2023 Ford Ranger WildTrak Review

In the Malaysian pick-up truck market, vehicles that balance daily commuting, family use, and light off-road requirements have always been the focus of consumers. The all-new 2023 Ford Ranger WildTrak, as a popular choice in the mid-size pick-up truck segment, has attracted considerable attention with its upgraded intelligent features, enhanced power parameters, and practical spatial design. This review will provide a comprehensive analysis of whether this model can meet the diverse needs of local users from static experience, dynamic performance, to practical usage scenarios.

In terms of exterior design, the 2023 Ranger WildTrak continues Ford's rugged pick-up truck style but appears more refined in detail. The front features a large black honeycomb grille paired with sharp-edged LED headlights, and the L-shaped daytime running lights are highly recognizable. The side profile of the vehicle features smooth lines, with 18-inch alloy wheels paired with 255/65 R18 tires, ensuring both off-road capability and visual appeal; the black plastic wheel arches and side steps enhance its off-road attributes. At the rear, the vertically arranged LED taillights align with the front design; the tailgate is adorned with the WildTrak exclusive logo, and the rear bumper is equipped with reverse sensors and a towing hook, balancing practicality and brand recognition. Overall, the new model’s exterior maintains the ruggedness of a pick-up truck while integrating more modern design elements, making it suitable for users who need a vehicle for both business and leisure scenarios.

Inside the vehicle, the interior style leans towards a combination of practicality and technology. The symmetrical layout of the dashboard is dominated by a 12-inch floating center console touchscreen, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and offers smooth operation. Beneath the screen, some physical buttons are retained for convenient blind operation while driving. In terms of materials, the seats and inner sides of the doors are wrapped in leather, offering a soft touch; the upper part of the dashboard consists of hard plastic, yet the seams are well-finished, and the overall texture meets the standard for this price range. As for features, the front seats are equipped with 8-way power adjustments for the driver and 4-way manual adjustments for the front passenger. The vehicle also supports dual-zone automatic air conditioning, and the rear seats include air vents and a 220V power outlet, fulfilling the needs of family trips. The instrument panel is an 8-inch TFT multifunctional display, capable of showing fuel consumption, navigation, and other information in a clear and simple interface. However, it’s worth noting that the door locks still use traditional mechanical keys, which could be more convenient if upgraded to keyless entry.

Space performance is one of the core advantages of pick-up trucks, and the 2023 Ranger WildTrak offers a wheelbase of 3270mm, providing ample legroom for both front and rear passengers. The front seats provide excellent support for the body, reducing fatigue during long drives; rear seats can accommodate three adults with legroom to spare, and headroom is also generous due to the vehicle's height. In terms of storage, the door pocket can hold two large bottles of water, the central armrest box is notably deep, and the front row also features a wireless charging pad and USB ports. Although the specific cargo bed dimensions are not listed, it can easily fit common household items such as bicycles and camping gear, making it suitable for weekend outdoor trips.

In terms of dynamic performance, the new car is equipped with a 2.0T twin-turbocharged diesel engine, delivering a maximum power of 154kW (210PS) and a peak torque of 500N·m, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The power response is quick during the initial acceleration, and the maximum torque platform of 1750-2000rpm covers the common speed range for daily driving, with no obvious turbo lag during acceleration. Switching to sport mode makes the transmission shift logic more aggressive, allowing ample power reserves for overtaking with just a deep press on the accelerator. During daily commuting, the 10-speed transmission shifts smoothly, with almost no noticeable jerks, and it also performs well in fuel economy—achieving about 7.8L/100km under mixed conditions, which is commendable given the vehicle's 2.2-ton weight.

In terms of handling, the combination of front double-wishbone independent suspension and rear leaf springs balances load capacity and comfort. On urban roads, the suspension can filter out most minor vibrations; when passing over speed bumps or uneven roads, the rear suspension shows enough resilience without being overly harsh. The steering wheel offers moderate resistance and precise directionality, and the body roll is well-controlled during cornering, making it more agile compared to previous models. However, wind and tire noise become somewhat noticeable at higher speeds, especially from the cargo bed area, though still within an acceptable range.

For safety features, the new car comes standard with seven airbags, lane departure warning, active braking, ACC adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree panoramic camera, offering comprehensive safety performance. Among these, the ACC adaptive cruise control is convenient for highway use, automatically following vehicles and maintaining a safe distance; the 360-degree camera addresses the parking challenges posed by the larger size of the pickup, making it suitable for novice drivers.

Overall, the core strength of the 2023 Ford Ranger WildTrak lies in its balanced performance: sufficient power for daily use, ample space to meet family needs, and features that rank among the top in its class of pickups, especially the addition of intelligent driving assistance systems, which enhance its competitiveness. Compared with the Toyota Hilux Rogue in the same class, the new car has the edge in technological features and power specifications; and compared to the Nissan Navara, it offers better value for money.

This vehicle is suitable for two types of users: first, small to medium-sized business owners who need to balance work and family, as it can handle both cargo transport and daily commuting; second, outdoor camping and off-road enthusiasts, as the 230mm minimum ground clearance and four-wheel-drive system (though its off-road capabilities were not tested in this review, its specs are sufficient for light off-road scenarios) support basic off-road needs.

In summary, the 2023 Ford Ranger WildTrak is a mid-size pickup with "no significant shortcomings." It retains the practicality of a pickup while addressing the lack of technological features and comfort in its predecessor, making it one of the most worthy pickup options currently in the Malaysian market.