2023 Ford Ranger Raptor vs Ford Ranger Wildtrak Comparo: Spec Sheet Battle

The next-generation 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor is now out for the Philippine market with a suggested retail price of Php 2,339,000. 

The 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor

This means that the Ranger Raptor is Php 429,000 more expensive than the top-spec next-gen Ranger Wildtrak 2.0-liter Bi-turbo 4x4 AT, which is priced at Php 1,910,000. 

So what does the Ranger Raptor get that justifies the hefty price gap? Does it have an edge over the top-spec Ranger Wildtrak apart from looks? 

The 2023 Ford Ranger Wildtrak

To answer those questions, let us find out by comparing the specs of the all-new Ford Ranger Raptor against the Ford Ranger Wildtrak 2.0-liter Bi-turbo 4x4 AT.  

Before talking about exterior features, let’s compare their sizes. This is important to note, as it provides a clue as to how roomy their interiors are. In the case of hefty vehicles like trucks, taking note of length also gives an idea of whether it can fit in your garage.  

Compare the side of the Ranger Wildtrak (left) to the side of the Ranger Raptor (right) using the slider

For the Ranger Raptor, it is 5,381mm long, 2,028mm wide, and 1,922mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 3,270mm and a ground clearance of 272mm. 

The Ranger Wildtrak in turn, is 5,370mm long, 1,918mm wide, and 1,884mm in height. Its wheelbase then spans 3,270mm, and it has a ground clearance of 235mm.  

The figures above indicate that the Ranger Raptor is the larger pickup truck overall. Then again, both have the same wheelbase lengths. The Raptor then gets 37mm more ground clearance courtesy of its off-road suspension which we’ll talk about later.  

Concerning exterior equipment, the Ranger Raptor is largely on-par with the Ranger Wildtrak. Both get Matrix LED headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, and LED taillights. These two trucks are also kitted out with puddle lamps, two hooks, a bedliner, power-folding side mirrors, and fog lamps. 

The rear of the Ranger Wildtrak (left) vs the rear of the Ranger Raptor (right)

Some specific bits that are shared between the two are slightly different though. For starters, the side steps and fender flares on the Ranger Raptor appear to be larger than the ones on the Ranger Wildtrak.  

The Raptor also gets metal under-body protection which does not come standard on the top-spec Ranger. In turn, the Wildtrak comes with roof rails, while the Ranger Raptor does not.  

Step inside the Ranger Raptor and the Ranger Wildtrak and one will find similar five-seater cabin layouts. Both get a vertically oriented center console with a large central touchscreen. The two trucks have the same dual-zone automatic air-conditioning system with identical control schemes and vent bezel designs.  

Inside the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor

Both trucks also get contrast red contrast stitching on the shifter boot, seats, and steering wheel. The Ranger Wildtrak also gets contrast stitching for the same parts, though it instead uses yellow. Curiously enough, the Wildtrak gets contrast stitching on its interior door cards, whereas the Raptor gets all-black interior door cards. 

The Ranger Raptor’s interior, however, does get unique “Raptor” styling pieces that are not present on the Ranger Wildtrak. This includes red trim pieces for the air-conditioning vents and Raptor badges on the steering wheel and on the seats. 

For driving amenities, both models come standard with a push-to-start button, power-adjustable driver seats, ambient lighting, as well as tilt and telescopic adjustability for the steering column. 

Ranger Wildtrak's cockpit

The Raptor, however, expands on that since both its driver and front passenger seat get power adjustability. Furthermore, the Raptor gets a 12.4-inch digital gauge cluster which is larger than the Wildtrak’s 8-inch digital gauge cluster. 

Both trucks then get a 12-inch touchscreen portrait touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice commands. On both Rangers, the screen is linked to a six-piece speaker system. The two Ford models also get a wireless smartphone charging pad and a number of USB charging ports. 

When it comes to engines, both the Ranger Raptor and the top-spec Ranger Wildtrak use a 2.0-liter bi-turbo diesel inline-4 engine. On both Ranger versions, this engine can generate up to 207 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. 

The Raptor's 2.0-liter Bi-turbo diesel engine

Both models then use a 10-speed automatic gearbox sending power to all four wheels. The Ranger Raptor, however, gets a total of seven drive modes, while the Wildtrak gets six. The one that isn’t available on the regular Ranger is the famous “Baja drive mode.”

As indicated above, the main mechanical difference between the Raptor and the Wildtrak has something to do with their suspensions. 

On the larger, sportier model, its double-wishbone front and Watt’s linkage rear suspension are both supported by 2.5-inch Fox shocks. This enables the Ranger Raptor to perform better off-road due to having more suspension travel and high damping forces. 

The Ranger Wildtrak's 2.0-liter Bi-turbo diesel engine

The Raptor, however, sacrifices cargo loading capacity in favor of off-road ability. In fact, it can only carry up to around 600 kilograms. 

On the flip side, the Ranger Wildtrak uses a double-wishbone front suspension paired with a rear leaf spring suspension without Fox shocks. This setup allows it to carry up to a ton of cargo. 

The standard safety kits on both the Ranger Raptor and Ranger Wildtrak are nearly identical. Both get a total of seven airbags, anti-lock braking, traction control, stability control, hill launch assist, hill descent control, ISOFIX child seat anchors, rear parking sensors, car alarm, and engine immobilizer. 

These two trucks are on par when it comes to advanced driver-assistive features as well. They are both kitted out with autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, evasive steer assist, automatic high beam assist, a 360-degree view camera, reverse parking assist, lane departure alert, lane keeping aid, blind-spot monitoring, etc. 

The Raptor does come with a tire pressure monitoring system which is not present on the Ranger Raptor. 
 

Here’s a price list of all 2023 Ford Ranger variants for the Philippine market, including the Ranger Raptor:

The 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor remains to be the more expensive “lifestyle” vehicle. The top-spec Wildtrak Bi-turbo meanwhile, is a plush pickup truck that can do both work and play. 

Sure, the Wildtrak can still perform well in certain off-road scenarios. But if one wants to go beast mode in the boonies and then make it out, one should go for the Ranger Raptor. 

While the Ranger Wildtrak can carry heavy loads, the Raptor can do things like this.

The Ranger Raptor meanwhile, does have a bed that can carry stuff. But one cannot expect it to fulfill the role of a dedicated logistics solution. As said above, its cargo capacity is far less than the Wildtrak, and it is more suited to performing sick jumps and rock crawling instead. 

For more car comparisons like this, keep it here on Philkotse.