Tussle of top trucks: Ford Ranger Raptor vs. Nissan Navara Pro-4X

It seems that pickup trucks are expected to pack excellent off-road abilities and the most advanced tech, all wrapped in stunning style. 

And so all eyes are on the Ranger Raptor and Navara Pro-4X, both of which represent the top tier of Ford's and Nissan's midsize pickup models. Price is one factor in choosing which top truck is the best. The Ranger Raptor goes for P1.998 million, while the Navara Pro-4X is at P1.746 million. 

Another way of comparing the two is to scan their spec sheets. 

Hardware

Underneath the Ranger Raptor's beefed-up fenders are Fox Racing shocks, and 17-inch BF Goodrich all-terrain tires custom-made for this model. With its Terrain Management System (TMS), the pickup truck can tune its four-wheel drive system to cope with various terrain.

What would also help in tackling terrain is the 283-millimeter ground clearance. 

Meanwhile, under the Ranger Raptor's bulging hood resides a two-liter bi-turbo diesel engine that puts out 210hp and 500Nm of torque. That motor is paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

As for the Navara Pro-4X, it's underpinned by independent double wishbone suspension up front, and a dual-rate coil spring out back. This truck's all-terrain tires measure 17 inches, which work with the shift-on-the-fly differential lock of the 4WD. 

Meanwhile, the tale of the tape says that the Navara Pro-4X's ground clearance measures at 195mm. 

A 2.5-liter diesel engine with 187hp and 450Nm of torque moves this pickup, which is helped by a seven-speed auto. 

Software

Inside the Ranger Raptor, taking center stage is an eight-inch touchscreen Sync3 infotainment system. Linked to six speakers, Sync3 also allows for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone mirroring, packs a navigation system, and displays can the imagery taken by the reversing camera.

The system can be controlled via the array of steering wheel buttons, voice control, or by pressing the high-resolution touchscreen.

Among the safety kit of the Ranger Raptor, the tailgate lift assist is perhaps the most noteworthy. It smoothens the drop of the tailgate, to allow the elderly and children can open the rear without worry of injury. 

Inside the Navara Pro-4X, phone mirroring can also be done via the truck's Advanced Display Audio unit. That's aside from the other convenience kit, such as steering wheel with audio, hands free, and multi-information display controls and dual-zone automatic air-conditioning. 

The safety gadgets, such as the Around View Monitor, are included in the Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM). Around View uses cameras dotted around the Pro-4X, in order to give the driver a 360-degree view of surrounding obstacles when the 4WD is activated. 

NIM also comes bundled with Driver Attention Alert, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and High Beam Assist.

Verdict

With chunky tires and fenders, there's no denying the Ranger Raptor's road presence. This truck's better off-road hardware over its rival is undeniable, too, but those features come with a higher price. 

While the Navara Pro-4X loses out on engine statistics and off-road cred, it seems to have more than enough muscle for the daily grind. It also prioritizes safety with its NIM. 

Perhaps the heart would choose the Raptor, while the head would take the Pro-4X. 

Photos from Ford, Nissan 

Also read:

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Ford PH to bring in limited-run Ranger Raptor X