It Looks Like Ford PH is Launching the Ranger FX4 Max on March 10

It looks like Ford Philippines is springing a nice surprise for all you pickup truck lovers: the FX4 Max is joining the local Ranger line-up.

Ford hasn’t confirmed anything officially yet, but they did release this teaser image for a Ranger launch happening on Wednesday, March 10 (since the event is for members of the motoring press, we purposely blurred out the time).

A quick search through Ford’s very own media image database reveals an image that lines up exactly with their teaser:

That image belongs to none other than the 2021 Ranger FX4 Max.

Launched in the Australian market in September of last year, we tackled the Ranger FX4 Max in detail already. But in case you need a refresher, it blurs the line between the Ranger Wildtrak and the Ranger Raptor.

Not only does it get the Ranger Raptor’s large “FORD” front mesh grille and other styling cues, but more importantly, it gains its very own Fox shock absorbers.

All in all, the FX4 Max gets a 20-mm suspension lift as well as the same all-terrain tires as the Ranger Raptor: 265/70R17s. Ground clearance is up 256 mm, as are its approach and departure angles. Oh, and despite the changes, all the driver assist systems—autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control all still work.

In Australia, the FX4 Max is powered by the same engine as the Ranger Raptor—a 2.0-liter bi-turbo diesel with 213 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. This is also mated to a 10-speed automatic.

While this is also the most likely engine for the local market, there is a chance that Ford Philippines will retain the same engine found in the other members of the FX4 family. If that is the case, it would be a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder with 160 horsepower and 385 Nm of torque.

Regardless of powertrain, the FX4 Max doesn’t have the Ranger Raptor’s fancy Terrain Management System, but it does have a switchable 4x4 system similar to the Ranger Wildtrak.

Also differentiating the FX4 Max from the Ranger Raptor, the former has a larger, 250-amp alternator. This is because the FX4 Max is fitted with six auxiliary switches on the center console so electrical devices such as winches and sport lights can be installed with a factory-like finish.

Now, if Ford Philippines does bring in the Ranger FX4 Max, it’ll find itself sandwiched between the just refreshed Ranger Wildtrak (P 1,728,000) and the existing Ranger Raptor (P 1,998,000). Currently, there’s a P 270,000 price difference between the two. In that case, expect the FX4 Max to split the difference with a price of about P 1,863,000.

Did we get it right? Stay tuned for the official reveal next week.

Source: Car Guides PH