We needed to take up some plants to our garden plot in Tagaytay, so we asked Ford for a lendout of its Ranger Raptor 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo EcoBoost 4×4 10AT. It seemed like a good chance to see how this performance pickup behaves in the kind of conditions most owners actually face. The trip would cover city traffic, long stretches of highway, winding provincial roads, and a few steep climbs toward the ridge.
It was typhoon season, and the rain had been on and off for days. The morning began with a steady drizzle. By afternoon, it had turned into a full monsoon on the way home, with visibility dropping to near zero in some stretches.
Through all of that, the Raptor performed as if the weather hardly mattered. It was a weekend errand that became an ideal test of comfort, traction, and everyday capability.
Design – 4 / 5
The Raptor’s design leaves no room for doubt about its purpose. The wide body, muscular lines, and bold “FORD” grille make it instantly recognizable. Its 17-inch all-terrain tires and raised stance give it presence. This is a truck that looks ready for a dirt trail, but does not feel out of place parked at a roadside café.
Inside, Ford has struck a good balance between toughness and comfort. The front seats are firm and supportive, with just the right amount of bolstering for long drives. The orange stitching, flat-bottom steering wheel, and paddle shifters hint at its sporty character without going overboard. The 12-inch touchscreen is bright and responsive, and Ford’s infotainment system paired quickly with my iPhone.
What impressed me most was how quiet the cabin stayed during the drive. Even when the rain was coming down hard, road noise remained low. The wipers, defoggers, and cameras all worked well together to maintain visibility. The only real drawback is size. The Raptor feels wide on provincial roads and requires some patience in tight parking areas, but that’s to be expected for a vehicle of this size.
Under the hood is where the Raptor’s personality truly shows. The 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 EcoBoost engine produces 397PS and 583Nm of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive system. On the highway, power delivery is smooth and confident, and the gearbox adapts well whether you are cruising or overtaking on an incline.
Hardware – 4.5 / 5
The reinforced ladder frame gives it a solid feel on any surface. Ford used stronger steel in key areas to improve rigidity, which allows the suspension to do its work properly. The FOX Live Valve 2.5-inch dampers are among the best in this segment. They constantly adjust damping to road conditions, helping the truck remain composed on everything from concrete to loose gravel.
The Terrain Management System gives you seven drive modes: Normal, Sport, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, Rock Crawl, Baja, and Tow/Haul.
Braking performance is excellent for a vehicle of this size. Large ventilated discs give consistent stopping power even in wet conditions. Steering remains direct and well weighted, and body roll is minimal for a pickup this tall.
Ground clearance is 265 millimeters, and the Raptor can wade through 850 millimeters of water. Its approach and departure angles make it capable of tackling steep driveways or knee-deep floods. These numbers are reassuring for anyone driving in the Philippines during the monsoon.
Overall, the hardware feels cohesive and well engineered. It is not just about brute strength but about control and refinement.
User Experience – 4 / 5
What I like most about the Raptor is how easy it is to drive. It looks intimidating, but once you settle behind the wheel, it feels natural. The steering is light at slow speeds and firms up nicely on the highway. The ride is firm but not harsh, and the seating position gives you a clear, commanding view of the road ahead.
The climb to Tagaytay was uneventful in the best way possible. Power came smoothly, and overtaking slower traffic on the uphill sections was effortless. The truck never felt strained, even with a bed loaded with plants and other stuff.
On the drive home, the light drizzle turned into a serious downpour. Visibility dropped, and water began to pool on the highway. The Raptor remained sure-footed through standing water and crosswinds. The traction control worked silently, and the suspension kept the truck steady even on sections where the road surface was uneven.
What stood out was the sense of control. Many large pickups feel nervous in heavy rain, but the Raptor stayed calm. The brakes were predictable, the wipers and defoggers kept up, and the cabin remained dry and quiet. It was one of those drives where you realize how much thought went into every system working together.
During the slow crawl through traffic near Alabang, the truck remained comfortable. The adaptive suspension kept the ride steady, and the seats were supportive enough that I didn’t feel tired after several hours behind the wheel. The B&O sound system added a touch of comfort, and the dual-zone climate control worked efficiently.
The Raptor might look like a pure performance truck, but it behaves like a well-rounded vehicle you could use every day if you wanted to.
Value – 3.5 / 5
Priced at PHP2,799,000, the top-spec Ranger Raptor 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo EcoBoost 4×4 10AT is positioned at the higher end of the pickup market, and that is justified by what it offers. It is not meant for buyers who only need a workhorse. It is for those who value both capability and refinement.
It can haul, climb, and cross rough ground, yet it still feels composed and comfortable on the highway. Ford’s five-year warranty and wide service network make ownership easier, especially for those who use their vehicles actively. Fuel consumption and size are the main trade-offs, but in exchange, you get power, safety, and engineering that inspire confidence.
If you spend most of your time in the city, the Raptor might be more truck than you need. But for those who enjoy driving, who often take trips outside the metro, or who simply appreciate a machine built to a higher standard, it makes perfect sense.
Bottomline
The Ford Ranger Raptor 3.0 L V6 Twin Turbo EcoBoost 4×4 10AT is a capable, well-balanced pickup that does not overpromise. It is powerful and surefooted but also easy to drive and comfortable enough for long trips.
It is large and it uses fuel generously, but those are small prices to pay for its composure, strength, and reliability. For drivers who want something that can do real work and still feel refined behind the wheel, the Raptor delivers exactly that.
Reviewed by Arnel Doria. Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE Volume 26 Issue 5.