Shereen Shabnam
In a recent collaboration with Ford Middle East, we embarked on a journey to explore a part of Saudi Arabia and experience the capabilities of the Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak. As Ford’s toughest, smartest, most versatile, and capable Ranger to date, it embodies the company’s commitment to exceptional quality, reliability, and durability. Built in close consultation with customers worldwide, the Next-Gen Ranger Wildtrak caters to the needs of businesses, families, and adventure enthusiasts alike.
The Next-Gen Ranger Wildtrak boasts a bold exterior design with a striking new grille, signature C-clamp headlights, and pronounced wheel arches that exude confidence. Innovative features such as matrix LED headlights and harmonized taillights enhance its visual appeal.
Step inside, and you’ll find a premium cabin that offers both comfort and cutting-edge technology. Soft-touch materials surround a prominent portrait-style center touchscreen equipped with Ford’s renowned SYNC®4 connectivity and entertainment system.
Beneath its robust exterior, the Next-Gen Ranger Wildtrak boasts an upgraded chassis while the redesigned front-end structure allows for improved engine bay space and enhanced airflow to the radiator, ensuring optimal performance while towing or carrying heavy loads.
Powering the Next-Gen Ranger Wildtrak is a tried-and-tested 2.3L EcoBoost engine, which delivers excellent performance for customers who prefer petrol propulsion. Paired with a class-leading 10-speed automatic transmission, this setup guarantees seamless power delivery and efficient operation.
To deliver an exceptional ride and handling experience suitable for a wide range of uses, including work, family, and off-road adventures, Ford’s engineers focused on the fundamentals. By shifting the front wheels forward and outboard, they improved the approach angle and off-road articulation. Rear suspension dampers placed outside the frame rails ensure a smoother ride on various terrains, regardless of heavy cargo or passenger loads. It also features an electronic shift-on-the-fly system, allowing drivers to easily switch between drive modes tailored to specific conditions, whether on-road or off-road.
Ford’s commitment to durability in regional climates is evident in the extensive testing conducted on the Next-Gen Ranger for high temperatures ranging from 43°C to 49°C, to ensure the vehicle’s performance in the demanding Middle Eastern environment. Powertrain optimization, climate control efficiency, suspension evaluation, and enhancements to the infotainment system were just a few of the areas addressed to meet or exceed customer expectations.
Catering to the modern needs of customers, the Next-Gen Ranger Wildtrak offers a flexible and connected cockpit with a large 12-inch touchscreen, complemented by a fully digital instrument panel. The interior also boasts clever storage solutions, wireless phone charging, and abundant space, including a center console bin, door pockets, and storage bins under and behind the rear seats.
We loved that the Next-Gen Ranger Wildtrak prioritizes functionality with an integrated side-step for improved access to the load box. Its widened frame provides more space in the cargo area, while a tough plastic-molded bedliner protects the truck bed. Additional cargo tie-down points and a new cargo management system with dividers further enhance practicality. The tailgate doubles as a mobile workbench, complete with an integrated ruler and clamp pockets.
After driving around different terrains in Saudi Arabia, we found the Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak represents a remarkable leap forward in technology, connectivity, capability, and versatility with exceptional driving experience for both work and play. It is a reliable road companion that rises to every occasion.
