2023 Ford Ranger Wildtrak vs Toyota Hilux SR5 Cruiser comparison review

Despite the best efforts of Government policy, these two commercial vehicles, the Toyota Hilux and the Ford Ranger, continue to top the sales charts. Some ute nameplates have fallen on tough times, sales figures dipping dramatically after Clean Car fees, or the ute tax, came into effect. But not these two, both with a waiting list for some models, such is the fervour for these trucks. Most ‘do the mahi’, the double-cab ute favoured for its ability to work during the week and play on the weekend, or so the marketers tells us. Many other owners just cruise around with not much in the tray and just themselves in the cab. But now, all ute buyers pay the fee for the privilege, helping fund all those rich people into a new Tesla, or so we are told by the opposition.

Ranger has recently renewed, and the only truck to challenge it is the Hilux. Top spec utes remain popular, (what’s a few thousand more dollars in fees really?) and so we’ve got the Wildtrak together with the new ‘widetrack’ SR5 Cruiser. Which of these utes really rules the roost? 

Figures for the SR5 Cruiser read 9.5L/100km and 252g/km which equates to $3795 in fees. While there is a six-month wait for the Hilux, Ford currently has a good supply of Wildtrak ready for delivery. 

Both have the ‘old fashioned’ switchable 4×4 set-up with 2- and 4-Hi, a low-range transfer case, rear diff lock and electronic hill descent control while the Ford also adds a few off-road terrain modes for the traction control.

There’s a discrepancy in pricing, the Toyota at $63,390 (the no-haggling, on-the-road price) while Ford asks $75,990 for a Wildtrak. It does however deliver more on the spec front, with the likes of a tow bar (circa $1500-$2000 extra for the Hilux buyer) and tray liner (another $830 on Lux) included as standard, along with its fancy electrically retractable lid (a hard lid adding between $4500 and $6500 to the Hilux). The WT also comes fitted with its sports bar and roof rails. There are also fancier items included with the Ford like self parking, better exterior lighting for when you’re ‘out there doing it’, an integrated brake controller for towing and other items we’ll mention later. We’ve bored you enough with a retelling of the spec sheets you can pore over online. In short, you pay a bit more for the Ford but you get more in return.

Hilux offers capped price servicing at $390 a pop; keep up the maintenance and you get another two years/50,000km on the standard 3yr/100,000km warranty, therefore matching Ford’s 5yr/150,000km cover. 

In terms of ride quality, the Ranger gives its occupants an easier time over the bumps, its rear end calming where the Hilux can fidget over the small ones, and gives the odd jolt over the harsher hits. It’s harder to turn the Hilux around with its bigger turning circle and heavier, slower steering. 

Both handle smartly, the Ford more compliant with the road surface below but the Hilux does hold on better in the bends at the front end. Its more road friendly tyres help, as do the suspension changes, notably the rear stabiliser bar reducing the inclination of the rear to roll. This also gives the firmer steering more character; while it’s a bit slower to turn than the Ranger, there’s more of a connection. 

On gravel trails, the traction control of the Hilux gets more of a work out in 2WD, the rear axle more likely to be bouncing about the place, so it benefits more from switching to 4-Hi. The stability and traction aids of the Ranger are superior, as you’d expect of the much newer truck.

There’s more hard, shiny plastic about in the Toyota and nothing like a charge pad or multiple USB-C plugs that the Ranger has. The Hilux does have a three-pin 220V plug for charging larger devices however. The Wildtrak’s big touch screen is supplemented by hard buttons for ventilation, while there’s superior (if not quite amazing) voice control too. The surround view and backing camera images fill the screen with a clear image so you can manoeuvre this about more confidently.

There are better storage solutions, and Ranger’s smart door releases really do make opening the door that much easier. The seats too are better padded for added comfort and offer better adjustment, as does the steering wheel. The electric park brake and auto hold function add convenience although hoons will prefer the Hilux’s manual handbrake when in the paddock.

There’s a couple of extra centimetres for knees in the rear of the Ranger, and better access through larger doors. Both have Isofix points and you can lift up the seat squab for secure cabin storage.