Ford Ranger Raptor vs FX4 Max: What are the differences?

Ford Philippines has just released the all-new Ranger FX4 Max variant. Now, some of you might be wondering how it fits into the current Ranger variant lineup. So, to shed some light on the FX4 Max, let’s talk a bit about its specs and how it differs from the Ranger Raptor. 

In a nutshell, the FX4 Max is a Raptor Lite. It has all the styling cues of its sportier brother, but it retains a lot of what makes the regular Ranger so practical. 

2021 Ford Ranger FX4 Max

Up front, this new Ranger variant gains the very recognizable mesh grille with the large “FORD” lettering on it. The said feature enhances the look of the FX4 Max and of course, this part is also found on the Raptor. It also comes with a tough-looking tubular sports bar, a bedliner, and 17-inch alloy wheels.  

Size-wise though, the FX4 Max is smaller than the Raptor. It doesn’t have the very wide Baja truck-like stance of its sportier brother, and it has around the same dimensions as the regular Ranger. To be specific, the FX4 Max measures 5,354 mm long, 1,860 mm wide, and 1,821 mm in height. 

Ready for work and play

Under the hood, the Ranger FX4 Max uses the same powerful biturbo 2.0-liter turbodiesel that the Ranger Raptor uses. The said engine can make up to 210 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, and it is also linked to a ten-speed automatic gearbox.

Unlike the Raptor however, the FX4 Max uses a set of leaf-spring type suspension for its rear. It is, however, reinforced by a set of 2.0-inch Monotube Fox shocks, with a remote reservoir. The front suspension meanwhile is also a set of 2.0-inch monotube Fox shocks.

With these, the FX4 Max is a highly capable pickup truck off the road. With its leaf-spring rear suspension, it can also carry up to 981 kg on its bed, as well as tow up to 3,500 kg. In contrast, the Ranger Raptor uses a coil-sprung rear suspension, which limits its payload to 748 kg.

>>> Related: Ford vehicle prices updated due to safeguard tariff, excluding the Ranger Raptor

The Ford Ranger FX4 Max is a workhorse pickup truck

In addition, the new variant also has a ground clearance of 256 mm. That’s in-between the regular Ranger’s 232 mm and the Raptor’s 283 mm ground clearance figures.  We won’t get into it too much, but Ford is also saying that it has better approach angles than the normal Ranger.

It also has a locking e-differential, but it does lack the Baja-mode that’s available to the Raptor. It does however get a sport-mode and a normal driving mode.

>>> Related: Ford Ranger FX4 Max: What to expect from the Raptor Lite?

Interior of the 2021 Ford Ranger FX4 Max

In terms of on-board features, the FX4 Max is on par with a mid-range Ranger variant. It has an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six-speakers, cruise control, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

For safety, it comes equipped with dual front airbags, hill descent, and hill launch assist, stability and traction control, anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, among others.  

To sum it up, it looks like Ford is positioning the FX4 Max as a work-capable version of the Ranger Raptor. It does have a more aggressive look than the regular Ranger and is more off-road capable to boot.

2021 Ford Ranger FX4 Max

On top of this, the Ranger FX4 Max is also a bit more affordable than the Ranger Raptor with its launch price of Php 1,698,000. This makes it more attractive, on top of the fact that it’s a very macho-looking pick truck that also offers practicality.

For more articles about this exciting new Ranger variant, as well as more automotive industry news, keep reading here on Philkotse.com.