Heads Up! 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor To Make PH Debut On May 18

Yes, you read that right. The next-generation 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor is finally debuting in the Philippines nearly a month after it was previewed at the Manila International Auto Show. Its official launch date is scheduled on May 18, which is a week away from this article’s publishing.

Of course, the main talking point here would be what lies underneath the Raptor’s hood, and we sort of have a bit of a bummer here–depending on your perspective. The model that was displayed at the Manila International Auto Show only had one exhaust, which is a strong indicator that it won’t come with the mighty but (probably) thirsty 392-horsepower 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 gasoline engine. Instead, the single exhaust pipe is a sign that the Philippine-market Ranger Raptor might only come with a 210-horsepower 2.0-liter twin-turbo diesel engine.

This is probably for the better since most Filipinos would rather have diesel power in their pickups, but from an enthusiast’s perspective, that twin-turbo V6 that’s also shared with the Bronco Raptor is just too powerful and capable to ignore.

A plethora of chassis upgrades has also been implemented in the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor since it’s a pickup that’s meant for jumping over sand dunes as opposed to simply hauling cargo. With that, it also comes with an aggressive exterior and interior design to match. The wheel arches are also much more prominently flared in order to accommodate its wider track. Its 17-inch wheels are wrapped in 32-inch all-terrain tires, which contributes to its increased ground clearance.

Upgrades were also made to the interior of the all-new Ranger Raptor to make things even more special. Offered as standard is a 12-inch portrait touch screen running Ford’s latest SYNC4 infotainment system, while sounds are played through a 10-speaker B&O sound system, at least in overseas markets. There’s also a 12.4-inch digital gauge cluster, along with the obligatory red trimmings to make the interior much more sporty. Topping it all off are sports seats and a sports steering wheel.

We don’t have to keep waiting any longer until the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor’s arrival in the Philippine market, and of course, we’ll be here to tell you all about it once it goes on sale in our market next week.