2019 Ford Ranger Raptor 2.0L 4X4 High Rdier Review

The Southeast Asian pickup truck market has never been lacking in tough contenders, but models that can balance off-road capability with daily comfort are rare. The 2019 Ford Ranger Raptor 2.0L 4X4 High Rider, with its core selling point of "off-road performance + city adaptability," precisely targets the high-end pickup truck niche market. This review will focus on its static design, dynamic performance, and practical usage scenarios to see if this RM 199,888 vehicle can meet consumers’ expectations for an "all-around pickup."

In terms of exterior design, the Ranger Raptor adopts a rugged and bold style. The front features a large black grille, accompanied by Ford's iconic blue oval logo, offering a high degree of recognition. On both sides, the sharp-shaped LED headlights seamlessly connect to the edges of the grille, further widening the overall visual width. The side profile of the vehicle is characterized by straight lines with wide black plastic cladding around the wheel arches, complemented by 17-inch alloy wheels and off-road tires, enhancing the tough off-road vibe. The side is also equipped with side steps, making it easier for passengers to get in and out of the vehicle. At the rear, the vertically arranged LED tail lights echo the front design, while the rear bumper is also made of black plastic with a silver skid plate at the bottom, enhancing both the off-road style and practicality.

Opening the door, the interior features a design style oriented toward practicality and durability. The center console adopts a symmetrical layout, with main areas covered in soft-touch plastic and accented by orange stitching, adding a touch of refinement to the ruggedness. The central control screen is 8 inches in size, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, with relatively smooth operation. Below the screen, physical buttons are retained for quick adjustments to the air conditioning or media when off-roading. The seats are made of a leather and fabric combination, with manually adjustable front seats that offer moderate support for comfort over long durations of use. The rear seatback can be adjusted slightly to alleviate discomfort during long journeys.

In terms of space, the Ranger Raptor's dimensions are 5398mm×1928mm×1873mm, with a wheelbase of 3220mm. The front row offers ample space; for a person 180cm tall, there are around two fists of headroom and a spacious amount of legroom. The rear legroom is about one fist and two fingers, and the headroom is about one fist, making it suitable for short trips with five occupants. Regarding storage, the door panel slots can hold two large bottles of water, the area beneath the center console features a hidden storage compartment, and the central armrest box is large enough to store miscellaneous items. The cargo bed measures 1560mm×1575mm×511mm and is equipped with a bed liner, effectively preventing scratches, making it very suitable for carrying tools or outdoor gear in daily use.

For powertrain, the 2019 Ranger Raptor is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated gasoline engine, with a maximum output of 125kW (170PS) and a maximum torque of 202N·m. This is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. During actual driving, the power output in the starting phase is relatively smooth, and there is a 1-2 second delay before noticeable power response after pressing the accelerator. At medium and low speeds, the transmission shifts smoothly, but there is slight lag during rapid acceleration. When switched to off-road mode, the engine's torque output becomes more linear, making it suitable for unpaved roads. The maximum speed can reach 170km/h, which meets the needs for highway cruising, but its high-end acceleration capability is average.

The handling and chassis performance are the highlights of the Ranger Raptor. The steering wheel offers moderate weight and precise control without feeling cumbersome during urban driving; the suspension system uses a front double wishbone independent suspension and a rear leaf spring non-independent suspension, tuned more toward off-road, effectively filtering out most vibrations when traversing bumpy roads, although the rear suspension may exhibit slight bouncing in an unloaded condition. While cornering, the body roll is kept within an acceptable range, and the tire grip is quite good, providing overall solid stability.

In terms of fuel consumption, real-world measurements show that it consumes about 11.5L/100km under mixed driving conditions. In urban traffic jams, the fuel consumption rises to 13-14L/100km, while highway cruising sees it at approximately 9.5L/100km. For a tough off-road pickup truck, this fuel efficiency is within the normal range. Regarding braking performance, the brake pedal travel is moderate, initial braking response is quick, and mid-to-late braking force output is stable. The braking distance from 100km/h to 0 is about 42 meters, which meets the standards for vehicles in this class.

For ride comfort, the noise control performance of the Ranger Raptor is average. At high speeds, wind noise and tire noise are relatively prominent, especially tire noise, as the tread design of the off-road tires results in significant noise on asphalt roads. Engine noise becomes noticeable inside the cabin when the rpm exceeds 3000 but remains within an acceptable range during daily driving when the rpm is under 2000. The seats are quite comfortable, with moderate softness and hardness of padding, providing sufficient lumbar support, making long drives less likely to cause lower back discomfort.

In summary, the 2019 Ford Ranger Raptor 2.0L 4X4 High Rider’s core strengths lie in its rugged off-road appearance, practical interior features, and reliable chassis performance. Compared to its segment rival, the Toyota Hilux, the Ranger Raptor offers better off-road hardware (such as suspension tuning and tire specifications) and is relatively more affordable; however, the Hilux outperforms in fuel efficiency and brand resale value. This model is suitable for consumers who need a vehicle for both daily commuting and occasional light off-road or outdoor hauling, such as outdoor enthusiasts or small business owners.

Overall, the 2019 Ford Ranger Raptor is a practical and off-road capable pickup truck. Although its power performance is not particularly strong, its chassis and spaciousness can meet the needs of most users. If you're looking for an all-around pickup truck capable of tackling both urban and rural environments, the Ranger Raptor is worth considering.