-road segments, the fuel consumption increases to approximately 13L, which is in line with the level of a 2.0T four-wheel drive pickup. The braking system is responsive, with the front ventilated disc brakes providing sufficient braking force. The vehicle remains stable during emergency braking, with no signs of veering.

The noise insulation performance is commendable. Engine noise is almost inaudible when idling, and wind and tire noise are also well-controlled during high-speed driving, showing a significant improvement over the previous model. The comfort of the seats has been mentioned earlier, and the addition of rear air-conditioning vents has enhanced the experience for passengers in the back row. However, the USB charging port is only available in the front row, so rear passengers may need to bring their own chargers.

Overall, the 2022 Ford Ranger 2.0 Wildtrak (AT)'s core strength lies in its "balance"—it possesses both the rugged off-road capabilities and cargo space of a pickup truck and the comfort and technology features of a family car. Compared to the Toyota Hilux Rogue in the same segment, it has better power specs and slightly superior interior quality. As for pricing, the RM 169,688 price tag is reasonable for a mid-to-high-end pickup truck, offering good value for money.

This vehicle is suited for two types of users: one is those who need a pickup truck as a workhorse but also desire comfort for daily commutes, such as small business owners and outdoor enthusiasts; the other is families who like the styling of a pickup truck and value its multifunctionality—it can be used for weekend camping trips while also handling school runs and commuting during the week.

In conclusion, the 2022 Ford Ranger 2.0 Wildtrak (AT) is not a "perfect" vehicle, but it precisely meets the core needs of Malaysian pickup truck consumers: ruggedness, practicality, and comfort. If you're looking for a pickup truck that can "work hard" and "take care of the family," it’s a solid choice.