The 2024 Ford Ranger Wildtrak represents a bold step forward in the midsize pickup truck segment, blending rugged capability with modern features and a refined design. Ford has made several key upgrades to the Ranger Wildtrak, making it more comfortable, versatile, and tech-savvy without compromising on its off-road prowess. Here’s an in-depth review of this exciting new model:
Exterior Design: Tough Yet Modern
Ford has managed to retain the rugged charm of the Ranger Wildtrak while incorporating a sleeker, more modern aesthetic. The new design features a more aggressive front grille, sleeker LED headlights, and bolder wheel arches, giving it a more imposing road presence. The Wildtrak trim, in particular, stands out with its exclusive paint colors, unique 18-inch alloy wheels, and signature Wildtrak decals on the sides.
The redesigned front end incorporates a larger air intake, improving both airflow and engine cooling while also enhancing the truck’s aggressive look. The rear end also gets an updated tailgate with more modern badging and a robust bumper design that fits seamlessly with the overall tough exterior.
Interior: High-Tech Comfort
Step inside, and you’ll immediately notice that Ford has upped the game in terms of interior quality and technology. The 2024 Ranger Wildtrak’s cabin offers a more refined and comfortable experience compared to previous models, with premium materials and soft-touch surfaces throughout. The Wildtrak trim is equipped with leather upholstery, including embossed Wildtrak logos on the seats, which adds a sporty yet luxurious touch.
The dashboard layout is clean and modern, with a new 12-inch digital instrument cluster and a large 12-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen infotainment system. The infotainment system is faster, more intuitive, and comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with built-in navigation. For the tech-savvy driver, Ford also offers an available wireless charging pad and multiple USB-C ports for fast device charging.
The cabin is spacious with ample legroom, and the rear seats are also comfortable for adults, making this a more practical option for families or those who use their truck for long road trips. The 2024 Ranger Wildtrak also features a significant upgrade in terms of noise insulation, making the ride much quieter than its predecessors.
Performance: A Perfect Balance of Power and Efficiency
Under the hood, the 2024 Ranger Wildtrak offers a choice of powertrains, depending on your needs. The standout engine is the 2.0-liter bi-turbo diesel, which delivers an impressive 210 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. This engine is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, which provides smooth shifts and a responsive driving experience. Whether you’re towing a heavy load, navigating off-road trails, or cruising on highways, the Ranger Wildtrak performs admirably across the board.
For those who need more power, there’s also a 3.0-liter V6 turbo-diesel engine, which produces up to 250 horsepower and 600 Nm of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and available in four-wheel-drive configurations. This engine offers more low-end torque for serious off-roading and towing capabilities.
The Ranger Wildtrak features Ford’s advanced Terrain Management System, which allows drivers to select between various driving modes, including mud, sand, and rock modes, optimizing the vehicle’s performance for different terrains. Whether you’re on tarmac or heading off the beaten path, the Ranger handles with poise and confidence.
Off-Road Capability: Built for Adventure
As expected from the Wildtrak moniker, the 2024 Ford Ranger is more than capable off-road. The truck is equipped with Independent Front Suspension (IFS) and a Leaf Spring Rear for optimal comfort and articulation on rough trails. The increased ground clearance, combined with an upgraded suspension, gives it the ability to tackle tough terrains, whether you’re crossing a riverbed or climbing a rocky incline.
Ford has also included an electronic locking rear differential, which helps when tackling slippery or uneven surfaces. The Ranger Wildtrak can also be optioned with an optional off-road pack that includes more aggressive tires, a front nudge bar, and even a snorkel for water crossings. This makes it a fantastic option for adventure-seekers who need a reliable vehicle for weekend getaways or more demanding expeditions.
Towing and Payload: Heavy Lifting Made Easy
One of the primary reasons people choose the Ranger Wildtrak is for its towing and payload capacity. The 2024 model doesn’t disappoint. The 2.0L bi-turbo engine is rated to tow up to 3,500 kg (7,700 lbs) when properly equipped, making it a solid contender for those who need to haul boats, trailers, or caravans. With the 3.0L V6, towing capacity increases slightly, allowing you to handle even larger loads with ease.
The bed of the Ranger Wildtrak also offers 1,000 kg of payload capacity, with a durable, anti-slip surface that makes loading and unloading a breeze. The truck bed is deep, wide, and offers several tie-down points for securing your gear. There’s also a handy power outlet for those who need to run tools or other electronics on the go.
