The 2025 Ranger Wildtrak is Not Just a Pickup Truck | Carscoops
The Ford Ranger covers many bases, is tough, and possibly the ideal vehicle for an active lifestyle.
**by Brad Anderson**
**Pros:** Solid 2.0-liter bi-turbo engine, fuel efficiency, leading technology
**Cons:** Stiff ride, 10-speed automatic transmission could be improved, some concerns over reliability
The Ford Ranger has been a fixture in Australia for years, and its surge to popularity with the latest-generation model in 2022 has been remarkable. A decade ago, if you had suggested that this mid-size pickup truck would surpass competitors like the Hilux, it would have seemed implausible.
In 2014, the previous Ranger ranked sixth in sales, with 26,619 units sold, falling behind vehicles like the Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, and Holden Commodore. Fast forward to 2023, and the new Ranger achieved a record 63,356 sales, surpassing the Hilux by over 2,000 units. By 2024, it secured its position at the top with 62,593 sales, nearly 10,000 more than Toyota. So, what accounts for this swift success?
In recent years, the Ranger has become an incredibly common sight on Australian roads. This is not surprising, considering that much of its development was spearheaded by Ford Australia. Curious about its popularity, we recently spent a week with the popular Ranger Wildtrak, and our experience was gratifying.
**Quick Facts**
The 2025 Ranger offers an overwhelming number of variants in Australia, starting with the basic XL Hi-Rider Single Cab at AU$36,880 (~$23,100) and culminating with the AU$90,000+ (~$56,500) Ranger Raptor that we also recently tested. Between these models, there are more than a dozen configurations available, featuring single and dual cabs, different engines, as well as both rear-wheel and four-wheel drive options.
In the US, the 2025 Ranger lineup starts at $33,080 and goes up to $55,820 for the Raptor. Our tester was the popular Ranger Wildtrak equipped with the available 2.0-liter engine, priced at AU$69,640 (~$43,700) before on-road costs.
Ford’s 2.0-liter twin-turbocharged diesel engine, known as the ‘Panther,’ feels more like a gentle kitten than a fierce beast, which isn't necessarily a drawback. It generates 206 hp (154 kW) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The pickup also comes with a standard part-time four-wheel drive system featuring low range and a locking rear differential. For an additional AU$5,400 (~$3,400), the Wildtrak can be upgraded to a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 boasting 247 hp (184 kW) and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque, though the 2.0-liter engine performs adequately.
**An Excellent Cabin**
The interior stands out as one of the highlights of the latest Ranger generation. The days of vehicles in this class having subpar interiors lacking in technology are over. The Ranger Wildtrak is equipped with an abundance of tech, giving it an SUV-like feel rather than that of a traditional truck.
A portrait 12.0-inch infotainment screen is a key feature, running on Ford’s SYNC 4A system and offering wireless compatibility for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Most major controls and settings are accessible through the screen, which is responsive, clear, and user-friendly.
The screen also integrates numerous systems to simplify towing, including a top-down tow hitch camera. Additional features comprise an integrated trailer brake controller, a trailer sway control system, and a blind-spot monitoring system tailored for towing. While the blind-spot monitoring functions well, there have been reports of thieves targeting the radar positioned within the taillights in the US.
Many climate control settings are also accessed via the screen, although there are physical buttons and dials for temperature and fan speed, which is preferable. Nonetheless, I'd appreciate a few more dedicated HVAC controls. A smaller 8.0-inch infotainment display is also included, which is functional but falls short compared to the larger 12.4-inch version available in the Ranger Raptor. Its customization options are limited, and the resolution isn’t the highest.
The cabin features a good blend of durable black leather and plastic, complemented by bright orange contrast stitching for added flair. We spent almost 24 hours driving the Wildtrak, and the driver's seat proved comfortable for long journeys. A wireless charging pad is a welcome addition as well.
The Ford Ranger and its rivals have gained traction as popular family and lifestyle vehicles in Australia, making the spacious and comfortable second row, equipped with individual air vents and two USB ports, highly appreciated. There is also a sizable storage cubby beneath one of
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The 2025 Ranger Wildtrak is Not Just a Pickup Truck | Carscoops
The Ford Ranger checks many boxes, is tough, and may be the ideal lifestyle vehicle.