There’s something gloriously incongruous about threading a rally-inspired pickup through the narrow, undulating roads around Llangammarch Wells in mid-Wales — but the Ford Ranger MS-RT seems perfectly at home here. That’s fitting, given its roots in Welsh motorsport. Developed by MS-RT, the South Wales outfit known for turning Transit Customs into street-legal rally tributes, this is their take on Ford’s best-selling pickup.
Based on the range-topping Wildtrak, the MS-RT adds more than just visual drama. It’s been designed to offer SUV-like road manners, all while keeping the Ranger’s hard-working DNA intact. We’ve headed to rural Powys to find out whether this limited-run special is a genuine all-rounder — or just a fashion statement on big wheels.
Let’s be honest — the MS-RT’s appeal starts with how it looks. Unlike the rough-and-ready Raptor, which leans hard into off-road credibility, the MS-RT takes a more refined, road-focused approach. Think of it as the streetwise cousin in smart shoes rather than muddy boots.
There’s a redesigned honeycomb grille, a deeper front bumper than you’ll find on a regular Ranger, extended wheel arches connected by side skirts, carbon fibre mirror caps, and a sports hoop in the load bed. The 20-inch wheels fill the arches nicely but hint at this being more of a tarmac warrior than a trail-slayer. You can have it in just three colours — Frozen White, Sea Grey, or Agate Black — each giving the MS-RT a subtle, premium finish rather than anything shouty.
Overall, it’s got presence without being OTT. Yes, it’s style over function, but there’s clearly a market for that, especially among self-employed buyers who want something to stand out on-site without giving up practicality.
Interior: Wildtrak Plus
MS-RT has taken the already well-kitted Wildtrak and given it a gentle spruce-up. The headline change is a set of hand-finished Nappa leather seats with orange or yellow contrast stitching, plus MS-RT branding stitched into the headrests and mats. There’s also a dash plaque and logoed door sills to remind you that you’re in something a bit special.
The Wildtrak’s touchscreen, climate control, heated seats, reversing camera and CarPlay connectivity all remain, and that’s no bad thing. This was already one of the most car-like pickups on sale, and the MS-RT doesn’t mess with that formula.
That said, it’s worth noting that you can only have the MS-RT as a double cab in the UK. Overseas markets also get a Super Cab version, but it’s five seats or nothing here.
Powertrain and Performance
Despite the motorsport branding, the Ranger MS-RT doesn’t get any extra power under the bonnet. It uses the same 2.0-litre EcoBlue twin-turbo diesel as the Wildtrak, putting out 213hp and 500Nm of torque through Ford’s 10-speed automatic gearbox. It’s not blisteringly quick — 0–62mph takes around 10 seconds — but it gets the job done with familiar dependability.
There’s still selectable 4WD, a low-ratio box, hill descent control, and a locking rear diff, so you’re not losing any of the Ranger’s core off-road tech. That said, you’ll want to think twice before taking those big alloys and lower-profile tyres too far off-piste. It’ll still scramble through rough ground if you need it to, but this is a truck that prefers tarmac to trails.
MS-RT claims to have fettled the suspension, and while the changes are subtle, there is a noticeable improvement in body control over the standard Wildtrak. It’s a touch firmer over bumps — especially when unladen — but there’s less wallow and roll in corners. The steering still feels commercial rather than car-like, but there’s marginally more precision on twisty roads.
The trade-off is a slightly busier ride, which isn’t helped by those big wheels. They look great but introduce more road noise and fidget, especially on rougher surfaces. Still, for something with work credentials, it’s impressively composed.
Payload and Practicality
Perhaps the most surprising thing about the MS-RT is how little you give up in terms of capability. Unlike the Raptor, which drops below the one-tonne payload threshold and loses its commercial vehicle status, the MS-RT retains its work-ready figures. It can haul up to 1,110kg in the bed and tow 3,500kg — just like the standard Ranger.
That means it qualifies for the same company car tax benefits as other double-cab pickups, which could make it an attractive choice for self-employed buyers who want something that works hard and looks sharp while doing it.
The load bed remains unchanged, too, though you’ll want to keep an eye on that “aerodynamic sports hoop” if you’re carrying ladders or long kit. Ford hasn’t added any extras back here, but the Wildtrak spec already includes a load liner and tie-downs.
Price and Positioning
At a little under £50,000 plus VAT, the MS-RT isn’t cheap, and it looks poor value compared to the usual Wildtrak models. But compared to the Raptor, it offers better value for some buyers. You get smarter looks, more usable payload, and lower running costs — and you can reclaim the VAT if you’re registered.
Yes, it’s a premium-priced pickup, but it doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. MS-RT has added visual flair and a bit of on-road polish without compromising what makes the Ranger such a strong contender in the first place.
Ford Ranger MS-RT: Verdict
The Ford Ranger MS-RT might not be the fastest or most capable pickup on the market, but it’s arguably the most stylish. By blending rally-inspired design with Wildtrak levels of kit and the full payload and towing credentials of a proper work truck, it strikes a sweet spot for buyers who need commercial credentials but want something with a bit of attitude.
If you’re the kind of business owner who likes to turn up in something that makes a statement — without sacrificing practicality or a VAT receipt — the MS-RT could be your kind of truck.
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