The Ford Ranger Raptor has always made a mark for me because it was probably the only truck introduced in the Philippine market that was geared more towards a mix of actual fun and capability and not just a workhorse fitted with premium materials.
I remember when the first iteration was launched locally back in 2019. I was giddy with excitement because the Philippines was finally able to get a Raptor version of a pickup truck. At the time, the F-150 Raptor was only available in the United States. I also remember vividly how Ford Philippines was very confident and eager to showcase the Ranger Raptor’s capabilities to the public and what that Raptor nameplate truly meant back then. I wasn’t in automotive media at the time, but I made my way to Arca South to experience its capabilities off-road. I remember taking their off-road course at high speed and how confident and stable the Ranger Raptor was, and how their reworked chassis and that heavy-duty Fox suspension made the truck a trophy truck available for you to buy.
That was the essence of the Raptor for me. Today, we get a new generation of the Ranger Raptor pickup truck. While its capabilities are no surprise to me anymore, thanks to an impressive launch event by Ford Philippines, this time, we will focus on what it’s actually like to live with on a daily basis.
Exterior
When Ford Philippines delivered their press Ranger Raptor to me, it immediately caught my attention. That Code Orange paint job was shouty, but in a good way. It complemented the beefed-up stance of the truck with its wider flairs and raised ride height. And yes, while it is based on a regular Ranger, if you put the Raptor and the regular Ranger side by side, it’s like the Raptor could eat it up alive. It’s much more massive in person than it is in the pictures.
Of course, this is complemented by its Matrix-LED C-shaped headlamps, which are reminiscent of an F-150, and a different grille, which omits the Ford logo found on the regular Raptor and is instead replaced with a matte-black grille with FORD spelled out. The skid plate also stands out, as it gives a nice contrast to the matte-black grille, as with the 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in chunky 286/70/17 BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO2 Baja Champion tires. You can really tell that its wider arches were meant to accommodate these.
As if that wasn’t enough, Ford would also like to inform everybody out on the road that this is the top-dog Ranger Raptor with a Raptor badge in the rear and a Raptor sticker on the side profile of the truck-bed.
Speaking of the truck bed, gone is the rear side step found on the regular Ranger variants, but if you bought the Ranger Raptor to haul things, then Ford Philippines still has a complete lineup of different Ranger variants for you to choose from.
Overall, Ford has done a great job from an exterior point of view of differentiating the Ranger Raptor from the regular ones. It’s unmistakably a Raptor.
Interior and technology
Step inside the 2023 Ranger Raptor, and you’re greeted by an interior that seamlessly blends style with functionality. The Code Orange accents and Raptor badging throughout the cabin add a sporty flair without overwhelming the senses. Premium materials such as leather and Alcantara elevate the overall ambiance, while thoughtful touches like 10-way power seats for the driver and power adjustability for the front passenger enhance comfort and convenience.
At the heart of the cabin lies a state-of-the-art infotainment system boasting a massive 12-inch touchscreen display complemented by a 12.4-inch gauge cluster. This intuitive interface provides access to a myriad of features, including climate control, navigation, and entertainment options along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Ford’s attention to detail is evident in the inclusion of physical buttons for the climate control, ensuring ease of use while driving.
You also now get an e-shifter, which is much better than the other shifter found on regular models, and a drive-mode selector knob which allows you to switch between seven different drive modes for various situations.
If I were to pinpoint a problem, it would be two things. The ambient lighting is non-configurable, with only its signature Code Orange as an option, and the interior Code Orange trimming is also standard across the board, no matter which exterior color option you choose. It could be a problem for some, as the colors could clash. At the very least, Ford should have made the ambient lighting configurable.
Performance and driving
Underneath the hood of the Ranger Raptor resides the same 2-liter, four-cylinder Bi-Turbo Diesel engine found on the regular Wildtrak, which produces 207 hp and 500 Nm of torque. In my experience, this is where the problem lies.
It’s not that there’s any problem with the engine to begin with. It’s refined, fuel-efficient, and has sufficient power. It’s a good engine and more than enough for everyday usage. In fact, I was able to average 8.4 km/l during my time with the Raptor, which can get me above 500km in just one tank. Not bad at all.
The thing is, though, this is a Raptor. While it would have been the proper choice for the last generation, this new generation definitely deserves the added grunt that the 3-liter EcoBoost V6 engine could provide, especially with its weight of just about 2.5 tons, so hopefully, Ford Philippines really does consider bringing the V6 in down the line.
Related: Ford PH not ruling out entry of V6 Ranger Raptor just yet
Footwork is governed by wider tracks, along with BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO2 Baja Champion tires and the signature long-travel 2.5-inch Fox Shocks. The ride is well-damped and could take your daily bumps easily and with great comfort—not surprising, given its off-road prowess. While it does have knobbly all-terrain tires fitted, Ford has done a great job keeping NVH levels at bay. I suspect it’s thanks to added sound deadening.
While it’s not a problem for me, I could understand why some might have a problem with the size of the Ranger Raptor. More specifically, the width, but once you get used to it, I see no issues driving the Ranger Raptor on a daily basis. It’s light on steering, and the 360-degree cameras help you navigate tight streets and park with ease. Despite the added ride height, you can also clear most multi-level parking buildings when you are mall crawling, so it isn’t a hassle.
The Ranger Raptor also gets the full suite of ADAS, which makes long highway journeys easier and safer. It’s also very well-tuned and can easily follow the road and the car in front.
When added performance is needed, you can simply switch to sport mode using the Drive Mode Selector, which gives you added traction with 4H capability, essentially making the Ranger Raptor AWD. If you wish to have added control, you have aluminum paddle shifters that look and feel great, and the 10-speed automatic shifts very fast and is really responsive.
Verdict
At P2,339,000 and an additional P15,000 for the signature Code Orange, there isn’t any other mid-sized pickup truck out on the market right now that is as exciting as this. It’s not like there’s any compromises, either. You have comfort, performance, and the useability that comes with the pickup truck, as well as the added excitement.
Of course, if you plan to haul heavy loads, the Wildtrak is the better option thanks to the added load capacity of its leaf springs, but for me, I will take the Ranger Raptor over any mid-sized pickup truck available on the market any day. It really is the everyday trophy truck.
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