First Drive: Ford Ranger Raptor 2.0 Bi-Turbo Diesel – A Pricey ‘Baby’ Version?

Say hello to the new 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor 2.0 Bi-Turbo Diesel!

‘Baby’ Version? Really?

If you’ve read our initial launch report of the new Ford Ranger Raptor 2.0 Bi-Turbo Diesel, then you’d already know that this variant has nearly identical styling and amount of features primed to warrant the ‘baby’ Ranger Raptor status.

The visual differences are minute to say the least, key amongst which being the absence of racing stripes to go along with its Raptor badging and decals, as well as the switch from twin-pipes to a single-pipe layout. Beyond which, anyone would be hard-pressed into telling this apart from the full-cream V6 version.

Note the absence of both racing stripes decals and twin-tailpipes in this 'baby' version.

Raptor badges and decals helps to clearly set this apart from its Wildtrak sibling.

We’ll get to the difference in kit in just a bit, but the visual and styling similarities with the flagship V6 version is also evident on board. In fact, this ‘baby’ rocks the same sporty leather-alcantara seat upholstery with contrasting orange pipe-stitching, orange air-cond vent and dash surrounds, as well as the V6 version’s shifter knob.

In short, yes, that ‘baby’ status for this variant is more or less warranted, more so given our next set of findings from a quick 20-minute test-drive session both on the pavement and in the rough…

On the pavement, this 2.0-litre, oil-burning version of the Raptor proved its sporty chops!

Does It Drive As Good As It Looks?

Obviously, the adoption of an oil-burning mill with two less cylinders – the same found in the XLT Plus and Wildtrak – means there’s no theatrics in both power and torque deliveries, but that’s no deal-breaker. What might be is the absence of a sporty soundtrack that petrol-powered V6 flagship has.

This is the same award-winning 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel mill as found in the Wildtrak and XLT Plus.

10-speed auto box's sporty selector (left) is same as the V6 version's. Also, full-blown 4x4 driveline with multiple drive modes (right) are carried over from the Wildtrak.

Still, this is a rather proven mill so to speak. As we’ve experienced, it doesn’t easily run out of top-end puff, and boasts an abundance of low-end grunt for almost any driving situation. While 10-speeds does sound like way too many cogs, the way it refines the mill’s power and torque deliveries make it a winner.

On the blacktop, it’s clear that this ‘baby’ Raptor feels just as sporty as its V6-powered twin, offering loads of feedback with the right amount of spring stiffness and chassis stability to inspire quicker cornering speeds. Yes, This really is a pick-up truck that's eager to carve corners with.

Fox 2.5-inch Internal Bypass Shocks (left) up front and rear coil-springs with Watt's Linkage (right) delivers on sporty on-road drive dynamics. They just lack the V6 version's 'live' (active) damping.

BFGoodrich all-terrain KO2 rubber aren't just beefy, they work well on and off the pavement. Also take note of the 17-inch wheel size, and 35 MM greater ground clearance this Raptor boasts.

This is perhaps a testament of the Fox 2.5-inch Internal Bypass Shock Absorbers up front plus the coil springs setup at the rear that’s beefed up with a Watt’s Linkage. The only downside here is the noticeably bumpier ride stemming from which, and the absence of ‘live’ (read: active) damping.

The greater ground clearance mentioned arguably sees this 'baby' Raptor performance equally as good - perhaps slightly better - than the Wildtrak variant slotted below it.

Off the beaten path, we’re glad to report that this ‘baby’ Raptor proved to be equally as capable as the Wildtrak variant below it. In fact, some would argue that it can handle things here slightly better too as it boasts a higher 265 MM ground clearance, which is 35 MM more than the Wildtrak’s.

The only difference this ‘baby’ holds in the rough against the full-cream V6 Raptor variant is the absence of a front diff-lock. Unless you plan on dune-bashing, or perhaps becoming a regular entry in rally races or perhaps off-road challenges like the Borneo Safari, this is one hardware you won’t miss.

'Baja' drive mode is exclusively primed in both this new 'baby' Raptor and its V6-powered twin.

What About ‘Baja’ Mode?

Ah, yes, the Raptor badge’s famed and all-important ‘Baja’ drive mode. We had a good 30-second blast in it during our short test and, unsurprisingly, it works as intended. In this ‘baby’, said mode only sharpens the powertrain’s throttle and transmission’s shift mappings to become more aggressive, and it felt great!

Aggressive throttle and shift mappings in Baja mode ensures this 'baby' Raptor has rapid speed and acceleration in the dirt.

However, full-throttle sprint rallies through wide, open desert dunes like what the actual Baja 1000 race event is seems to be something any avid local pick-up truck fan will find to be scarce. And that’s us putting it lightly. Sure, while it is a fun feature, it will perhaps come off as a mere gimmick for most.

Whilst the actual need for such a mode for real-world use is questionable, we reckon its presence is warranted in any Raptor-badged Ford offering, perhaps as a means to also justify the steep price it holds – more on which in a bit…

Raptor and Ford Performance trims aside, this Raptor's cabin and kit list mirrors closely
with the Wildtrak.

Is It A Useful Daily Truck Still?

Yes, because it boasts most of the bells and whistles as seen in the range-topping Wildtrak variant. The only key bits missing from said seemingly ‘sensible’ range-topper in this Raptor are the roof rails, and the rear bumper’s nifty integrated side-step and tailgate soft-opening dampers.

3-pin socket (left) and massive flat-bed (right) are key daily-friendly utilities present.

Automatic dual-zone climate control and massive touchscreen are amongst many welcoming luxuries primed on board.

Key amenities and features worthy of mention include 3-pin sockets in both the cabin and flatbed, both the digital driver display and centre portrait infotainment screen offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as the thumpy premium Bang & Olufsen 8-speaker hi-fi suite.

Crucially, this ‘baby’ Raptor promises to be as safe as the Wildtrak too thanks to the bevy of driver assistances (ADAS) it’s laced with.

Sporty Raptor and Ford Performance badges also add to the cabin's sporty ambience on board.

Things like Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-Go function, Lane-Centering Assist and -Departure warning, Blind-spot Information System, Collision Warning plus Autonomous Braking with Evasive Steer Intervention, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, not forgetting a 360-degree parking camera, all ensure this truck stands equally safe as it is racy.

At the very least, all these also makes this truck much more liveable with for the daily, and perhaps also help to somewhat justify its princely price tag. Speaking of which…

At RM248,888, there's no denying the fact that the Ranger Raptor 2.0 Bi-Turbo Diesel is very pricey!

Do I Really Want One?

At RM248,888 sans insurance, we’ll let you choose the right adjectives and expletives to describe that. Priced just RM11,000 shy of the full-cream V6 Raptor, and commanding nearly a whopping RM80,000 premium over the Wildtrak, it’s definitely hard to make sense of this ‘baby’ Raptor indeed.

However, avid lifestyle pick-up truck fans yearning for a package that merges the practical brilliance of the Wildtrak with just a sprinkling of that sporty Raptor performance magic will perhaps find this ideal. The inclusion of Ford’s 5-year, 160,000 KM standard warranty package might ease things too.

Yes, we’re still perplexed at this ‘baby’ and perhaps more ‘sensible’ alternative to the Ranger Raptor, but c’est la vie. We’re just thankful that both these bonkers trucks exists in our market, and those who don’t mind the stiff premium for either will be duly rewarded indeed.

SPECIFICATIONS
FORD RANGER RAPTOR 2.0 BI-TURBO DIESEL