The Ford Ranger Raptor is one of this year’s most-anticipated new arrivals, and its addition to the market was long expected. Not resting on their laurels, Toyota and Isuzu also came to the party and brought their own products to rival the American.
The Ranger Raptor is powered by a bi-turbo 2.0-litre diesel engine that produces 157kW and 500Nm of torque. Ground clearance is considerably higher than that of the standard Ranger, thanks largely to BF Goodrich tyres and the FOX-derived suspension. Power is sent to all four wheels via Ford’s new 10-speed automatic gearbox. It retails for R803 300.
READ: Opinion – Why Ford should build a Ranger Raptor V8
Of the three, the Toyota Hilux GR Sport sells for R707 400 and was only 600 units built; undoubtedly adding to its exclusivity. The GR Sport makes use of the same turbocharged 2.8-litre diesel engine as the rest of the Hilux-range and power is unchanged at 130kW/450Nm. The six-speed automatic gearbox has also been carried over.
The Isuzu D-Max Arctic AT35 rides on massive tyres and is clearly the most imposing of the three contenders. Like the GR Sport, its 130kW/380Nm turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel engine and six-speed automatic gearbox has been carried over from the standard range. Ground clearance is an impressive 268mm. The package will set you back R785 000. Only 50 units will be built annually.