There is a trend catching up all over the world. Pickup trucks are no longer seen as just work trucks, people are currently looking for trucks with some luxury offering to double up as their daily haulers in addition going for fun trips on the weekends. To maximize on this trend, automakers are hooking up trucks with SUV and sedan-like features making them more comfortable, convenient and to some extent luxurious.
Leading this bandwagon of automakers is Ford with the Ranger Wildtrak. However, the truck will not be available in the U.S., as the automaker believes it will unnecessarily compete with the F-150. The truck will be offered in all other markets all over the world. The Wildtrak occupies the top spot of the Ranger lineup. The model has become very popular due to its excellent combination of truck features, SUV safety features and sedan luxury features making it one adventurous truck to ride in. Read along to find out why you need a 2016 Ford Ranger Wildtrak in your garage:
2016 Ford Ranger Wildtrak Exterior
On the outside, the Wildtrak maintains all the standard Ranger’s impressive design cues but adds more features that make it look more premium and up-market. At the front, the Wildtrak features a grey colored grille flanked by stylish headlights. The grey color trim is continued on the door handles, mirror caps, roof rack and bed rails. On the sides, Ford has maintained the standard model’s graphics which make the truck look sporty and visually appealing. The truck rides on 18-inch alloy wheels.
With a ground clearance of 9 inches, an approach angle of 28 degrees and a departure angle of 25 degrees, the model will run through various terrains with a lot of ease. Lest I forget, the model can ”Ford” through the water with a depth of up to 31.5 inches meaning there is no stopping on the sideways when the heavens open pouring downs “cats and dogs” and the freeways get filled with water.
The Wildtrak is only offered in a double cabin body. Buyers will have an option between five exterior colors; they are Pride Orange, Aluminum Metallic, Black Mica, Metropolitan Gray and Cool White.
2016 Ford Ranger Wildtrak Interior
Sliding inside, you will be met by an SUV-like cabin that provides high levels of comfort and convenience as well as the latest technologies in the industry. The dashboard itself is wrapped in leather with Pride Orange contrast stitching. This stitching is continued on the door panels, center armrest and on the shifter. The truck accommodates five passengers on its leather upholstered seats which also feature the Pride Orange contrast stitching.
Unlike the standard Ranger, the rear seat provides plenty of legroom making it very comfortable. The driver’s seat is 8-way power adjustable and includes height and reach adjustment to enable a comfortable driving experience. The front seats are both heated.
On the technology front, the truck features Ford’s SYNC 2 with an 8.0-inch touch-screen display. The system features a climate control system, voice commands, a navigation system and various entertainment controls. You won’t believe it but you can just order the system around to regulate temperatures or play music as you prefer. In addition, you can command the navigation system to look up nearby locations such as restaurants, clubs and fuel stations among others.
In terms of safety, Ford has hooked up the Wildtrack with safety features that can rival a number of crossovers. These features include Lane Keep alert , adaptive cruise control which is not common in trucks, Driver Alert warning, Adaptive Load Control which works in tandem with the Electronic Stability Control, rear parking sensors, a reversing camera and hill descent control among others.
Engine Specs and performance
Unlike the standard ranger which is motivated by three different engines, the top-of-the range Wildtrak is powered by two engines. The first engine is a turbo-diesel 3.2 L, TDCi 5-cylinder engine which produces 197 hp and 347 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired exclusively with a 6-speed automatic transmission system that drives all 4 wheels.
The second engine is a 2.2 L, TDCi 4-cylinder turbodiesel which is tuned to produce 158 hp and 284 lb-ft of torque. This engine will have an option for a 6-speed manual gearbox in addition to a 6-speed automatic transmission system which comes as standard.
To help improve the engines fuel economy, they are both hooked up with an automatic Start/Stop feature. The engines are further complimented by an electronic locking rear differential which improves traction.
Price and release date
The 2016 Ford Ranger Wildtrak has an MSRP of $ 32,370. Though this price might seem a bit expensive compared to some crossovers, it is worth it as the truck balances mixes crossover, sedan and truck features helping you enjoy all the three worlds with a single model.
Competition
Ford is not alone in the luxury truck market. Other automakers have also realized that there is a promising market for luxury trucks and have already crafted their models to tap on this luxury truck craze. These automakers include Chevrolet with the Chevrolet Colorado and Toyota with both the Tacoma and Hilux. However, if you are the real off-road enthusiast, consider spending more bucks on the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCrew.
I love this truck had one on my job
Why do they think pickup trucks should have four doors? WRONG!