Raptor-esque: The wraps come off the Ford Ranger FX4 Max

MANILA: Ford Philippines added yet another model to its Ranger lineup – growing it to 14 with the unveiling of the Ford Ranger FX4 Max today.

“The Ranger FX4 Max is definitely a strong addition to our growing Ranger portfolio, and further boosts the off-road capabilities of our trucks,” said Ford Philippines President and Managing director PK Umashankar, in a release. “It is the perfect pickup for customers who seek adventures as it is equipped with features that offer confidence and convenience in taking on the roads less traveled.”

The 4x4 model clearly leverages the strong values that have made the Ranger (in particular the Ranger Raptor) a popular pickup model in the country. Last year, two of every three Raptors sold in the ASEAN region went to a Filipino, revealed Umashankar, and the model has reached a milestone of 10,000 units moved since its launch in September 2018. Ford Philippines also dominated the 4x4 niche of the pickup segment — cornering 41% of it last year — so the FX4 Max appears to symbolize a doubling down on this fact.

“(The) FX4 Max… delivers off-road driving capabilities inspired by the Ranger Raptor while living up to the Ranger’s brand of comfort, safety, and versatility,” the company said.

Fox shocks, all-terrain tires

The FX4 Max levels up on “off-road stance and capability” as it is fitted with new 2.0-inch monotube Fox shock absorbers (the same brand the Ranger Raptor carries) in both the front and rear. Ford said the “rear suspension has a remote reservoir and leaf springs, enabling rapid recovery from extensive and prolonged off-road use. These are teamed with tuned coil-springs at the front. The leaf springs have been modified to provide greater compliance off road, while balancing payload and towing capability.”

The FX4 Max also gets BFGoodrich all-terrain tires fitted to 17-inch alloy wheels for greater traction. The tires also feature tougher sidewalls.

Raptor grille

Up front, Ford gives the pickup the signature F-O-R-D grille also seen on the Raptor. Presence meets functionality via a full-length tubular sports bar finished in matte black allows easy access of the load box. Body-mounted metal hoop side steps (with non-slip finish) complete the exterior look.

 

Interior presence

The coherent look extends to the cabin. Leather-covered seats are given “carbon accents with Miko suede inserts” and unique FX4 Max touches. The model also gets all-weather front and rear floor, sports pedals, and leather-wrapped steering wheel with Black Alley inserts (seen too in the door and dash).

The Ranger FX4 Max boasts an eight-inch color touchscreen for its infotainment system which features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. It has a smart keyless entry with push button start, Sync 3 with voice-activated controls, Bluetooth with phone/audio streaming, two USB ports, and six speakers.

Switch pack

Similar to other Ford trucks like the F-Series, the FX4 Max is given an auxiliary switch pack which now allows owners to “easily connect and operate auxiliary accessories and equipment in a seamless and integrated solution.” A specific 250A alternator is conscripted to generate power for these accessories while cutting direct reliance on the vehicle’s battery.

Engine upgrade

The same 2.0-liter bi-turbo diesel power plant as the one under the hood of the Ranger Raptor and Wildtrak 4x4 is used in the FX4 Max. Delivering 213ps and 500Nm, drivers may access the stout output via a 10-speed automatic transmission. This enables the FX4 Max payload to top 981kg; towing capacity is rated at 3,500kg.

Safety suite

The Ranger FX4 Max gets driver-assist features such as cruise control, ABS + EBD, electronic stability control Including roll-over mitigation and traction control, hill launch assist, hill descent control, driver and passenger airbags, rear parking sensors, and child seat Isofix anchorage points.

It comes in six colors: Arctic White, Absolute Black, Aluminum Metallic, Meteor Grey, Blue Lightning, and True Red, and has an introductory price of P1,698,000.

For more information, visit the Ford Philippines website or a Ford dealership.

Photos from Ford Philippines

Also read: Ford PH raises Ranger, Territory prices due to Safeguard Measures Act