Picking up the pace: 4 fresh, exciting features of the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor

You could say that the Ford Ranger Raptor started the whole performance pickup truck craze. After all, with its brutish appearance, off-road know-how and on-road prowess, and powerful engine, it seemed to have set the criteria on what a part-workhorse, part-sports truck should be.

Not only did the Ford Ranger Raptor create a following — especially among owners and those who were privileged to have a go with it — but it also influenced other pickup truck makers into creating their own monster trucks.

Now in its latest incarnation, the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor is poised to retain — and improve upon — the qualities that made it such a hit. The arrival of the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor to other markets has been met with much celebration, and so naturally, its Philippine arrival has seen much speculation, too. But pretty soon, we don’t need to guess any longer because it’s (almost) right here, (almost) right now.

So a few days leading up to the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor Philippine launch, let’s take a look at the few things that make it a sporty truck.

Brawny Power

The current version of the Ranger Raptor is powered by a powerful 3.0-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 petrol engine that was taken from the Bronco Raptor and sold in international countries including Thailand and Australia. Maximum output from the mill is 397 PS at 5,650 rpm and maximum torque is 583 Nm at 3,500 rpm.

Ford, however, believes that the V6 would not work in all markets, therefore the Philippines will receive a 2.0-liter twin-turbo diesel engine instead. The diesel engine produces 213 PS and 500 Nm of torque when paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. It seems unfair to grumble given those impressive numbers.

Fox Shock Absorbers

The 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor sports a strengthened underchassis with a wider suspension track and massive coil springs at the back. It also includes Fox 2.5 Live Valve internal bypass dampers — which lift the truck by 2.5 inches — on each corner and exclusive drive modes for a sportier feel. The Trail Control feature improves speed control when driving off road.

Also part of the kit is beefier off-road equipment and new 33-inch all-terrain tires with wider front and rear tracks, which are paired with higher ride height and increased ground clearance.

All-Terrain Driving Modes

Like the model it replaces, the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor can handle anything from smooth roads to mud and ruts — thanks to its seven selectable drive modes. Among these drive modes are the off-road focused Baja mode, which tunes the vehicle's electronic systems for best performance during high-speed off-roading.

In each drive mode, adjustments are made to the engine and transmission, as well as to the ABS sensitivity and calibration, traction and stability controls, exhaust valve actuation, steering, and throttle response.

360-Degree Camera

This camera displays an unobstructed view of the terrain surrounding the sports truck onto the vehicle’s 12.5-inch portrait-style infotainment screen.

It’s only one of many safety features of the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor. The most recent Ranger Raptor, unlike the previous model, has useful active driver assistance systems. Among these are Autonomous emergency braking, Lane keeping assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Available adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, and Front and rear parking sensors.

Photos from Ford