Safety Features: Confidence Behind the Wheel
The 2024 Ranger Wildtrak comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, many of which are standard. These include autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. There’s also reverse parking sensors and a 360-degree camera that provides a bird’s eye view of the area around the truck, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces much easier.
Ford has made significant improvements in the Ranger’s active safety features, with better detection technology that helps avoid accidents in everyday driving as well as off-road scenarios. The truck also comes with an upgraded trail control system, allowing it to crawl over obstacles at a consistent speed without the driver needing to worry about throttle or brake inputs.
Fuel Efficiency: Improved Economy
Thanks to the efficiency of its turbocharged engines and smart transmission, the 2024 Ranger Wildtrak is surprisingly fuel-efficient for a vehicle of its size and capability. The 2.0-liter bi-turbo engine offers an estimated fuel consumption of around 8.0-8.5 liters per 100 kilometers (29-27 mpg), while the larger V6 engine delivers slightly less but still respectable figures.
This makes the Ranger Wildtrak an excellent choice for those who need a tough vehicle but don’t want to sacrifice fuel economy, especially for longer drives or towing tasks.
Conclusion: A Versatile, Modern Pickup
The 2024 Ford Ranger Wildtrak strikes a perfect balance between being a highly capable workhorse and a well-equipped, comfortable daily driver. Its blend of powerful performance, advanced technology, modern design, and impressive off-road abilities makes it a top contender in the midsize pickup truck segment. Whether you’re taking it off-road for some adventure, towing heavy loads, or just commuting in style, the Ranger Wildtrak is a solid all-rounder that ticks all the right boxes for a variety of drivers.
If you’re looking for a pickup that delivers on both form and function, the 2024 Ford Ranger Wildtrak is definitely worth considering.
The 2024 Ford Ranger Plug-In Hybrid® (PHEV) marks a significant milestone for the renowned midsize pickup truck, combining the rugged capability of the Ranger with the eco-friendly efficiency of hybrid technology. As Ford continues to push the boundaries of sustainable mobility, the Ranger PHEV delivers the perfect balance between power, efficiency, and off-road prowess. This review will dive deep into the vehicle’s design, performance, and innovative features.
Note: While I can’t include images, I’ll describe key features that would typically be visualized in a review, such as exterior design, interior layout, and key technology.
Exterior Design: Familiar Ruggedness with a Modern Touch
At first glance, the 2024 Ford Ranger Plug-In Hybrid maintains the aggressive and muscular styling that defines the Ranger lineup. The design reflects the same rugged, tough aesthetic of the regular Ranger but with subtle hints of modernity that come with its electrified powertrain. The front end has an updated grille, streamlined LED headlights, and a more pronounced stance that hints at its off-road abilities.
A few distinctive elements set the PHEV apart, such as:
- Hybrid Badging: Subtle yet visible hybrid logos on the tailgate and front fenders to indicate its eco-friendly credentials.
- Unique Wheel Design: The PHEV variant comes with custom alloys, often featuring aerodynamic designs to optimize fuel efficiency.
- Charging Port: The electric charging port is integrated into the front fender, making it easy to plug in when parked.
Dimensions: The PHEV model retains the same size as its gasoline counterparts, so you can expect a truck bed that provides plenty of cargo space without sacrificing utility.
Interior: Comfort, Technology, and Practicality
Inside, the 2024 Ford Ranger Plug-In Hybrid® balances rugged durability with premium comfort. The cabin feels more refined than ever, with high-quality materials and an updated tech interface that caters to both everyday needs and off-road adventures.
Key Interior Features:
- Hybrid-Specific Displays: A 12-inch digital instrument cluster shows real-time energy consumption, charge status, and power flow, providing a clear visual of how the hybrid system is performing.
- SYNC 4 Infotainment System: The Ranger PHEV comes with Ford’s latest SYNC 4 system, including a large 12-inch touchscreen display, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This system also features enhanced navigation that optimizes routes based on battery life and charging stations along the way.
- Leather Upholstery & Wildtrak Detailing: The Ranger PHEV can be configured with premium leather seats, embossed with Wildtrak or hybrid-specific logos, depending on the trim. The materials are durable enough for the outdoors but luxurious enough for long road trips.
- Spacious Cabin: There’s a generous amount of room in the front and rear, ensuring that all passengers, including those in the rear, are comfortable for long drives.
