2023 Ford Ranger Raptor diesel launched for PHP 2.339M

Ready or not, 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor now in the Philippines

After making an appearance at the 2023 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), the all-new high-performance version of Ford’s popular pickup truck has officially arrived in the Philippines.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor, and it’s ready to go fast off-road. Making its official debut just before the first leg of the 2023 Ford Island Conquest, the next-generation Ranger Raptor is meaner, bulkier, and more capable off the beaten path than its predecessor.

Starting with the chassis upgrades, the all-new Raptor gets a redesigned suspension system. It gets new tough yet lightweight aluminum upper and lower control arms, long travel suspension, and a refined Watt’s Link rear end. Ford claims that this allows drivers to have more control across uneven terrain at high speeds.

It also gets new dampers courtesy of Fox 2.5-inch Live Valve internal bypass dampers. Ford says these are the most sophisticated dampers ever fitted to a Ranger Raptor and are filled with Teflon-infused oil. These reduce friction by around 50% compared to the previous dampers used.

These complement the selectable drive modes for better driving comfort or for a stiffer setup, depending on the mode selected. On-road, there are three drive modes available; Normal, Sport, and Slippery. Off-road, a total of four can be selected; Rock Crawl, Sand, Mud/Ruts, and Baja. When it comes to going over terrain, it has 272mm of ground clearance and can wade through waters as high as 850mm.

Under the hood of the 2023 Ranger Raptor is not a twin-turbo EcoBoost V6. Instead, the PH-spec pickup gets the evergreen 2.0-liter EcoBlue four-cylinder bi-turbo diesel engine. It cranks out 210 PS and 500 Nm of torque. Power is then transferred to a 10-speed automatic transmission and is bolted to an advanced full-time 4WD system with an electronically-controlled, on-demand two-speed transfer case. For extra traction when the going gets tough, it also comes standard with front and rear-locking differentials.

Like the all-new Ranger, the top-spec Raptor gets a more muscular look. The front fascia is dominated by new C-shaped headlight clusters and the bold F-O-R-D lettering on the grille. It also gets new LED matrix headlights and redesigned LED daytime running lights for improved visibility. Other key exterior features include 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, cast-aluminum side steps, LED taillights, and a rear bumper with an integrated step and tow bar.

Hop inside and the interior greets occupants with jet fighter-inspired sport seats in the front and rear for improved comfort and support during high-speed cornering. It also gets Code Orange accents throughout the cabin to remind everyone they are in no ordinary Ranger.

And just like the rest of the Ranger lineup, it’s fitted with a tablet-inspired 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system with the latest SYNC 4A, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, navigation, and many more features.

Other available interior amenities include; a 6-speaker sound system, a 12.4-inch instrument cluster, a sports leather steering wheel with a rally-style center mark, auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone auto climate control, a host of USB charging ports, 230V power sockets on the bed, a wireless charging pad, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat.

The 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor is yours for PHP 2.339 million and you can test it out this weekend at this year’s Ford Island Conquest Year 6 at Arca South, Taguig.