Ford Ranger Raptor - Is it worth the price?

Ever since the most popular Ford F-150 came out in the market decades ago, it revolutionised the way people used to look at light-weight trucks. And with time, Ford kept on improving and launching new/next generation models impressing everyone around the world. Fast forward to 2019, Ford launched the much anticipated Ranger Raptor in Malaysia at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS) 2018 at a price of RM 199,888 and that did shake up the pickup truck segment in the country. Ford has really taken the competition to a whole new level. But of course, this aggressive and mean-looking Ranger Raptor comes at a hefty price. So, is it worth spending all those ringgits? Let’s find out.

Aesthetics

Let’s begin with the aesthetics. The all-new Ford Ranger Raptor is a more brutal and badass version of the original Ranger. And we applaud Ford for doing such a marvellous job. It doesn’t matter from which angle you look at this truck, most probably it is going to intimidate you. At the front is a large grille with FORD written on it in big bold black color. It is housed in between two aggressive headlamps. Then there is the high and sporty front bumper. The side view of the Ranger Raptor would put you in awe just by the sheer size of its tyres and the gap between them and the wheel arches.

Engine and transmission

The new Ford Ranger Raptor specs have a 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo engine. This doesn’t sound much but it produces a healthy 213 PS of max power and generates 500 Nm of peak torque. Ford has used its new and slick 10-speed automatic transmission that comes with Paddle Shift technology. This engine and gearbox combination is pretty solid and would give you all the power you need at the right time in different terrain conditions.

Technology and performance

Ford didn’t just want to make another facelifted pickup truck. That’s why it utilized the available technology to make the Ranger Raptor a very capable off-roader. The Ranger Raptor is more of a super truck rather a pickup truck. It comes with 2.5-inch FOX Racing Shox, Watt’s linkage rear suspension with coilover rear springs. This is a killer suspension setup. Then we’ve got BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres, Heavy duty side steps, 283 mm ground clearance, tougher chassis, huge bash plate, 32.5 degrees of approach angle, 850mm water wading capability and whatnot.

Ford has also incorporated its 4x4 system and the Terrain Management System which offers six driving modes - Baja, Sport, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Sand, Rock, and Normal. All these off-road features make the Ranger Raptor one capable machine which won’t give you any troubles even when it is being driven in some of the most treacherous terrains.

Interior

Okay, the interior of the Ford Ranger Raptor isn’t the most luxurious or technologically advanced. The reason being that the Ranger Raptor is a super pickup truck. If it had luxurious beige and white interior, imagine what would it be like being in the cabin. It wouldn’t just go with the character of the machine. So, Ford used an all-black color theme inside the Ranger Raptor. And it might not be the most opulent place to be, but it surely in no way is of inferior quality.

The quality of materials used is top-notch. The fit and finish are immaculate. Everything is very ergonomically designed. There is ample amount of space to move around. Comfort won’t be an issue. The seats are well contoured and bolstered, and provide great support. The leather-wrapped steering wheel looks nice and feels solid to hold. There is Ford’s SYNC 3 system which supports various voice commands, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well. And of course, we also have an 8-inch touchscreen.

Verdict

So, does the high Ford Ranger Raptor price worth it? It is true that it is a bit on the dearer side. But when you compare it with the rest of the competition, it seems okay. This is a special vehicle which would be appreciated more by the pure enthusiasts. It might not appeal that much to a non-petrolhead person when the price comes into the equation. There are plenty of ordinary fishes in the shallow waters of the oceans, you can have any of them. But if you want something special and extraordinary then you’d need to go and dive a bit deeper. Similarly, if you want just a pickup truck, there are a number of options for you available at lower prices, but if you want a super truck, then you’d need to shell out a few extra ringgits.

The Ford Ranger Raptor comes in only a single variant and 2 different colors - Lighting Blue and Conquer Grey.