Toyota Hilux or should you wait for Ford Ranger Raptor?

Do you know what is a ‘ute? It is the local term used by Australians for the pickup trucks. If you happen to visit the country down under, you will be surprised to see the number of pickup trucks over there. They are not just mere point A to point B vehicles for the ‘maytes’ there, they are life. Most of the pubs and discotheques there will have pickup vehicles parked. Why are we telling you all about Australia? Strangely enough, even the Philippines market is similar to the one in Australia. Here as well, 90 per cent of the road is occupied with pick up vehicles.

As it is, the showrooms are crammed with choices and now there is a new ‘un amongst the lot. It is the Ford Ranger Raptor. Right now, there isn’t a more butch looking or impressive vehicle than the Ranger Raptor. So, should the highest selling Toyota Hilux be worried? We check out.

Brawn styling

This is a no contest. While the Toyota used to scare the daylights of cars ahead of it in traffic, the Ford Ranger Raptor has now taken over the mantle. This is without Ford Philippines having delivered a single vehicle. One look and those bull bars will be staring right at you from the rear windscreen. Those LED projector headlights flanked by the grille look imposing. The 18-inch Goodrich BF tyres are suited for all-terrain use. The Ranger Raptor 2018 measures 5,398 mm x 2,180 mm x 1,873 mm in length, width and height respectively. Its wheelbase is 3,108 mm.

If you look at the Toyota Hilux, then the styling seems a tad subdued than the Raptor. The Toyota Hilux uses the styling from the older Fortuner. The 18-inch wheels are off-road oriented as well. In terms of length, width and height, the Toyota Hilux measure 5,335 x 1,855 x 1,815 mm. The wheelbase is 3,085 mm.

Cabin opulence

The Ford is the better equipped here as well. It distinguishes itself from the regular Everest by means of a new instrument cluster as well as different upholstery. There is also dual-zone climate control, powered front seats with heating function, rear AC vents, touchscreen Sync3 infotainment system and more. The Ford’s front seats are also integrated with electric lumbar adjustment. This shows that the Ford Ranger Raptor specifications are top notch.

The Toyota Hilux is not sparse with respect to its features. The Toyota Hilux specifications show powered driver’s seat, auto headlights and wipers, video recording camera, leather upholstery, automatic climate control and more. It can seat five in reasonable comfort. However, the Toyota suffers from lack of headroom at the back.

Engine power

The Ford Ranger Raptor comes in a single engine option. The 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel power plant produces 215 PS and 500 Nm of torque. It is mated to an industry-first 10-speed automatic gearbox. This gearbox sends power to all the four wheels. The claimed mileage is 19 kmpl.

If you look at the Toyota Hilux, then there are two powertrains on offer. A 2.8-litre diesel motor that produces 175 PS of power and 450 Nm. There is also the smaller 2.4-litre 147 PS and 400 Nm. Both the engines can be ordered with 4x4 as well as automatic and 6-speed manual transmissions. The claimed mileage for the smaller and bigger engines are 17.2 kmpl and 15.8 kmpl respectively.

Safety

The Ford Raptor is equipped with many safety features. These include an all-around camera, reverse camera, front parking sensors, blind spot warning, six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, traction control, rollover protection and more. Towing capacity here is around 3.5 tons.

If you look at the Toyota Hilux, then it brings in six airbags, ABS, EBD, Hill Hold Assist, rearview camera, and traction control. Towing capacity is significantly lower at 2.5 tons.

Final words

The Toyota Hilux price suggests that it is the more affordable of the two. The prices start at Php 814,000 and go up to Php 1,491,000. The Ford Ranger Raptor is offered in one range-topping trim. Ford Ranger Raptor price starts from Php 1,898,000. While it is imperative that the Hilux is the best option to go for if you are on a budget, the Ford will beg you to dole out that extra moolah and get it home. It is that desirable and capable.