VEHICLE FEATURE an eight-way electrically adjustable driver’ s seat and dual-zone automatic climate control. There’ s also a wireless charger, USB connectivity and 12V and 240V power outlets in the load box.
The Cherry On Top?
The EVOe electric roller shutter.
The Wildtrak also retains plenty of practical muscle. It has a 3 500kg maximum braked towing capacity, an 80-litre fuel tank and an official 800mm wading depth.
Ground clearance is around 237mm, giving it enough breathing room when the road gets a little less friendly.
For my Garden Route trip, however, the petrol model made plenty of sense. It was comfortable, powerful and surprisingly refined for something that can still haul a serious load – and just to be clear, I don’ t mean my fellow travellers...
I WANT To Need It! The 2026 Ranger Wildtrak petrol is an interesting addition to Ford’ s bakkie family. It trades some of the diesel’ s low-down grunt and off-road ability for a smoother, quicker and more energetic road-going experience.
Don’ t Forget The Orange … Driving the Garden Route in this beast felt less like commuting and more like arriving at your own little automotive parade. From the winding roads to the coastal scenery, the Wildtrak made every kilometre feel like part of the trip.
Would I take it off-road? Where a V6 4x4 belongs? Maybe, depending on the terrain. Would I take it on another road trip? Absolutely!
Especially if the orange one is waiting for me, or if I somehow mysteriously find R899 000 hiding in the couch.
PS. Juhi is my amazing colleague, who, unlike our fabulous photographer and videographer, Talyah, embraced her role as passenger princess while we navigated our way from one terrain to the next.
A Reminder …
The petrol Wildtrak is a 4x2. If your idea of adventure involves serious mud, sand or technical trails, the 3.0-litre V6 diesel Wildtrak 4x4 is the one to choose. That model produces 184kW and a hefty 600Nm.