We'll be honest: we've never driven a pickup truck before, much less one that's meant for off-road terrain. So when Ford Philippines handed us the keys to the Next-Generation Ranger Raptor 2.0L Bi-Turbo Diesel 4x4 10 AT for a drive from Manila to Pampanga, we didn't know what to expect.
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| The Ford Ranger Double Cab Raptor 2.0L Bi-Turbo Diesel 4x4 10 AT |
Our destination: Tutulari Avatar Gorge, a hidden spot tucked deep within Porac, Pampanga. To get there, we had to pass through the Inararo Trail, a path that winds through lahar, hills, and scenic viewpoints like the Inararo View Deck. Fortunately, a local guide was with us to take us on the trail while we got to experience what the Ranger Raptor can do on the open road.
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| Crazy how beautiful the Tutulari Avatar Gorge is |
The Road to Tutulari
Driving from Manila to SM Clark, the Ranger Raptor quickly showed why it’s more than just a rugged-looking truck. Beneath its tough exterior lies a surprisingly smart setup that makes long drives feel effortless.
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| We took the Ford Ranger for a drive on the rocky, lahar-filled Inararo Trail leading to the Tutulari Avatar Gorge |
And while the real off-road adventure starts at the Inararo Trail, where you’ll need a 4x4 vehicle to continue, the Raptor made the journey leading up to it comfortable, confident, and connected.
Side Note: You can bring your own private 4x4 vehicle on the Inararo Trail, but you'll need to book an exclusive tour package with an additional PHP 2,000 "own vehicle" fee. For groups of 15, it's PHP 1,950 per head, while solo travelers will need to pay PHP 6,000 per person. For more information on rates, visit the official website of PINATUBO MOUNTAINERO.  |
| Tutulari Avatar Gorge: Straight out of a movie |
Smart Power in Action
The Inararo Trail was no joke, especially for beginners like us with zero off-road experience. It was rough, rocky, and unpredictable, but thanks to the Ranger Raptor’s smart tech, we still felt in control throughout the drive. It didn’t make the terrain any easier, but it definitely made the experience less intimidating.
Here are our favorite features that stood out the most during the trip:
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| This rotary switch allows you to choose between the 7 drive modes in the Raptor's Terrain Management System |
1. Drive Modes for Every Terrain - From the smooth highways of NLEX to the lahar-filled, rocky terrain of Inararo, the Ranger Raptor adjusted effortlessly. Its Terrain Management System lets you switch between seven drive modes, namely Normal, Sport, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, Sand, Baja, and Rock Crawl, depending on where you’re headed.
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| Baja Mode optimizes the Raptor’s traction control and stability through the rough terrain of the Inararo Trail |
On the highway, Normal mode made the drive steady and composed, but once we hit the off-road trail, Baja mode unleashed the Raptor’s adventurous side, giving better throttle response, traction, and control across loose terrain.
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| The Ford Ranger Raptor's 360-degree Camera System |
2. 360-degree Camera and Parking Sensors - Admittedly, handling a pickup this big was intimidating at first. But the 360-degree camera quickly turned that anxiety into confidence.
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| The Ford Ranger Raptor's front and rear cameras |
It gives you a bird’s-eye view of the truck's surroundings, while the front and rear parking sensors make it easier to maneuver through tight parking spaces or unfamiliar spots. For someone who’s used to smaller city cars, this tech made a huge difference in comfort and safety.
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| 12-inch Colored Portrait Touchscreen Central Display with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Compatibility Connectivity |
3. Infotainment System - At the center of the cabin is a massive 12-inch portrait touchscreen powered by Ford’s SYNC 4A system. It served as our command center throughout the trip: from navigation on the way to Pampanga, to checking key vehicle settings along the drive.
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| One of six Bang & Olufsen speakers for rich surround sound |
Thanks to wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connecting mobile phones was effortless: no tangled cords, no risk of overcharging, and no hassle of switching in-between apps. And with the Bang & Olufsen 6-speaker sound system delivering rich surround sound, it was easy to tune out the noise from the rocky, lahar-filled terrain and just enjoy the music.
