Where is the V6 engine on the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor?
The much-awaited 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor was launched here in the Philippines a few weeks ago. Being the popular midsize pickup truck’s performance version, it comes with plenty of upgrades. One thing some customers are looking for though is the EcoBoost V6 powertrain available in other markets.
For the Philippines, the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor remains powered by the same 2.0-liter EcoBlue Bi-Turbo Diesel engine that already came on the previous generation, as well as the Ranger Wildtrak 4×4 and Everest Titanium+ 4×4. It also still produces the same 213 hp and 500 Nm of torque.
On the other hand, the EcoBoost V6, a 3.0 twin turbo gasoline engine, produces a much higher 397 hp and 583 Nm of torque. Not only that, it also has additional features such as adaptive Fox dampers with 2.5-inch Live Valve internal bypass for better performance on- and off-road.
We took the opportunity during the launch to ask Mike Breen, the managing director of Ford Philippines, the reason behind the company’s decision to introduce the carry-over diesel over the V6 to which he did give us some valid points.
First, given the obvious love of Filipinos for diesel engines, it makes more sense to introduce the turbodiesel powertrain. Also from a pricing standpoint, the V6 engine would make the Ranger Raptor cost more than it currently is. The diesel-powered version we get is priced at Php 2,339,000. The V6 could cost, based on our guesses, around Php 2.5-million or more.
Ford Philippines isn’t discounting the fact though that some customers would prefer to purchase the V6-powered Raptor. As they always say, they listen to their customers and if demand is enough, then maybe they can introduce that as well in the future.
