Toughened-up ute returns as Ranger Raptor-lite: 2025 Ford Ranger Wildtrak X returns to stick it to the Toyota HiLux GR Sport, Isuzu D-Max Blade, Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior and BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrid

The special edition Ford Ranger Wildtrak X is making a return in 2025 with just 750 examples allocated for Australia.

Priced at $77,640, before on-road costs, the rugged Wildtrak X variant is based on the 2.0-litre four-cylinder bi-turbo diesel Wildtrak ($69,640), delivering 150kW/500Nm to all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic and maintaining a 3500kg braked towing capacity.

It goes a step further, adding a suite of off-road kit and design features for improved off-road capability and more distinct styling.

Headlining those upgrades are a new remote reservoir, nitrogen-filled Bilstein position-sensitive dampers, a 30mm wider wheel track and 26mm more ground clearance, along with Asphalt Black 17-inch alloys wrapped in 265/70R17 General Grabber all-terrain tyres.

The added off-road goodies and four-cylinder (rather than six) turbo-diesel makes the Wildtrak X a direct rival for the Toyota HiLux GR Sport, Isuzu D-Max Blade and Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior. Think of it as a sort of Ranger Raptor-lite and you're not far off.

On the body, the Wildtrak X adds a flexible rooftop rack system, an off-road specific front grille, heavy-duty side steps, a front steel bash plate, an Asphalt Black front bumper and wheel arches, as well as Wildtrak X badging on the front doors and tailgate.

New for the 2025 Wildtrak X is a 400W power inverter in the rear console and tub along with Ford’s semi-autonomous Pro Trailer Backup Assist program, which is designed to help drivers reverse their caravan or trailer with ease.

Additionally, Ford has supplied Trail Turn Assist, Trail Control and Rock Crawl drive modes, the latter is typically reserved for V6 variants.

Inside, the Wildtrak X gets uniquely branded suede and leather accented seats, upper glove box and all-weather floor mats, along with Cyber Orange stitching and Precision Grey accents throughout.

Additionally, there is an overhead auxiliary switch bank, the Ranger’s standard 12.4-inch multimedia touchscreen and a premium Bang & Olufsen audio system.

As standard, the Wildtrak X will come in Arctic White, though customers can opt for premium paint – the only additional option – for $700.

New colours include Luxe Yellow and Blue Lightning, which will be offered alongside the returning Shadow Black, Meteor Grey and Aluminium.

“The Ranger Wildtrak X brings together a number of elements that have made the Ranger family Australia’s number one choice of new vehicle two years’ in a row,” said Mathew Slade, Ford Australia's Ranger Product & Retail Marketing Manager.

“It builds on the legendary Wildtrak nameplate, adds serious off-road chops thanks to the trick Bilstein Position-Sensitive Dampers, and clever everyday usability with the Flexible Rack System2 – a classic example of Aussie ingenuity!”

Interested customers can order their Wildtrak X from today, with orders expected to commence in the first quarter (January to March) of 2025.