Automotive

Ford Ranger Raptor: A gentle beast

Power that comes with comfort

Published

April 20, 2019

Marvin Velasco

When I began learning how to drive, I practiced with a bulky, under-powered pickup truck. Needless to say, it wasn’t a joyride. However, the added difficulty made driving smaller and simpler cars a breeze down the road, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

If I were to replicate that experience today, it would be near impossible. Not only are pickup trucks more advanced and comfortable than ever, they are also comparable to premium sedans and SUVs. Case in point: Ford’s newest Ranger Raptor is a gentle beast.

My unit came in Arctic White; other options are red, black, gray, and blue

There’s nothing subtle about the Raptor. Its towering build and robust front have an imposing presence no matter where it’s taken. Ford claims it’s the first factory-ready, high-speed off-road performance truck. In other words, you can go straight from the dealership to the mountains if you’re itching for action.

For comparison, the Raptor is 150mm wider and 50mm taller than the regular Ranger. This leads to a ground clearance of 283mm and a water wading capacity of 850mm. Combined with the 33-inch all-terrain tires and 2.5-inch Fox racing shocks, you don’t have to do much customization to make this machine battle-ready.

The massive FORD logo is part of the Raptor’s DNA

While all these make for a powerful ride, what’s even more impressive is how the Raptor babies its driver and passengers. Never have I felt this comfy in a truck before. Prior to this, I drove an Everest which I’d confidently consider on par with the Raptor’s ease of use — that says a lot.

In addition, Ford’s SYNC system is in place for music playback from any phone, navigation, and simple voice commands. If you need more functionality, you may connect your smartphone through Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Every other feature is reachable through the vast number of buttons on the steering wheel.

The 8-inch touchscreen is at the center of all your controls

The red mark at the top of the steering wheels acts as a guide when you’re busy driving

With 213PS from the 2.0-liter bi-turbo diesel engine, accompanied by 500Nm of torque and a 10-speed automatic transmission, Ford isn’t kidding when they call this a “super truck.”

I had several days to put this machine to the test, and keeping it on safe asphalt wouldn’t do it justice, so my team took it to off-road trails fit for, well, a Raptor.

BFGoodrich’s all-terrain tires are equipped on every unit

We crossed rivers, handled 35-degree inclines and declines, and sped up whenever we could. Unsurprisingly, nothing fazed the Raptor. It always felt like it had more power to deliver, asking me to challenge it even more. It was certainly tempting, especially since the truck made me feel so safe throughout the drive.

Itching to see the Ranger Raptor in action? We have a video:

On top of the standard 2WD and 4WD modes, the Raptor offers six presets that can be activated depending on your needs. There’s normal mode, sport mode for improved steering response and acceleration, Baja mode for high-speed off-road driving, grass/gravel/snow mode for slippery terrains, mud/sand mode for better handling, and rock mode for increased control over unpredictable rocks.

Engaging any of the performance modes takes only a few button presses

At the same time, the Raptor is such a smooth ride on city streets. I logged in hundreds of kilometers on it, and there wasn’t a single stretch that I wished I was inside another car. Sure, parking wasn’t a breeze in this thing — although it does come with a handy rear camera assist — but its imposing height and bright LED headlamps kept the Raptor visible from any distance.

If I were to nitpick, my only gripes would be the finicky Bluetooth connectivity for smartphones and lack of compartments around the cockpit. These, however, are common issues with most vehicles I’ve had the pleasure of driving.

More than anything, the Raptor is simply a stunner. I had never felt this confident going from point A to point B, and looking good while doing so. Every stop along the way deserved its own photo shoot.

My team can definitely attest to that.

Related Topics:featured Ford Ford Ranger Raptor

Automotive

ACMobility launches EV safety program to help drivers make the switch

The new “Drive Electric” curriculum covers everything from charging safety to actual EV ownership costs.

Published

September 9, 2026

MJ Jucutan

ACMobility, the Ayala Group’s mobility arm, launched its “Drive Electric. EV Safety Program,” and it’s aimed at pretty much anyone curious about EVs.

That means advocates, people thinking about buying one, fleet operators, and just regular folks who want to understand what they’re getting into.

The goal is straightforward: clear up the misconceptions around EVs by giving people practical, easy-to-follow information on how the technology and charging infrastructure actually work.

The program covers safety guidelines, the real costs of ownership, and how charging works, so people can decide for themselves if going electric makes sense for them.

At the launch, ACMobility CEO Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala talked about the bigger picture, saying the company’s priority is to empower drivers to shift to a more sustainable and cost-effective transport option.

He framed the program as part of that commitment, aiming to give drivers practical tools and accessible technical knowledge on EVs.

