Raptor toughens up: Ford Ranger Raptor Desert Pack revealed to pummel Toyota Hilux GR Sport, Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain, Kia Tasman X-Pro
Partnership with Ford and ARB births 500 exclusive Ranger Raptor Desert models sporting decal pack and sports bar
The Ford Ranger Raptor just got even tougher.
Limited to 500 units, the Ranger Raptor Desert Pack is developed in collaboration with aftermarket specialist ARB and Ford Australia.
“The Desert Pack celebrates [the Ranger Raptor’s] racing heritage while delivering authentic off-road enhancements that our most enthusiastic customers have been asking for,” said Blue Oval marketing director Ambrose Henderson.
Available for an additional $5990, the Desert Pack brings the entry price of a Ranger Raptor to a staggering $96,680, before on-road costs. It includes an ARB sports bar, four ARB ‘Nacho Quatro’ driving lights mounted to a bespoke roof bar, and ‘all weather’ floor mats.
The Ranger Raptor Desert Pack also brings an option-specific decal pack, which rounds out what Ford calls a ‘trophy truck inspired’ look.
Note that Ford’s Desert Pack has made no changes to the suspension, engine, or tyres of the Ranger Raptor, nor does it include additional underbody or driveline protection.
Closest rivals to the specced-up Ranger Raptor with Desert Pack include, but are not limited to,the $74,310 Toyota Hilux GR Sport, $73,000 Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain, and new-kid $74,990 Kia Tasman X-Pro. Prices shown are before on-road costs.
Ranger owners who wish to option either the ARB sports bar or driving lights to their vehicle will have the ability to do so through their Ford dealer. Both ARB options will become available once the 500 Desert Packs have sold.
Ford has advised that Desert Pack optioned Ranger Raptor models are available to order now for MY26, with deliveries expected to commence in coming months. These models will lose the standard Raptor’s powered roller shutter tub cover due to compatibility issues.
Chery’s 315kW Tiggo 9 flagship confirmed – priced from $60,000 to rival Mitsubishi Outlander and BYD Sealion 6
2 days ago
Lukas Foyle
Contributor
Latest plug-in hybrid SUV from Chery will be its largest yet, with seven seats and three electric motors
Chery has confirmed plans to further expand its ‘Tiggo’ SUV range, locking down a new seven-seater plug-in model set to release in less than one month.
Known as the Tiggo 9, Chery’s new model will be its largest and most expensive yet… Before exploring offerings from sub-brands Omoda and Jaecoo, that is.
Priced from $59,990, the Tiggo 9 predominantly rivals the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, which starts from $57,290, and climbs to $69,290 in seven-seat guise. It will also contend with the five-seat BYD Sealion 6, priced from $42,990. Prices shown are before on-road costs.
Key standard equipment for the Chery Tiggo 9 includes:
- 360-degree surround view camera
- Leather interior
- 6-way power-adjust front seats with heating, ventilation and massage
- Heated and ventilated rear outboard seats
- Heated steering wheel
- 10.25-inch driver instrument cluster
- 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen
- 14-speaker Sony sound system
- Heads-up display
- 50W wireless phone charger
- Electronic panoramic sunroof
- Power tailgate
- LED exterior brightwork
- 20-inch alloy wheels
The Tiggo 9 will also need to compete with the BYD Sealion 8, an upcoming seven-seat plug-in hybrid measuring an impressive 5040mm in length. That model, along with a smaller, cut price Sealion 5, is slated to arrive in Australia early next year.
In contrast, the Tiggo 9 measures 4820mm in length (110mm longer than a Mitsubishi Outlander), 1930mm wide, and 1699mm tall, with a 2820mm wheelbase. (Overseas exterior dimensions shown — local dimensions are not yet available).
Keen eyed readers would note the extreme similarity in size between the Chery Tiggo 9 and the Jaecoo J8, and indeed, the models look to be the same car under the skin.
But where the J8 makes use of a more traditional 183kW/385Nm four-cylinder turbocharged engine and eight-speed automatic drivetrain, the Tiggo 9 features three electric motors – two at the front and one at the rear – mated to a 1.5-litre turbo petrol via a ‘dedicated hybrid transmission’.
The result is a staggering claimed combined output of 315kW / 580Nm, and, thanks to its 34kWh Lithium-ion battery, the Tiggo 9 also claims a combined range of 1250km and an EV-only range of 170km. Both figures are measured to generous NEDC testing standards.
The release of the Tiggo 9 will mark the second appearance of Chery’s unique three-motor PHEV system, which first debuted on the $61,990 (before on-roads) Omoda 9.
That model boasts a five-star ANCAP safety rating, where the Tiggo 9 is currently unrated. We anticipate Chery to already be working behind the scenes to begin independent safety testing on its new Tiggo 9 model, in order to share a five-star rating with smaller Tiggo 4, 7 and 8 relatives.
Chery has confirmed that the Tiggo 9 has a comprehensive suite of driver safety features, including autonomous emergency braking and emergency lane keeping, as well as ten airbags.
Like all Chery models, the Tiggo 9 will be backed by a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty, with a separate eight-year unlimited kilometre warranty applying to its high voltage PHEV batt
