The 2025 Ford Ranger Raptor V6 enters the local market as the most powerful iteration of the Ranger nameplate to date. It builds on the solid off-road foundation of its diesel sibling but swaps efficiency for exhilaration, thanks to a twin-turbocharged V6 gasoline engine. Priced at ₱2,739,000, it’s a significant jump from the standard Raptor, and after a week of navigating Metro Manila’s streets, it’s clear this truck is less about daily utility and more about making a statement.

The visual differences between the V6 and diesel variants are subtle, but the presence is unmistakable. Flared fenders, a wide track, the oversized FORD grille, metal skid plates, and BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires mounted on 17-inch alloys give the Raptor V6 its trademark aggression while reinforcing its go-anywhere aesthetic. Matrix LED headlamps and the C-clamp tail lights bring the modernity that this squarish brute needs. Inside, the cabin retains the current Ranger layout but gains red-orange accents and body-hugging leather seats. One ergonomic quirk remains, however, and that is the oddly positioned interior door handle, which recalls the old saying: If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

The heart of the V6 Raptor, and the main reason we're all here paying attention, is its engine. The 3.0-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 delivers 397 PS and 583 Nm of torque, channeled through a 10-speed automatic gearbox and a part-time four-wheel-drive system. This is what sets it apart from the rest of the Ranger family. Acceleration is brisk, with a sprint that feels linear in Normal mode but borders on unruly when Sport is engaged. The active exhaust system contributes significantly to its personality, offering modes ranging from subdued to “angry, guttural beast-howls.” Even without a single off-road detour during testing, the power on tap made daily city driving feel unusually entertaining for a pickup, and I sincerely apologize for all the car alarms I triggered.

Ford’s SYNC 4 system sits at the center of a 12-inch infotainment display, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system proved stable, with no glitches or reboots experienced, unlike previous drives in the lower variant Ranger Wildtrak. The 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen system delivered excellent audio staging, but limited EQ adjustability and bass distortion at higher volumes suggest it’s tuned more for clarity than outright volume. Safety and convenience tech are comprehensive, with features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, wireless charging, and a 360-degree camera (something you'll definitely need in a hulking brute like this). Don't forget the availability of six ceiling-mounted AUX switches ready to connect to any lights or electronic gear you'd like to add.

For a truck of its size and intent, the Raptor V6 rides remarkably well. The Fox Live Valve shocks (a Raptor V6 exclusive) tame harsh road imperfections, even in firmer suspension settings. Despite wearing aggressive all-terrain tires, NVH levels were impressively low, and that familiar feeling of my belly fat jiggling, common in most pickups I've tested, was noticeably absent. Seating remains supportive over long periods, though rear passenger and cargo bed use weren’t tested in this drive. That said, the bed remains among the largest in its class, with a payload limited to 640 kg.

With its performance credentials comes a predictable downside: fuel economy. Over a week of mixed but mostly urban driving, the Raptor V6 returned an average of 4.5 km/L. While not unexpected given its engine and weight, it’s a figure that underscores the compromise inherent in choosing V6 twin-turbo power and performance over anything else.

The Ford Ranger Raptor V6 is not a rational purchase; it’s an emotional one. It delivers power and personality in excess, turning even mundane commutes into pulse-raising drives. But unless you need to cover vast stretches of off-road terrain at speed or simply crave the sound and surge of a twin-turbo V6 under your right foot, this truck may prove more indulgent than necessary. For those who want it, though, few alternatives deliver the same combination of presence, poise, and performance. This writer? Glad to have driven it. Just not sure I need to live with it.