Next-Gen Ford Ranger Raptor key specs, features
Powertrain
- 2.0L Bi-Turbo Diesel
- Maximum Power 210 PS @ 3,750rpm
- Maximum Torque 500Nm @ 1,750-2,000rpm
- 10-Speed Automatic Transmission
- 4x4 Drivetrain
Chassis & Suspension
- Front Suspension: Double Wishbone with FOXTM 2.5" Internal Bypass Shock Absorbers
- Rear Suspension: Coil-Spring with FOXTM Shocks Internal Bypass Reservoir Dampers and Watt's Link
- Rear Electronic Locking Differential
- Front/ Rear Ventilated Large Discs
- Rack and Pinion with Electronic Power Assisted Steering EPAS
Wheels & Tires
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| All-terrain tires |
- 17" Alloy Wheels
- LT285/70R17 Tires
Exterior
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| The iconic F-O-R-D front grille |
- Matrix LED with Adaptive Front Lighting System and Automatic On/Off Function
- C-Clamp LED Daytime Running Lamps
- LED Taillights and Fog Lamps
- Zone Lighting
- Dual Front and Rear Tow Hooks
- Large Fender Flares
- Power Folding, Power Adjustable Side Mirrors with Turn Indicators and Puddle Lamps
- Black Composite Offroad Side Steps
- Bedliner with 230V (400W) Power Plug
- Rain Sensing Wipers
- Easy-lift Tailgate
- Metal Under Body Protection
- Raptor F-O-R-D Grille
Interior & Convenience
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| The Raptor's signature steering wheel |
- Wireless Charger
- 10-Way Power Front Driver, 8-Way Power Front Passenger Seats
- Leather Wrapped with Unique Raptor Styling, Audio/Function Controls, and Paddle Shifters Steering Wheel
- 12.4-inch Digital Instrument Cluster
- Dual-Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control Air Conditioning
- Second Row Air Conditioning
- 12-Volt and 230V Power Sockets
- Ambient Lighting
- Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
- Terrain Management System
- Auxiliary Switches
- Rear Bench Seat with Center Armrest and Fold-up Function
- 7 Selectable Drive Modes & Rotary Switch
- Power Windows With One Touch Up and Down (Front)
- Keyless Entry with Start-Stop Push Button
Audio & Connectivity
- 12-inch Colored Portrait Touchscreen Central Display
- SYNC 4A with Voice Activated Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Compatibility Connectivity
- 1st and 2nd Rows Dual USB Ports
- Windscreen Mount USB Port
- 6 Speakers
- FordPass Connect
Safety & Security
- 7 Airbags - Driver, Passenger, Side, Curtain, and Knee
- Anti-Lock Braking System + Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
- Electronic Stability Program with Traction Control with Electric Brake Booster
- Hill Launch Assist & Roll Over Mitigation
- Hill Descent Control
- Electric Parking Brake
- Perimeter Alarm System
- Immobilizer
- ISOFIX
- Front and Rear Parking Sensors
Advanced Driver Assist Technology
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| Blind Spot Radar |
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Lane Centering
- Adjustable Speed Limiter
- Auto High Beam
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection
- Pre-Collision Assist
- Forward Collision Warning System
- Dynamic Brake Support DBS
- Distance Alert / Distance Indication
- Evasive Steer Assist
- Lane Departure Warning & Lane Keeping System
- Post Impact Braking
- Driver Alert System
- Reverse Brake Assist
- 360 Degree Camera
- Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert & Braking
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Price
Verdict
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| The Next Generation Ford Ranger Raptor combines all-road power with smart tech |
The Ford Ranger Raptor is designed to take on tough terrain, but what impressed us the most was how its smart technology makes that toughness accessible to anyone, even those without off-road experience.
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| Where shall we take the Ford Ranger Raptor next? |
It's proof that innovation isn't always about adding more screens or complex controls. Sometimes, it’s about giving drivers the confidence to go further, whether that’s a weekend road trip or a challenging trail.
Smart. Capable. Confident.
That's the kind of power the Ford Ranger Raptor delivers on every road.
It is priced at PHP 2,645,000 SRP in the Philippines.
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