The Ford Ranger Wildtrak has become one of those bakkies that people recognise instantly.
Long before you see the badge, the stance, proportions and sheer presence tell you exactly what you’re looking at. It’s confident, capable and remains the benchmark many competitors are still trying to beat.
Ford has spent years establishing itself as the leader of the double-cab bakkie segment, and while competitors continue to arrive with impressive credentials, the Ranger remains the benchmark. It’s the vehicle everyone compares themselves to, and after spending time behind the wheel of the latest Wildtrak, it’s easy to understand why.
My test vehicle arrived in Ignite Orange, a colour that feels tailor-made for the Ranger’s bold personality. It is bright, distinctive and impossible to ignore. The theme continues inside too, with orange stitching and detailing throughout the cabin adding a welcome sense of character to what could otherwise have been a very traditional interior.
In’s and Out’s
The Wildtrak’s greatest strength might just be its ability to feel equally comfortable in completely different worlds. On one hand, it’s every bit the tough, capable bakkie buyers expect. On the other, it feels increasingly like a premium SUV.
The cabin is where this transformation becomes most obvious.
Climb aboard and you’re greeted by a space that feels thoughtfully designed rather than purely functional. The orange contrast stitching immediately catches your eye, bringing warmth and personality to the interior. It feels sporty without being overdone and breaks up the sea of black that often dominates this segment.
The dashboard design is clean and modern, centred around Ford’s impressive 12-inch vertical touchscreen. Unlike some systems that prioritise style over usability, this one manages both. Menus are intuitive, responses are quick and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make daily life refreshingly simple.
Outside, the Ranger continues to impress.
The broad grille, muscular wheel arches and distinctive C-clamp LED lighting create a design that feels purposeful rather than flashy. There is a genuine sense of presence here. The Wildtrak doesn’t need oversized styling tricks or unnecessary aggression. Its proportions do all the talking. And in Ignite Orange, they speak rather loudly.
Engine and Specs
Under the bonnet, the Ranger Wildtrak is powered by Ford’s well-proven 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine, producing 154kW and 500Nm of torque. Paired with a slick 10-speed automatic transmission, it delivers power in a way that feels effortless rather than aggressive.
One of the Wildtrak’s biggest strengths is its versatility. Drive modes including Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts and Sand allow it to adapt to almost any environment South Africa can throw at it.
Fuel consumption is claimed at around 7.5L/100km, and with its generous 80-litre fuel tank, range anxiety is unlikely to be something you’ll ever worry about. Long-distance touring feels like one of the Wildtrak’s natural talents.
Money Matters
The Ranger Wildtrak sits comfortably at the premium end of the segment, with pricing starting at around R1,050,000 depending on specification and optional extras.
That may sound like serious money for a double cab, but spend a few days with it and the pricing begins to make sense. The technology, refinement, capability and overall sense of quality place it closer to many luxury SUVs than traditional bakkies.
Ownership is supported by Ford’s 4-year/120,000km warranty and a 6-year/90,000km service plan, adding welcome peace of mind to the package.
What I Liked
The road presence remains unmatched.
The Ignite Orange paintwork gives the Wildtrak real personality, while the orange interior detailing creates a cabin that feels more special than many rivals.
Most importantly, it never feels like you’re making compromises. It offers capability when you need it, comfort when you want it and presence wherever you go.
A Few Things to Consider
The Wildtrak’s premium positioning means pricing has crept well into luxury SUV territory.
While the ride quality is excellent for a bakkie, an unladen rear end can still occasionally remind you of its workhorse roots over sharper road imperfections.
Last Word
The Ford Ranger Wildtrak has nothing to prove. It has already earned its place at the top of the double-cab hierarchy, and this latest iteration simply reinforces why it continues to dominate the conversation.
It is comfortable, capable and packed with technology, yet never loses sight of what made the Ranger successful in the first place.
Most importantly, it delivers something that many competitors still chase: presence.
Because when a Ranger Wildtrak arrives, people still stand to attention.
And in a segment full of challengers, that’s a powerful position to hold.