Once again, Ford did the unexpected. While everyone was waiting and drooling for the PHEV version of the Ranger, they doubled down on the opposite. They launched the Everest Platinum, the Ranger Wildtrak X, along with a more powerful V6 Diesel engine.
Taking them for a spin is a light way to put it. We went from Okada to Tanay, and then through the numerous curves and mountain passes of Quezon and into Lipa, Batangas. Thankfully they had pity on us because we took the highways on the drive back to Metro Manila. Even more mind-numbing is they brought along the Ranger Raptor, Everest Wildtrak, and Ranger Wildtrak for a total of 5 cars to “try out.” So, here’s a quick rundown of what I think about each car after driving it and having time to ponder.
Everest Wildtrak
Despite the name, the Everest Wildtrak isn’t really wild. In fact, it’s the opposite. It hosts the new 2.0-liter single turbo engine. The weight of its body and the 4×4 drivetrain make it more mannered than what we had when it was fitted with the previous bi-turbo 2.0-liter. Some will like it because it isn’t throttle happy anymore. Your head won’t be bobbing against the headrest at every blip of the pedal. Downside to that is, overtaking will need more momentum because it has a harder time pulling the car at speed. There’s also a noticeable lag on the engine during hard acceleration but if you’re not an eager beaver, it won’t mean much.
The Wildtrak touches also fall a bit short on the exterior. There’s no problem with the slim accent on the corners of the grille. What I’m not fond of is the orange touch on the spoke on the wheels that look like they were clamped by authorities. Also, the hue is that of a pylon cone.
What I liked best here is Ford didn’t skimp on the safety features. You won’t have some cabin flairs as the Platinum like those ventilated seats, but you’re getting the same set of safety bits like Adaptive Cruise, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Lane Keeping System among others.
Everest Platinum
The difference between the Wildtrak and Platinum Everest can definitely be seen but it’s felt as well. It has chrome trims on the grille, Platinum badges, a V6 badge to let everyone know you’re not a normie, and bigger 21-inch machine finished rims.
Driving it will surprise you at first. The V6 engine grants you 600 Nm of pull at under 2,000 rpm compared to the Wildtrak’s 405, or the previous bi-turbo’s 500. There’s a lot of power on tap and you’ll definitely appreciate it on mountain passes or those steep parking lots in the city. It’s not hard to control though and gives you that little bit of excitement during simple over taking; one that was lost in the new single turbo mill.
The Platinum name also carries some extra flair with it. This has a 12-speaker Bang and Olufsen Sound System that sounds crispier than bagnet, Quilted Leather Seats with Ventilation and 10-way Power Adjust for the Front, and Heated Seats for the second row for owners in cold regions.
Ranger Wildtrak X
There’s no question that the Ranger Wildtrak X felt more at home in the dirt, than the Wildtrak only trim. The Bilstein shocks aren’t as soft as the Fox ones on the Raptor, but they do the job well in making the Ranger more manageable on off-road terrain. Although it’s tuned more for the traditional activities than dirt racing.
What’s surprising to me is on the road, it acts the same as the OEM shocks on the Ranger Wildtrak. It’s not particularly stiffer or softer. So, if you’re not going on adventures on weekends, you may be wasting money for those branded shocks.
Unlike in the Everest, both the Ranger Wildtrak and Wildtrak X get the same V6 Diesel engine. It felt a bit more responsive here than in the Everest, even though they have the same 10-speed transmission.
Ranger Raptor V6
I didn’t expect to end up liking the Ranger Raptor V6 after this drive. I am of the thought that I’m “okay” with the previous Raptor that has the bi-turbo diesel. I dismissed the V6 as simply a pocket burner. Now that I had extensive time with it, I can say that it’s definitely worth it—despite still being a gas guzzler.
The Ranger Raptor was meant for off-road racing and pairing it made sense to pair it with this V6 gas engine. The torque isn’t as early, but it definitely gets fast quicker. Then there’s the Fox Live Shocks and it makes light work of the dirt. Truly a dinosaur out of its cage.
It also gives you more of the “feel” factor thanks to its gnarly exhaust note that lets everyone know there’s something unusual under the hood. It made me unnecessarily accelerate and downshift just so I can reach those higher revs, all for that glorious exhaust sound.
The cars we drove have been distinct in one way or another. If you want a family car with all the modern bells and safety bits, the Everest Wildtrak is the one to consider. If you’re more outgoing and plan to have off-road activities, the Everest Platinum is the way to go. The Ranger Wildtrak is there if you need more power for your pickup duties, while the Wildtrak X is meant for those who like to do off-roading stunts on the weekends. Finally, for those who like speeding on unpaved paths, the Ranger Raptor V6 is undeniably the most appropriate.
Words and Photos by Vincent Villa