Ford Ranger
Wildtrak.

01 / THE BIG PICTURE

A bakkie with a day job.

School bags, stock deliveries, a toolbox and a trailer: South African bakkies tend to earn their parking space. The Wildtrak brings a more upmarket cabin to that practical brief. But the badge alone does not tell you which engine, drivetrain or equipment you are getting.

A quick date check: the revised 2026 South African range is already here. Ford announced the update on 31 March 2026. This guide compares that revised line-up with the diesel choices you will encounter when shopping for a 2025 Wildtrak. [1]

Model year, build date and first registration are different things. A listing labelled “2026” can still describe earlier stock. Confirm the VIN and exact derivative with the seller.

02 / UNDER THE BONNET

Same badge. Different muscle.

The useful comparison is between the specific derivatives, rather than simply “old” and “new”. All the Wildtrak options below use a 10-speed automatic transmission. [1] [4]

*Availability varies by body style and exact derivative. The older 2.0L Bi-Turbo is being phased out of the revised range, rather than every existing example disappearing from sale. Engine data and line-up: Ford SA, Ford MY26 guide and earlier Wildtrak specifications.

What that means for your shortlist

2025 Bi-Turbo: worth including in a used-bakkie search if the condition, history and asking price suit your needs. 2026 EcoBoost: brings the highest power figure in this comparison, but the local Wildtrak petrol is 4×2. V6 diesel: has the highest torque here and is the Wildtrak route to 4×4 in the revised range.

Our take: decide how you will use it before deciding how many cylinders you want. Compare fuel costs, service records and an actual test drive alongside the headline numbers.

03 / THE 2026 SHAKE-UP

More than a fresh date on the ad.

The petrol Wildtrak Double Cab 4×2 is the big change. The Super Cab Wildtrak 4×4 moves from the 2.0 Bi-Turbo to the V6 diesel. Wildtrak X also changes from a separate derivative to an option package. [1]

Elsewhere in the Ranger family, a new Sport grade sits below Wildtrak. The updated 2.0L single-turbo diesel belongs to other parts of the range; it should not be confused with the outgoing Wildtrak Bi-Turbo. [3]

04 / THE TRAILER QUESTION

Pulling power, with the right checks.

Ford lists up to 3,500 kg maximum braked towing for Wildtrak. That is a maximum trailer rating for a properly equipped vehicle, not an invitation to fill every seat, load the bed to its limit and then add a fully laden trailer. [2] [5]

Check the vehicle’s GVM and GCM, axle limits, towbar rating and permitted towball load. Passengers, accessories, tools and the trailer’s downward load all affect the available carrying allowance. Confirm the figures for the actual bakkie, plus your trailer and driving-licence requirements, before towing. [5]

For a caravan, work trailer or boat, ask for the fully loaded trailer mass. An empty trailer’s weight is only the beginning of the conversation.

05 / LIFE IN THE CABIN

Work boots. A little comfort.

Ford’s current Wildtrak equipment list includes a 12-inch central touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, Matrix LED headlamps and a 360-degree camera. Driver assistance includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and autonomous emergency braking. [2]

Check the build-specific equipment list, particularly on used stock and optional packs. Try your phone connection, cameras and controls during the viewing. Features are more useful when they work with your everyday routine.

06 / BEFORE YOU SHAKE HANDS

Ask better bakkie questions.

• Which exact derivative? Confirm engine, fuel, cab style, 4×2 or 4×4, VIN and build date.
• What is the history? Request service records and ask about previous towing, modifications and accident repairs.
• What will ownership cost? Compare an itemised quote, insurance, fuel and maintenance. Verify remaining warranty and any service plan on that vehicle.
• Does it fit your load? Check actual payload and towing limits with your usual people, tools and accessories.
• Can someone inspect it? Arrange an independent inspection and test drive before committing.

We have not road-tested these vehicles for this article. This is a research-based buyer guide, with the specifications checked on 22 October 2026. Equipment, prices and availability can change.