Ford Ranger Raptor: pros and cons

The Ford Ranger Raptor is one of the more attractive pickup truck models in the Philippine market right now. 

It is ruggedly stylish, filled with features, and is currently one of the most capable mid-size truck models when it comes to going off-road. 

At the 2024 Philippine International Motor Show, the Blue Oval brand’s local arm made the nameplate more desirable thanks to the addition of a new V6 variant. As such, folks who are on the hunt for a high-performance rig might be eyeing the Raptor as their next big purchase. 

But what are the strengths and weaknesses of the Ford Ranger Raptor? Let’s find out here. 

Pros

Impressive performance

Regardless of whether it's the diesel-drinking 2.0 Bi-turbo inline-4 trim or the gasoline-powered 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 version, the Ranger Raptor has more than enough go-juice to be described as a high-performance truck. 

For reference, the 2.0-liter Bi-turbo version can produce up to 207 horsepower (hp) and 500 Newton-meters of torque. The newer twin-turbo V6 variant, meanwhile, can churn out 391 hp and 583 Nm of torque. 

The V6, in particular, however, is noteworthy for attaining the title of ‘most powerful’ mid-size pickup truck in the market right now. Remember, the only non-Ford mid-size pickup truck available locally with an on-paper engine output rating that goes beyond 200 hp is the Toyota Hilux GR Sport.

Certified off-road beast

The Ranger Raptor, from the ground up, was built by the Blue Oval brand as a road-legal Baja truck, which means strong handling when it comes to rushing down unpaved dirt roads or sandy terrain. 

Its capability to go fast on places other than cemented roads is thanks to its set of Fox shocks for its double-wishbone front and coil-spring rear suspension systems. On both ends, the Fox shocks of the Ranger Raptor were provided with an internal bypass reservoir, which equates to adjustability and durability while having a plush, comfortable road in normal driving conditions. 

Additionally, the Ranger Raptor can effectively put down power and maintain traction on a wide variety of surfaces due to its robust 4x4 system. Reinforcing its off-road abilities are front and rear locking differentials, a total of seven drive modes, and a set of knobby all-terrain wheels from the factory. 

Ford’s high-performance version of the Ranger also comes with a body designed to handle the rigors of the boonies. In total, it has a ground clearance of 272-millimeters (mm) and a notable water-wading depth capacity of 850-mm. 

Loads of creature comforts, tech

While specced for adventures, the Ranger Raptor boasts loads of features that qualify it as a comfy or even daily-drivable ride. 

Everyone inside the pickup truck is kept cool by a dual-zone automatic air-conditioning system. It also has leather-clad seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, ambient lighting, a push-to-start button, power-adjustable front seats, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and a unique-looking Raptor-specific steering wheel - among others. 

Providing onboard entertainment and navigation for the Ford pickup truck is a 12-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Sound, meanwhile, is fed into its cabin by a Bang and Olufsen sound system (V6 variant). 

On the other hand, the model comes with a comprehensive safety kit. It has seven airbags, front and rear parking sensors, anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, traction control, hill-launch assist, hill-descent control, a 360-degree view monitor, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. 

The aforementioned features are reinforced by several advanced driver-assist systems listed here: 

• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane centering
• Adjustable speed limiter
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Pre-collision assist
• Forward collision warning
• Evasive steer assist
• Lane departure and keeping system
• Blind-spot information system
• Cross-traffic braking and alert

Cons

Limited functionality as a work truck

With its overarching design as a comfy but off-road-capable pickup truck, the Ranger Raptor has sacrificed the load-bearing capabilities of a rear-leaf spring suspension. 

Sure, the Fox-equipped rear coil springs it comes with can take the punishment any off-road terrain can dish out, but it only provides the Ford model with a load capacity of around 650 kilograms (kg). 

The said figure, of course, is markedly less compared to the average one-ton (1,000 kg) capacity of other mid-size trucks in the market. As such, the Ranger Raptor cannot be used in the same capacity as other locally available mid-size trucks when it comes to doing heavy-duty cargo-carrying work. 

Nevertheless, the Ranger Raptor still comes with a roomy bed, which can accommodate lighter loads. So, for most users, it remains capable of carrying around tools, mountain bikes, motorcycles, or an overlanding setup, among others. 

Final thoughts

The Ford Ranger Raptor is the pickup truck to get if you’re the type of buyer who is either looking for a stylish and fast daily driver or a rugged, adventure-ready rig. It has its limitations, primarily with carrying capacity, but any car buyer will appreciate its mechanical strengths, especially its beefy engine options, its 4x4 system, and its set of Fox shocks. 

Serious would-be adopters of the Blue Oval’s Baja truck, however, should give it a test drive first. Doing so will acquaint you with the model a lot better, and doing so will make for a more informed purchase in the end. 

Ford Ranger Raptor specs

Model	Ranger Raptor 3.0 V6 twin-turbo	Ranger Raptor 2.0 Bi-turbo
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	5,381x2,028x1,922
Wheelbase (mm)	3,270
Ground clearance (mm)	272
Wheel size	17-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Leather
Amenities	Dual-zone automatic air-conditioning Wireless charger Auto-dimming rearview mirror Front and rear locking differentials Push-to-start button Power-adjustable front seats Ambient lighting Drive mode selector Rain-sensing wipers Dual USB ports 230-volt bed power plug
Instrument cluster	12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
Infotainment system	12-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating capacity	5
Powertrain
Engine	3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo EcoBoost	2.0-liter Bi-Turbo inline-4
Fuel type	Gasoline	Diesel
Transmission	10-speed automatic
Horsepower	391	207
Torque	583 Nm	500 Nm
Brakes	Front and rear discs
Technologies
ADAS	Adaptive cruise control Lane centering Adjustable speed limiter Autonomous emergency braking Pre-collision assist Forward collision warning Evasive steer assist Lane departure and keeping system Blind-spot information system Cross-traffic braking and alert
Safety	Seven airbags Anti-lock braking Hill launch assist Hill descent control ISOFIX Anti-lock braking Electronic stability control Traction control Front and rear parking sensors
Security	Car alarm Engine immobilizer
Price	P2.345 million	P2.739 million

 

Also read: 

Ford unveils Raptor T1+ at 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed

Pickup truck tussle: Toyota Hilux GR-S vs. Ford Ranger Raptor