First-ever Ford Ranger Raptor promises to be unstoppable off-road, debuts 210-hp turbodiesel

Ford-Ranger-Raptor-0

Probably the coolest midsize pickup money can buy

Not long after the official presentation of the US-spec 2019 Ranger, Ford brings us the top-of-the-line Ranger Raptor version. Officially unveiled in Thailand the Raptor is the most capable Ranger model thanks to the standard front and rear Fox Racing Shox shock absorbers, the increased ride height (283 mm), wider track, as well as the improved approach and departure angles (32.5° and 24°, respectively).

Ford-Ranger-Raptor-2

The Ranger Raptor also adopts an all-new Watt's linkage rear suspension with coil-over rear springs for better lateral stability off-road and improved ride and handling.

Under the bonnet, there's a 2.0-liter Bi-Turbo diesel engine that makes 213 metric horsepower (210 bhp) and, more importantly, 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque. It's linked to a 10-speed automatic transmission the Ranger Raptor shares with the F-150 Raptor. No specs are available yet, but the numbers above should be enough to make it quick both on and off the road.

Ford-Ranger-Raptor-4

The Terrain Management System (TMS) is also standard, offering six modes including normal and sport modes for on-road, as well as Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Sand, Rock, and Baja modes for off-road.

Other upgrades include the beefier brakes, unique underbody protection, and all-terrain BF Goodrich 285/70 R17 tires specially developed for it.

Ford-Ranger-Raptor-3

Styling-wise, it's more attractive than the regular Ranger thanks to details such as the F-150 Raptor-inspired grille with FORD lettering, off-road front bumper with skid plate and LED fog lights, flared fenders, and modified rear bumper with an integrated tow bar.

[NativeAd]

Inside, Raptor-specific details include special seats upholstered in technical suede with increased lateral support, blue stitching and leather accents, different steering wheel with magnesium paddle shifters and "on-center" marker, and more.

Ford-Ranger-Raptor-6

The Ranger Raptor also offers Driver Assist Technologies such as SYNC 3 with 8-inch color LCD, Trailer Sway Control (TSC), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Load Adaptive Control (LAC), rearview camera, and parking sensors.

The Ford Ranger Raptor will be built in Thailand for Asia Pacific markets and will also be available in Europe. It will eventually arrive in the U.S. as well for the 2020 model year, but right now it's unclear whether it will feature the same diesel powertrain or a more powerful gasoline unit.

Here's everything you need to know about the Ford Ranger Raptor's main competitor in the U.S., the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2.