Ford Ranger Wildtrak X Is Like A Declawed Raptor

European customers in the market for a sporty take on the Ford Ranger, but not in need of the full-on Raptor performance model, may want to check out the new Wildtrak X.

Following the success of the previous Black Edition, Ford rolled out its latest special-edition Ranger at the Commercial Vehicle show in Birgmingham. It offers Performance Blue metallic paint, black trim, and an enhanced interior.

To go with that optional paintjob, Dearborn has blacked out the grille, sport bar, roof rails, side steps, and alloy wheels. It also gets special Wildtrak graphics and a black roll-and-lock bed cover. The interior of Europe’s best-selling pickup also gains black leather seats with grey stitching.

Almost A Raptor

The Ford Ranger Wildtrak X will only come in Double Cab configuration with the 3.2-liter diesel. The engine kicks out 200 ps (197 hp/147 kW) and comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. That’s almost as much muscle as the Raptor, but without the rest of the off-road goodies that come with it. The order books are already open, with deliveries set to commence in August.

Ford first introduced the current T6-generation Ranger in Australia back in 2010. It builds the truck at assembly plants in Argentina, Nigeria, South Africa, and Thailand. The North American version is being produced in Michigan to slot in underneath the F-150 that remains the best-selling truck in America.

With the Ranger’s return to the United States, Ford hopes to attract customers who’d otherwise look at the Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon, Toyota Tacoma, or Nissan Frontier. Elsewhere in the world, the Ranger competes with vehicles like the Nissan Navara, Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Triton/L200, and Isuzu D-Max.