Building the curriculum with actual experts

ACMobility didn’t build this alone. The program came together with professional instruction partners and close coordination with the Department of Energy, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines, and the Philippine EV Community.

The curriculum runs five modules deep, and it tackles the questions people actually ask before buying an EV: what it really costs to own one long-term, how much you can save, how to charge safely, what to do in an emergency, and how the technology itself works.

What comes after the launch

ACMobility says this is just the start. The company plans to roll out educational seminars nationwide for drivers looking to make the switch, expanding into corporate sessions, community workshops, and showcases at bigger industry events.

Future sessions will pair the technical side with actual test drives, so people get hands-on time with EVs alongside the expert guidance.

Automotive

Ford’s new Everest lineup brings V6 engine to the top, tech down the line

A new V6-powered Platinum flagship leads the range, while driver-assist tech spreads further down to the Sport and Active.

Published

September 5, 2026

MJ Jucutan

Modern mobility is no longer defined strictly by mechanical horsepower. Instead, intelligent software, sensor suites, and connected interfaces shape how we move through the world.

Ford Philippines is recalibrating the Everest lineup for 2027, putting advanced vehicle technology at the heart of the daily commute and weekend escapes.

Intelligence at the Core

The most significant shift happens inside the cabin, where driver-assist features transition from luxury upgrades to non-negotiable standards.

The Active trim redefines entry-level technology by embedding Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection and Forward Collision Warning into the baseline drive for PhP 1,949,000.

New Ford Everest Active

Combined with a central 12-inch infotainment screen, dual-zone climate control, and rain-sensing wipers, the system processes environment data continuously to protect passengers before a driver even reacts.

Stepping up to the Sport trim at PhP 2,219,000 expands this digital protective bubble. Here, the 12-inch ecosystem integrates Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Lane Centering, and a 360-degree camera system.

Blind Spot Information with Cross-Traffic Alert and automatic braking turns tight urban parking and congested highway navigation into effortless single-button maneuvers.

New Ford Everest Sport

Power engineered for precision

At the top of the technical spectrum sits the new V6 Platinum flagship, priced at PhP 2,849,000.

Its 3.0-liter Turbo Diesel V6 engine generates 250PS and 600Nm of torque, governed by an intelligent full-time four-wheel-drive system that actively routes traction across variable terrain.

New Ford Everest Platinum

Matrix LED headlamps adapt lighting patterns dynamically to prevent glare for oncoming traffic while maximizing peripheral visibility.

Inside, a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, 10-way power memory seats, and active heating and ventilation create a high-tech sanctuary on wheels.

Refined aesthetics and ecosystem support

The design-focused Wildtrak trim continues to pair its proven 2.0-liter Turbo 4×4 platform with updated visual cues at PhP 2,669,000. Featuring 20-inch alloy wheels and Ignite Orange accents, it bridges functional hardware with distinctive styling.

New Ford Everest Wildtrak

Reservations across all four variants is now open nationwide. To back its hardware and digital infrastructure, Ford includes its 5-Star Care Package through September 30, providing five years of warranty, scheduled maintenance, and roadside assistance.

Coupled with the Ford Family Guarantee digital service platforms, the refresh ensures the technology on board remains supported long after you leave the showroom floor.

Automotive

The new Ranger Raptor is now a connected truck, not just a fast one

Ford app connectivity finally lands on the Raptor, alongside two new V6-powered Wildtrak variants.

Published

September 4, 2026

MJ Jucutan

Power has never been the Ranger Raptor’s problem. It has always known how to command the trail, but living with a high-performance truck day to day usually demands a different kind of effort.

Ford Philippines is changing that balance by giving the Raptor a digital link to your phone, turning a raw performance vehicle into a thoughtful daily companion.

Smart connectivity for real life

Through the Ford app, the Raptor connects directly to your routine. You can start the engine remotely on a hot afternoon to cool down the cabin before stepping inside, track your vehicle’s location in a crowded lot, or check oil life without popping the hood.

The 3.0L V6 EcoBoost engine under the bonnet still pushes out a fierce 397PS and 583Nm, but raw horsepower is no longer the only story worth sharing.

Underneath, the hardware receives an upgrade designed for total control on and off the road. New FOX 2.5 Live Valve Shocks automatically adjust to terrain, cutting internal damper friction in half for a smoother ride whether you are commuting or heading off-grid.

A selectable exhaust system lets you tailor the V6 rumble to your surroundings, switching smoothly between Quiet, Normal, Sport, and Baja modes.

The new Ranger Raptor is priced at PhP 2,879,000, supported by a PhP 20,000 cash discount with Ford’s 5-Star Care Package or a PhP 150,000 all-in down payment.