2019 Ford Ranger Raptor has been unleashed

The covers are off Ford’s latest iteration of their Ranger pickup — the 2019 Ranger Raptor. It’s the ultimate Ranger, and the only factory-built performance truck in Asia-Pacific. The Ranger Raptor not only looks the part, but is filled with technology and off-road prowess that encompass Ford’s long standing performance DNA.

The good news is, Ford Group Philippines (FGP) confirmed the arrival of this monster pickup truck to the local showrooms this year.

Bold Ford lettering are an immediate giveaway that this truck means business, as are the body panels that exude off-road aggressiveness and rugged appeal. A frame mounted bumper, together with composite material fenders, resist dings and damage associated with off-road use.

At the rear, a modified rear bumper comes with an integrated tow bar rated at 2500kg towing capacity, and two recovery hooks. Providing an abundance of space, the bed measures 1560mm wide and 1743mm long.

Coupled with wide flares, long travel suspension, and oversized tires wrapped in 17-inch wheels, the Ranger Raptor’s overall dimensions of 5398mm in length, 2180mm in width, and 1873mm in height make it an intimidating machine. Ground clearance is an impressive 283mm, while the approach angle of 32.5°, ramp over angle of 24°, and departure angle of 24° make this pickup ready to tackle any road.

The interior gets sprinkles of Raptor logos, as well as leather touches and blue stitching; bonus points for the red center stripe at the top of the steering wheel. Magnesium paddle shifters are a nice touch, as well as the new instrument cluster.

Big strides have gone into suspension development, as the Ranger Raptor’s innovative new coilover rear suspension uses a Watt’s link setup with solid rear axle to provide lateral control off-road while also helping improve ride and handling.

The Ranger Raptor also features a new engine; a 2.0-liter biturbo diesel engine rated for 210 hp and 500 Nm of torque, which is mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox. Yes,10-speed — the same gearbox on the big brother, the Ford F-150 Raptor.

An updated terrain management system is included, offering six modes for various driving experiences, which can be selected via a dedicated five-button switch located on the steering wheel. This includes the Baja mode — a new mode that pushes the monster pickup truck to its off-roading limits.

Ford’s safety alphabet soup is included, as well, with the Ranger Raptor having high levels of active and passive safety: Ford Stability Control with Roll Mitigation Function, Trailer Sway Control (TSC), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Hill Descent Control (HDC), and Load Adaptive Control (LAC).

Originally a name saved for the ultimate Ford trucks, this is the first time the Raptor nameplate will be used in an Asian market model. As to when exactly will FGP bring the all-new model ashore, we have yet to get the confirmation, along with its sticker price in the Philippines.