Automotive

Ford Ranger Raptor: A gentle beast

Power that comes with comfort

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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.

 

Automotive

Ford revs up Truck Month with extended 5-star care offers

Explore exclusive cash discounts, flexible downpayment plans, and showroom activations in the Philippines.

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Ford Philippines brings back its annual Truck Month this September, pairing special financing and cash savings with extended service coverage across the updated Ranger and Everest lineups.

The month-long program shifts the focus toward long-term ownership peace of mind. This ensures drivers feel supported well beyond the showroom floor.

Comprehensive coverage for every journey

For drivers who view their truck or SUV as an essential partner for travel and daily routines, maintenance clarity brings genuine confidence.

Select variants in the lineup now include Ford’s 5-Star Care Package, bundling a five-year warranty, five-year scheduled service plan, and five-year roadside assistance.

Flagship performance models built for challenging roads, including the Ranger Raptor 3.0L V6, Ranger Wildtrak X 3.0L V6, and Ranger Wildtrak 3.0L V6, pair this complete service coverage with PhP 20,000 in cash savings. On another note, the Raptor 3.0L V6 also offers a PhP 150,000 all-in downpayment option.

Versatile family vehicles receive identical long-term backing, with the Everest Platinum 3.0L V6, Everest Wildtrak 2.0L, Everest Sport+ 2.0L, and Everest Active 2.0L all bundling the five-year care plan. Meanwhile, the Everest Wildtrak 2.0L Turbo includes an additional PhP 20,000 cash discount.

Financing designed around daily routines

Flexibility plays a central role in fitting a vehicle into personal budgets and busy lifestyles.

For the first time, the practical Ranger XLS 4×2 introduces access to the 5-Star Care Package, allowing buyers to select between long-term maintenance coverage, a PhP 50,000 cash discount, or a PhP 49,000 all-in downpayment.

Drivers drawn to the Ranger Sport 4×2 can opt for a PhP 59,000 all-in downpayment or zero percent interest financing. By providing multiple ownership paths, Ford aligns purchase incentive options directly with driver priorities, prioritizing lasting value throughout the lifetime of the vehicle.

Bringing the experience to dealerships and malls

The Truck Month celebration extends further with the Super September event, taking place from September 16 to 20 across nationwide dealerships and key shopping centers.

Customers who reserve any Ford vehicle during this five-day showcase receive an extra PhP 20,000 in cash savings on top of ongoing Truck Month offers.

Display venues including Virra Mall Greenhills, SM Southmall, SM Seaside Cebu, Robinsons Dumaguete, and SM City Sta. Rosa feature interactive showroom activities and refreshments, offering drivers an accessible way to explore their next vehicle companion.

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Automotive

BYD aircon care promo: Cleaning package to come with freebies

Stay cool all year

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BYD Cars Philippines has launched the BYD Cool & Fresh Combo aircon care promo, happening from September 9 to October 31, 2026.

Under the promo, customers who avail of the Vehicle Aircon Cleaning Package will receive a free cabin air filter and free CarTul Air & Surface Disinfecting Mist.

This gives BYD the time to introduce the new ancillary product as well, which comes in a three-steps cleaner package.

It kills bacteria and viruses, enhances airflow efficiency, and eliminates unpleasant odors. And that’s without having to remove the dashboard.

So owners who avail of the aircon cleaning package throughout the promo period will be able to try the product first hand, without having to spend for it.

For reference, the aircon cleaning package is priced at PhP 5,262.

The offer is available to all BYD vehicle owners who are due for their 1-Year Preventive Maintenance Service (PMS) or have reached 20,000 kilometers on their odometer.

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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.

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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.

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