The 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor is here, completing the Blue Oval’s barrage of new-generation vehicles such as the Territory, Everest, and the Ranger. If you’re eyeing to buy one of these vehicles, then you’re in luck as they are going to be fresh in the eyes of the public for a few years.
For this generation, the top-spec midsize truck is still an expensive toy for those who can afford it. But what makes it a compelling choice versus the more affordable Ranger Wildtrak?
Here are the notable differences, basically giving you an idea of what the P429,000 price difference between the models gets you.
Exterior
To compare the exterior features and sizes of the Ford Ranger Wildtrak and the Ranger Raptor, let’s look at their dimensions and shared equipment.
Size-wise, the Ranger Raptor is slightly larger overall. It measures 5,381mm in length, 2,028mm in width, and 1,922mm in height. It has a wheelbase length of 3,270mm and a ground clearance of 272mm.
On the other hand, the Ranger Wildtrak is slightly smaller. It has a length of 5,370mm, a width of 1,918mm, and a height of 1,884mm. The wheelbase length is the same as the Ranger Raptor at 3,270mm, but it has a ground clearance of 235mm.
While the Ranger Raptor is larger, both trucks share the same wheelbase length, meaning they have similar interior space and passenger comfort.
In terms of exterior equipment, both the Ranger Raptor and the Ranger Wildtrak have several similarities. They both come equipped with Matrix LED headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, LED taillights, puddle lamps, two hooks, a bedliner, power-folding side mirrors, and fog lamps.
However, there are some differences as well. The Ranger Raptor features larger side steps and fender flares compared to the Ranger Wildtrak. It also comes with metal under-body protection as standard, which is not available on the top-spec Ranger Wildtrak. On the other hand, the Wildtrak has roof rails, while the Ranger Raptor does not. The Ranger Raptor also doesn’t come with the nifty step board on the rear bumper, which is found on the Wildtrak.
Interior
Step inside both the Ford Ranger Raptor and Wildtrak and you’ll find similar five-seater cabin layouts. Both trucks have a vertically oriented center console with a large central touchscreen. They also share a dual-zone automatic air-conditioning system with the same control schemes and vent bezel designs.
In terms of interior styling, both models feature contrast stitching on the shifter boot, seats, and steering wheel. The Ranger Raptor has a bright orange contrast stitching, while the Ranger Wildtrak opts for yellow. Additionally, the Wildtrak has contrast stitching on its interior door cards, whereas the Raptor’s interior door cards are all-black.
The Ranger Raptor’s interior has unique “Raptor” styling elements that set it apart from the Ranger Wildtrak. This includes the same bright orange trim pieces for the air-conditioning vents and Raptor badges on the steering wheel and seats.
Both models come with several driving amenities as standard. These include a push-to-start button, power-adjustable driver seats, ambient lighting, and tilt and telescopic adjustability for the steering column. However, the Raptor offers a larger 12.4-inch digital gauge cluster, whereas the Wildtrak has an 8-inch digital gauge cluster.
Both trucks are equipped with a 12-inch portrait touchscreen display that supports wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice commands. The screen is connected to a six-piece speaker system in both models. Additionally, both the Ranger Raptor and the Ranger Wildtrak offer a wireless smartphone charging pad and multiple USB charging ports.
Engine & Capabilities
Both the Ford Ranger Raptor and the top-spec Ranger Wildtrak are equipped with a 2.0-liter bi-turbo diesel inline-4 engine. This engine generates a maximum power output of 207 horsepower and a torque of 500 Nm in both models.
Both trucks come with a 10-speed automatic gearbox that distributes power to all four wheels. However, the Ranger Raptor offers seven drive modes, while the Wildtrak has six. The unique drive mode exclusive to the Raptor is the “Baja drive mode.”
One of the significant mechanical differences between the Ranger Raptor and the Wildtrak lies in their suspensions. The Raptor features a double-wishbone front suspension and a Watt’s linkage rear suspension, both supported by 2.5-inch Fox shocks. This setup provides the Raptor with increased suspension travel and higher damping forces, enhancing its off-road capabilities even at high speeds.
On the other hand, the Ranger Wildtrak utilizes a double-wishbone front suspension and a rear leaf spring suspension without Fox shocks. This configuration allows the Wildtrak to have a higher cargo loading capacity, capable of carrying up to one ton of cargo.
However, it’s worth noting that the enhanced off-road performance of the Raptor comes at the cost of reduced cargo capacity. The Raptor has a lower payload capacity and can carry only around 600 kilograms.
Safety Equipment
The safety features and kits on the Ford Ranger Raptor and the Ranger Wildtrak are very similar. Both models come with a comprehensive set of standard safety equipment.
These include seven airbags, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), traction control, stability control, hill launch assist, hill descent control, ISOFIX child seat anchors, rear parking sensors, a car alarm, and an engine immobilizer. These features are present in both the Ranger Raptor and the Ranger Wildtrak.
In terms of advanced driver-assistive features, both trucks are well-equipped. They come with autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, evasive steer assist, automatic high beam assist, a 360-degree view camera, reverse parking assist, lane departure alert, lane-keeping aid, blind-spot monitoring, and more. These features contribute to enhanced safety and convenience while driving.
However, there is one notable difference between the two models when it comes to safety equipment. The Ranger Raptor is equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system, which is not present in the Ranger Wildtrak. This feature provides real-time monitoring of tire pressure, alerting the driver if there is a significant deviation from the recommended tire pressure levels.
Pricing & Verdict
The 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor is priced at P2,339,000 while the Wildtrak has a sticker price of P1,910,000. That’s a notable P429,000 difference.
Given the differences I mentioned here, the Ranger Raptor is positioned as a higher-priced “lifestyle” vehicle, emphasizing its off-road capabilities and performance. On the other hand, the top-spec Ford Ranger Wildtrak Bi-turbo offers a balance between work and play, making it a more versatile pickup truck.
While the Ranger Wildtrak is still capable of handling certain off-road scenarios, the Ranger Raptor is designed to excel in extreme off-road conditions. It is built to go “beast mode” in rugged terrains and overcome challenging obstacles, showcasing its off-road prowess.
While the Ranger Raptor does have a bed for carrying items, it is not intended to be a dedicated logistics solution like the Ranger Wildtrak. The cargo capacity of the Raptor is lower compared to the Wildtrak, as its focus is more on delivering thrilling off-road experiences such as jumps and rock crawling.
