Ford Ranger 2023 Review

In recent years, the pickup truck market in Malaysia has been thriving, with models that balance daily commuting and light off-road needs becoming the primary choice for family users and small business owners. As one of Ford's popular models, the 2023 Ranger WildTrak focuses on its 2.0T diesel powertrain, rich intelligent configurations, and practical space as its core selling points. This time, we conducted an in-depth test drive to see if it can establish a foothold in the competitive mid-to-high-end pickup truck market.

At first glance, the WildTrak exudes a rugged style. The front end features a large blacked-out grille, paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides. The daytime running lights are connected to the grille trim, creating high recognizability. The side profile showcases muscular lines, with black plastic cladding around the wheel arches and 255/65 R18 tires to enhance its off-road appeal. The rear end with its unique LED taillight design, silver skid plate on the rear bumper, and black protective strips around the cargo bed offers a practical yet stylish aesthetic.

Inside the cabin, the layout emphasizes practicality, with the center console wrapped in soft-touch materials and accented with silver trim for a premium feel. The 12-inch central touchscreen is positioned high, so there's no need to look down while operating it, and the wireless Apple CarPlay connection is smooth. The 8-inch TFT instrument cluster clearly displays information like fuel consumption and tire pressure. For features, the front seats are 8-way power adjustable, providing good support and wrapping, while the passenger seat is manually adjustable in 4 directions. The rear seats can be folded 60:40 for flexible storage options. The dual-zone automatic air conditioning cools quickly, with independent air vents in the rear to keep passengers comfortable on long trips. Additionally, a built-in 220V power outlet is standard, making it convenient for using electrical appliances outdoors.

Space performance is one of WildTrak’s strong points, with a wheelbase of 3270mm offering ample legroom in the front, and a 180cm tall passenger can still have a fist's worth of headroom after adjusting the seat. Rear legroom is equally spacious, leaving around two fists of space between the knees and the front seatback. The rear floor is almost flat, making it comfortable for three passengers. In terms of storage, door pockets can hold large bottles, there’s a hidden storage box under the center console, and small storage compartments are available under the rear seats, making it convenient to store everyday small items.

Starting the vehicle, the 2.0T diesel engine’s idle noise is well controlled, with no significant vibrations. This engine delivers a maximum horsepower of 210PS and a peak torque of 500N·m, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission for smooth power delivery. During acceleration, the throttle response is sensitive, and even light pressure produces noticeable torque. Mid-to-high-speed acceleration is also robust, and stepping harder on the throttle for overtaking results in quick downshifts with smooth power transition. There are three driving modes: Economy, Standard, and Sport. In Sport mode, the transmission delays upshifts, and power delivery becomes more immediate, suitable for scenarios where rapid acceleration is needed.

As for handling, the steering wheel is precise with minimal dead zone, and stability at high speeds is commendable. The front double-wishbone suspension combined with rear leaf springs effectively absorbs road bumps. When crossing speed bumps, the ride doesn't feel harsh, and when driving on rural dirt roads, the suspension absorbs most of the vibrations, ensuring rear passengers don’t feel uncomfortable. However, with an empty bed, minor vibrations from uneven road surfaces can still be transmitted into the cabin, which improves when the vehicle is fully loaded.

The fuel consumption performance is worth mentioning. During our test drive on a mixed route, including 30% highway, 50% city, and 20% off-road conditions, the fuel consumption was approximately 7.8L per 100 kilometers. With an 80L fuel tank capacity, a full tank can provide a range of over 1,000 kilometers, so there's no need for frequent refueling on long trips. In terms of safety features, the WildTrak is equipped with 7 airbags, lane departure warning, active braking, and a 360-degree panoramic camera. The ACC adaptive cruise control helps reduce driving fatigue on highways, making its overall safety performance reassuring.

Compared to the similarly priced Ranger Platinum, the WildTrak lacks the 12.4-inch full LCD instrument cluster, 10-way electric front seats, and Bang & Olufsen sound system, but it is 16,000 MYR cheaper. It still retains the core intelligent safety and practical features, offering better cost-effectiveness. If you are not particularly pursuing luxurious features, the WildTrak can fully meet your needs.

Overall, the 2023 Ranger WildTrak balances power, space, and practicality, making it suitable for families in need of a vehicle that can handle daily commuting, occasional off-roading, or cargo hauling. It is also a reliable transport tool for small business owners who frequent construction sites. Its core advantages lie in the fuel economy of its diesel engine, spacious interior, and rich safety features, making it a well-rounded option in the mid-to-high-end pickup market.