Ford Ranger Raptor – Top reasons to buy

Ford Ranger was a game-changer when it was released in Y2K. In a market that was then-saturated by utility-only pickups, Ford showed us it was possible to have a stylish, comfortable, and family-friendly pickup without sacrificing its ability to haul heavy loads.

The new Ford Ranger Raptor is what the T6 Ranger was twenty years ago. It’s an improved version of the original, and one that’s expected to shake things up in the pickup truck segment. Raptor, after all, is a nameplate for high-performance variants of Ford vehicles.

With that said, Raptor packs a 2.0-liter engine with 10-speed automatic transmission, similar to what you’ll find on Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4WD. Though small, its engine cranks out significant power and torque. Ford Ranger Raptor can handle rough roads better than the Ranger could. It comes with four-wheel drive, all-terrain wheels, and reinforced suspension as a standard.

These features enable the Raptor to tackle bumps with minimal bounce and noise. But unlike other 4x4s it’s more of an off-road racing truck that’s fast enough to chase down criminals. All things considered, a Php 2 million price tag isn’t too bad for a Raptor. If you’re not convinced, we’ve prepared a list of the top reasons to buy a Ford Ranger Raptor.

1. Bolder and better-looking

You can think of the Raptor as a Ranger on steroids. It’s a taller and longer, although these aren’t as noticeable as the wider body which measures half-a-ruler more than the Ford Ranger. The front end has been redesigned to include the signature “Ford Grille” which, instead of the Blue Oval logo, has F-O-R-D spelled out across it in bold typography. As if that isn’t intimidating enough, there are other changes throughout the exterior.

For instance, there’s a more aggressive bumper and distinctive foglamps up front. These go perfectly with the black fenders and wheels; both being noticeably wider on the Raptor. The headlights and daytime running lights are also set deeper into the frame and give the pickup a mean grin.

Its bold look is completed by “Raptor” decals on the rear quarter panels. In a nutshell, its aesthetics can be summed up into three words: muscular, pumped, and rugged.

2. Tough exterior

The Raptor doesn’t just look tough. It’s a literal badass that can take a beating. For starters, its chassis is made of durable low-alloy steel. Not only does it make the pickup more suitable for rough roads. It’s designed to survive surface drops when driving through uneven terrain.

Its underbody is also protected by a thick bash plate that extends all the way to the front and rear bumpers. Made of high-strength steel, it provides the Ranger Raptor with better impact resistance – you know, just in case you accidentally drive over a large jagged rock.

Of course, you can’t expect it to be as rigid as the Land Rover Defender which has been tested across various terrains and weather conditions. But it is one tough cookie to crack for a mid-sized pickup truck.

3. Avoids snags and heavy floods

Ford Ranger Raptor has an impressive 283 mm ground clearance, which makes it higher than the full-sized Ford Expedition. You should be able to avoid most snags, especially if you consider its approach, departure, and break-over angles.

Severe floods? Fret no more. The Raptor has an effective wading depth of 850 mm which allows you to rage through floods with relative ease. To give you some perspective, the average Filipino adult is 1,660 mm tall. This means you can traverse floods that reach all the way to the hip.

4. Perfect formula for off-road comfort

The new Raptor gets its own suspension system from FOX, a company that develops shock absorbers for ATVs, motocross, mountain bikes, trucks, and off-road vehicles. Its specially designed damper system – which is rumored to cost around Php 250,000 – is capable of handling off-road driving at fast speeds.

Ford Ranger Raptor is also equipped with wider, all-terrain wheels from BFGoodrich for better traction. Together with the FOX Racing Shox suspension and four-wheel drive, rides don’t feel as bumpy when driving across rough roads.

5. Snug and feature-rich interior

The pickup truck may be built for off-road performance but its cabin is far from rugged. In fact, it is reminiscent of Ford Ranger Wildtrak and uses materials that embody both comfort and practicality.
Front passengers can feel snug in their power-adjustable, side-cushioned seats. However, everyone gets to enjoy plush leather seats with suede inserts. Much to our surprise, they’re more comfortable than the usual all-leather seats. Besides being soft to touch, they don’t heat up as fast as leather when left under the sun for extended periods.

The Raptor doesn’t disappoint in terms of interior features. It is equipped with a few advanced features including:

• Multi-information digital display
• Dual-zone climate control
• Speed-sensing door locks
• Keyless entry
• Push/start ignition
• 230V charging socket

6. SYNC3 entertainment

It isn’t the first time that we’ve mentioned this, but SYNC3 is also one of the top reasons to buy the Ford Explorer, or pretty much any Ford vehicle that comes with it. The audio system has an intuitive and somewhat smartphone-like functionality that makes it easy to fall in love with.

It lets you seamlessly connect your device so you can perform actions without taking your hands off the steering wheel. SYNC3 is also compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which is a huge plus for smartphone owners.

7. Top-notch safety

Having been based on the Ford Ranger which earned a 5-star rating from Euro NCAP, you can expect the Raptor to offer the same, if not, better protection for passengers.

Below are the safety features of Ford Ranger Raptor:

• Anti-lock braking system
• Electronic brakeforce distribution
• Seven airbags
• Seatbelt reminders
• ISOFIX child seat anchors
• Speed limiter
• Electronic stability control
• Traction control
• Hill-start assist

8. Customizable handling

The Raptor can handle any terrain. But if you really want to make the most out of it, you would have to make some adjustments. Thankfully with this pickup, it’s as simple as switching modes. There are six to choose from – Normal, Baja, Weather, Sport, Mud/Sand, and Rock Crawl.

Depending on the selected mode, the vehicle will adjust its response accordingly. From driver assist features, to stability control and the feel of the steering wheel, all the way to the transmission, Ford Ranger Raptor delivers the kind of performance you’re looking for at any given moment.

9. Sizeable cargo capacity

It is no workhorse by any means. That being said, there is room for 766 kg worth of cargo in the back. This is more than enough space for families and business owners who intend to use the pickup for hauling supplies.

What engine is the Ford Ranger Raptor?

It has a 2.0-liter bi-turbo diesel mill similar to what you would find on the four-wheel drive variants of Ford Ranger Wildtrak. It can put out 213 PS and 500 Nm of torque, which is more than what the older 3.5-liter engine is capable of cranking out.
How much is the Ford Ranger Raptor in the Philippines?

Ford Ranger Raptor price in Philippines

Ford Ranger Raptor 2.0L Bi-turbo 4WD AT

Php 1,998,000

Ford Ranger Raptor may have the same T6 platform as the Ranger, but it is made tougher and more capable for off-road performance. Unlike most pickup trucks, it’s delightfully comfortable to drive even when it tackles harsh terrain.

The “ultimate off-road truck” from Ford is priced at Php 1,998,000 – a good deal if it means you get to own a Raptor.

Also Read: Ford Ranger Raptor: Know its alternatives