2021 Ford Ranger

Overview

The Ford Ranger was introduced here in 2000. It was the second mainstream volume model to be manufactured and sold by Ford Philippines. Although it shared its name with its US counterpart, the two generations of the Asian-market Rangers offered here from 2000 to 2011 were based on the Mazda B-series just like the earlier Ford Courier models. The first real all-new Ranger since the nameplate’s local debut landed on our shores in 2012, unlike its Mazda-developed predecessors, the new generation Ranger was developed by Ford Australia.

The Ford Ranger was bigger and safer as well; it earned a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. It also came with a choice of powerful Duratorq TDCi engines. The Ranger could now wade through 800 mm of water. The fully revamped pickup helped boost the blue oval’s sales in the Philippines as well as other markets in the Asia-Pacific region. 

In 2015, the popular Ranger received its first major refresh. It received an all-new front end and a more upmarket dashboard. For the 2019 model year, Ford gave it a revised grille which featured a twin-bar pattern similar to the new US-market Ranger; the bumpers were again restyled to give it a cleaner more rugged look. Like before, the higher-end variants get a dual TFT instrument cluster, and SYNC 3 with an eight-inch touch screen. In 2020, LED headlights became standard on Wildtrak and Raptor variants. 

For 2021, the Ranger gets a few updates, this includes the sporty FX4-style grille which replaces the old two-bar design on XLS, XLT, and Wildtrak variants. The XLT and Wildtrak variants get gloss black trim and wheels. The XLT variants receive chrome grille accents while the Wildtrak variants feature Saber orange accents on its grille and sports bar. The XLS variants are now available with running boards. 

The FX4 Max, 4x4 Wildtrak, and Raptor are all powered by the 2.0-liter Bi-turbo diesel mill whch puts out 210hp and 500Nm of torque. The lesser 4x2 Wildtrak models get a single-turbo 2.0-liter unit which makes 178hp and 420Nm of torque. All 2.0-liter variants get the new 10-speed automatic transmission; the 4x2 Wildtrak has the option of a 6-speed manual tranny. The XLT, XLS, and the FX4 variants soldier on with the familiar 158hp Duratorq oil-burner and retain the old 6-speed automatic and 6-speed manual transmissions. An electronic-locking rear diffrential is standard on the FX4 Max, Wildtrak, and Raptor variants.

Ranger Raptor
2018 also marks the arrival of the first ever Ford Ranger Raptor which was developed by Ford Performance. The concept was to apply the F150 Raptor’s winning formula to the smaller mid-size Ranger pickup, a size that is more appropriate for Asian and European markets. The Raptor variant continues unchanged for 2021.

It’s easily recognizable as a Raptor, thanks to its wide stance, bulging fenders, reshaped front bumpers, a unique grille with F-O-R-D spelled out in big block letters and its black alloy wheels shod with rugged 33-inch diameter 285/70R17 tires.

The 210hp Bi-turbo Ranger Raptor features a reinforced chassis that allows the pickup to do high-speed off-road runs. It gets underbody protection as well as a 2.3mm think high-strength steel bash plate. Its long travel coil spring suspension systems consist of aluminum wishbones up front, and a live axle with a Watt’s link at the rear. All corners get Fox Racing Shox dampers with 46.6 mm pistons. 

The Special Edition Ranger Raptor X joins the lineup for 2021. It will be limited to 200 units. Upgrades include red tow hooks, racing stripe decals, and an extended leg sports bar. The door handles, tailgate handle, fender vents, bumper cover, and alloy wheels are finished in matte black. Inside its seats comes standard with red stitching. 

Ranger FX4 Max
For 2021, Ford has added the rugged 210hp Bi-turbo Ranger FX4 Max variant. This new variant bridges the gap between the regular Rangers and the Ranger Raptor. It comes with a beefed-up suspension which features 2-inch Fox shocks. It gets 17-inch alloys shod with big 265/70R17 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires. Other FX4 Max exclusives include upfitter auxiliary switch pack, an upgraded 250A alternator and unique-looking non-slip hoop-step style running boards. The FX4 Max also gets its own version of the tough F-O-R-D grille, a distinctive long-legged tubular sports bar, FX4 Max decals, and leather seats with faux carbon accents.