Cargo Space: The hybrid system does slightly reduce some of the space traditionally allocated for cargo, but the Ranger PHEV still offers ample bed and cabin storage. The truck bed remains durable with the same high weight-bearing capacity that the Ranger is known for.
Performance: The Perfect Blend of Power and Efficiency
The heart of the 2024 Ford Ranger Plug-In Hybrid® is its advanced hybrid powertrain, which combines a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged engine with a 13.8 kWh battery and an electric motor. The result is a seamless combination of performance and efficiency, offering the power you expect from a Ranger, with the fuel economy of a hybrid.
Powertrain Details:
- Total System Power: The combined system produces 362 horsepower and 680 Nm (500 lb-ft) of torque, offering ample power for both on-road and off-road use.
- Electric-Only Range: In electric-only mode, the Ranger PHEV can travel up to 30 miles (48 km) on a full charge, making it ideal for urban commutes or short trips without burning any fuel.
- Hybrid Mode: The vehicle intelligently switches between the electric motor and the 2.3L EcoBoost engine to optimize efficiency, providing excellent fuel economy for longer journeys.
Towing and Payload:
- Towing Capacity: Despite its hybrid powertrain, the Ranger PHEV doesn’t compromise on towing capability. It retains the Ranger’s impressive towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg (7,700 lbs), making it suitable for hauling trailers, boats, and other heavy loads.
- Payload: The Ranger PHEV offers a similar payload capacity to its gas-powered counterparts, capable of carrying up to 1,200 kg (2,600 lbs), depending on the configuration.
Off-Road Performance: The Ranger PHEV is engineered to tackle challenging terrains with confidence. Its hybrid system doesn’t hinder its off-road abilities, with features like Ford’s Terrain Management System, locking differentials, and Hill Descent Control ensuring that the Ranger PHEV remains just as capable as the rest of the Ranger lineup.
Efficiency: A Leap Toward Sustainable Power
One of the biggest advantages of the 2024 Ranger Plug-In Hybrid® is its fuel efficiency. Thanks to the combination of its EcoBoost engine and electric motor, the Ranger achieves significantly improved fuel economy compared to traditional gas-powered versions.
- Fuel Economy: The Ranger PHEV is estimated to achieve up to 30-35 MPG (miles per gallon) in combined driving, depending on driving habits, terrain, and load.
- Charging: The Ranger PHEV comes with a Level 2 AC charging port that allows for a full charge in about 4-6 hours, depending on the power source. For those in a hurry, it also offers DC fast-charging capabilities that can recharge the battery up to 80% in about 40 minutes.
Technology & Features: Future-Proofed Connectivity
Ford has packed the Ranger PHEV with the latest tech to enhance both convenience and safety. The SYNC 4 infotainment system is at the core, delivering seamless integration with smartphones, while the suite of driver-assistance features elevates the safety profile of the Ranger.
Safety Features:
- Co-Pilot360™ Technology: This suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane centering, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
- Pre-Collision Assist: The Ranger PHEV is equipped with forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking to prevent accidents.
- Trail Control™: This off-road cruise control system allows the Ranger PHEV to crawl over difficult terrain at a steady speed, giving drivers peace of mind on challenging trails.
Wireless Charging:
- The Ranger PHEV is equipped with a wireless charging pad to keep devices powered while on the go.
Eco Mode:
- The truck comes with a hybrid-specific Eco mode that optimizes the vehicle’s throttle response and regenerative braking to maximize fuel economy.
Conclusion: A Revolutionary Pickup
The 2024 Ford Ranger Plug-In Hybrid® is an excellent example of how automakers are pushing the envelope for sustainable vehicles while still meeting the needs of traditional pickup truck enthusiasts. With impressive fuel efficiency, strong towing capacity, and the same rugged features that make the Ranger a favorite among off-roaders, the PHEV version proves that hybrids don’t have to be limited to city cars or compact sedans.
Pros:
- Excellent balance of power and efficiency.
- Strong towing capacity.
- Hybrid-specific features that enhance the driving experience.
- Robust off-road performance.
- Sustainable eco-friendly driving options.
Cons:
- Slightly reduced cargo space due to the battery.
- Higher price tag compared to standard models (due to hybrid technology).
For those looking for a midsize pickup that is both practical and eco-friendly, the 2024 Ford Ranger Plug-In Hybrid is a highly recommended choice, offering a greener solution without sacrificing power or capability.
