2023 Ford Ranger V6 Wildtrak 4WD detailed review: Pick-up test (towing, 4x4 offroad, fuel use) 4K

We've done what you wish you could do with the new 2023 Ford Ranger V6 Wildtrak dual-cab ute - from towing, to off-road, to real-world fuel numbers - this review is a detailed test of the new double cab model.

We've already done detailed coverage of the new-generation Ford Ranger line-up, but this test was all about this spec - the top-end Wildtrak V6 diesel, which is the most expensive mainstream Ranger model before you get to the ballistic Raptor variant.

At just over seventy grand it's not a cheap thing, but with a 3.0L V6 diesel engine producing 184kW and 600Nm, plus permanent 4WD, it's definitely got some grunt behind it. So what is it like when it comes to towing a 3.0-tonne caravan? Can it handle itself off-road in the bush in Australia? And what is that big 12-inch touchscreen really like to live with?

In this review from Matt Campbell and Marcus Craft, you'll find out! And if there's anything we've missed that you'd like to know about, hit us up in the comments. We read them and we will reply!
#fordranger #ford #review #carsguide

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Timecodes:

00:00 Intro
00:56 Pricing and features
01:38 Practicality
06:26 Under the bonnet
07:11 Driving On-Road
10:01 Driving Towing
11:27 Driving Off-Road
14:52 Efficiency
15:28 Safety
15:53 Ownership
16:24 Verdict

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CarsGuide - Go beyond the test drive

[redbrickize]

As a car reviewer. Could you answer me a question please?

if this powerstroke TDV6 has get the premature crankshaft failure issue sorted out. If you have any reliable information, could you point me to read?

I think most potential buyers wants a reliable car, rather than some fancy electronic techs.

[christhomas]

10:38 soft in the rear would loose steering on a wet road. Also rather than worrying about cup holders, and soft touch surfaces be good to see all the features on the screens how you set up brake controller, turn on diff lock etc

[myloz]

What an absolute beauty. The perfect ute / family car

[RocketRod]

Thanks for the review. Finally a towing segment. I’ve ordered the V6 Sports with the touring pack & AT tyres options. I tow a 2.5T caravan & have been waiting for this vehicle. Good to see rear disc brakes also 👍

[Katherine--]

The new Ranger is way ahead of anything else in the market. I want a Raptor, but a 12 month plus waiting list, that is a bummer.

[andrewjoyce]

An all round real world review thank you.

[twc]

Love it... putting a deposit down on one this week funnily enough... 18 month wait dealer advised though

[albertobiggs]

Looks fabulous. It looks that it will be very expensive to have one at Central América. One thing that I dislike is the electronic handbrake, but it looks incredible

[graemesmith]

Can you go more in depth with towing,
show how to set up for van blind spot and
putting in set up for electric brake controller as they can have more than 1 trailer in the memory.

[jasegonebush]

Is it true with prolonged exposure to water crossings and corrugations the electric steering rack fails and a new genuine ford ranger electronic steering rack costs 8 to 10 grand if you can find one ?

[robertkopp]

Would be great if you a tow test off road and suggest what weight limit it shouldn't go past, then show the fuel consumption

[colinmcleod]

Its interesting to see the real world fuel consumption.

[darwonboyful]

Pretty thirsty I think. My 2018 px3 3.2l manual xlt with raptor sized tyres and a 2 inch lift gets under 14lL/100k when towing our Whitley 2180.

[shaynenb]

Hi CARSGUIDE, I've just seen the CURRENT AFFAIR regarding the issues of the current FORD RANGER. Issues such as suddenly braking at 80 km/h, dash board screen showing nothing and poor customer service. In your future videos, COULD YOU PLEASE INCLUDE CURRENT ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE (any vehicles) and WHAT THE MANUFACTURERS DOING ABOUT IT (fixes). Your videos influences how our hardworking Australians buy their knew vehicles. You will provide GREAT SERVICE to our community by providing not just the POSITIVE and NEGATIVE reviews about the vehicle but also the actual issues with it. This way, the MANUFACTURERS can be put on notice, up their standards and giving the manufacturers the idea CUSTOMER SERVICE should be their number one priority. Now that's a concept, PASSIONATE ABOUT CUSTOMER SERVICE.

[rossevans]

The V6 is available in the XLT Crew cab, why not in the XLT Supercab?

[chrisgray]

Car companies very much enjoy the saturated coverage for these high profit margin vehicle$...

[tersy]

You have no idea what you are talking about the screens are awesome, I've used the one on the ranger and love it. People are used to using phones and tablets in everyday life. You won't be able to sell a modern car without good tech.

Who the hell like the tacky cream headliners

[trickster]

I wish you blokes would check your stuff before misleading people. The 4A mode IS NOT PERMANENT 4x4. Even the name gives it away. 4 automatic. In other words, it AUTOMATICALLY selects 4x4 drive when slip is detected. You only have to watch the torque bars in the LCD screen to see which wheels are getting drive, and it is NOT all of them all of the time! Quite a different system to permanent 4x4, which is always sending drive to front and rear, until one end or the other slips - then it needs driver intervention to maintain drive, ie, manually locking the centre diff. Very different systems.

[bruno]

Absolute streets ahead of anything else in its class period.

[Wazza]

I wonder if the brakes could do with better pads & rotors?