The 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor enters the Malaysia market with a 3.0-liter V6 motor

It looks like Ford Motor Company is fully ready to roll out the next generation of the Ford Ranger Raptor in the ASEAN market as yet another country gains access to the off-road-ready pickup truck. The newest addition to this list is Malaysia which now gets access to the most powerful version of the pickup truck yet.

To recall, the Ranger Raptor is the beefier version of the regular Ford Ranger that was sold here in the Philippines that came with the brand’s bi-turbo 2.0-liter motor, the Malaysian unit, on the other hand, comes with something a little bit different. Under the hood, breathes a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 gasoline motor pushes out 391hp and 583 Nm of torque. While the engine is new the 10-speed has been retained as the only transmission option for the performance pickup truck with its boost profile per gear.

As this is a Raptor model, it retains much of the same off-roading capabilities of its predecessor. It comes with seven drive modes which include Normal, Sport, Sand, Slippery, Mud & Ruts, Rock, and Baja. With Baja mode active it acts like an anti-lag system that keeps the turbos spinning for up to three seconds after the throttle is lifted. This gives the Ranger Raptor a better response in terms of acceleration when the throttle pedal is pushed back again. 

In terms of size, the new Ranger Raptor is still a pretty big rig as it measures 5,381 mm in length, 2,028 mm in width, and 1,922 mm in height. Its wheelbase is now 3,270 mm and has ground clearance figures of 272 mm. This makes the vehicle more off-road capable than its normal Ranger counterpart. It also now has a 32-degree approach angle and up to a 27-degree departure angle. Lest we forget, it still retains the 800 mm water-wading depth of the regular model. 

Now that another country has joined the growing group that has access to the next-generation Ranger Raptor, the Philippines could be next on the docket. The question is, however, will we get the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, or will we retain the 2.0-liter bi-turbo diesel instead?

With the rising diesel prices, the V6 could be a very attractive option, however, due to its larger displacement, it could place the pickup truck in a new tax bracket. With that said, it's up to Ford Philippines now to decide on the matter.