This is the new Ford Ranger Raptor. It is mighty, dwarfing even its smaller sibling, the regular Ranger. It is also, a big surprise, mighty comfortable. It’s wider than the regular Ranger thanks to the big wheel arches to accommodate the massive off-road tyres, making confined spaces a bit more interesting, but otherwise this vehicle commands the road; few will want to argue against it.
About The Raptor
The styling is bold: Flared wheel arches and C-clamp headlight designs emphasise the pick‑up’s width, while big lettering on the grille and the tough separate bumper add more visual grunt. The matrix LED headlights with LED daytime running lights push lighting performance to new levels, featuring predictive curve lights, glare-free high beam and auto dynamic levelling to deliver better visibility for both drivers and other road users.
The flared arches cover muscular 17 inch alloy wheels wrapped in Raptor-exclusive performance all‑terrain tyres. Functional vents, aero features and tough, grippy cast-aluminium side steps help enhance the look and functionality of the truck. At the rear, LED tail-lights provide a signature styling link to the front.
The latest Ranger Raptor has a unique chassis when compared to the Ranger. A series of Raptor-specific mounts and reinforcements for elements including the C-pillar, load box and spare wheel, as well as other unique assets, all combine to ensure Raptor can handle punishing off-road conditions. The suspension is completely redesigned absorbing corrugations and bigger ruts off-road with ease, ensuring maximum control and performance.
In short, this great pick-up truck will dominate any terrain and is built for enthusiasts or those vehicle requirements demand the toughest solutions. With smarter technology controlling tougher, next‑generation hardware, Ranger Raptor blends raw power with mechanical and technical precision to create the most advanced Ranger ever.
The Raptor’s ability to tackle rough terrain is further enhanced with some serious underbody protection. The front bash plate is almost double the size of the standard Next‑Gen Ranger’s unit and is made from 2.3 mm-thick high-strength steel. This plate, combined with the engine under-shield and transfer case shield, is designed to protect key components such as the radiator, steering system, front cross-member, engine sump and front differential. Tow hooks are supplied as standard at both the front and rear.
The Engine
The current two litre EcoBlue bi‑turbo diesel engine will continue to be available from 2023 but the biggest news for performance fans though is the immediate introduction of an especially-tuned new twin-turbo three litre EcoBoost V6 petrol engine delivering 288PS (284bhp) and, crucially, a huge 491Nm of torque. The tuning has, we learn, ensured that the engine delivers immediate response to throttle inputs, and a race-bred anti-lag system similar to that first seen on the Ford GT road car enables rapid delivery of boost on demand.
This new anti-lag system (Available in the Baja Mode, one of seven drive modes) is of especial interest as it keeps the turbochargers spinning for up to three seconds after the driver backs off the throttle, allowing for faster resumption of acceleration out of corners or through the gears when the driver steps back on the loud pedal. Drive is through an advanced ten-speed automatic transmission. That’s a broad view of the technical aspects but you might prefer the Ford version: The acceleration and raw performance of the new power-train leave you grinning from ear-to-ear. You can even change the sounds the engine and exhaust make!
The Sound Modes
These sensible choices mean there is a mode to suit everyday use as well as off-road conditions. This is how Ford describe them:
- Quiet – prioritises quietness over performance and sound to keep the peace with neighbours on early mornings.
- Normal – intended for everyday use, this profile offers an exhaust note with presence while not being too loud for street use. This profile is applied by default to Normal, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, and Rock Crawl drive modes.
- Sport – offers a louder and more dynamic note
- Baja – the most striking exhaust profile in both volume and note, in Baja mode the exhaust behaves more like a straight-through system. This is intended for off-road use only.
The Drive Modes
The Ford Ranger Raptor gets an advanced full-time four-wheel drive system with an all‑new electronically‑controlled on-demand two-speed transfer case, combined with front and rear locking differentials – a valuable feature for hardcore off-road enthusiasts.
There are seven selectable drive modes, including the off-road oriented Baja mode, which configures the vehicle’s electronic systems for ultimate performance during high-speed off‑road action. Each selectable drive mode adjusts a number of elements from engine and transmission to ABS sensitivity and calibration, traction and stability controls, exhaust valve actuation, steering and throttle response. In addition, the gauges, vehicle information and colour themes on the instrument cluster and centre touchscreen change with the selected drive mode, which are:
On-road
- Normal – designed for comfort and fuel efficiency.
- Sport – more responsive for spirited on-road driving.
- Slippery – for more confident driving on slippery or uneven surfaces.
Off-road
- Rock crawl – for optimum control in very low speed driving over extreme rocky and uneven terrain
- Sand – optimises gear changes and power delivery for progress in sand and deep snow
- Mud/Ruts – for maximum grip during launch and maintaining vehicle momentum
- Baja – sets all systems to maximum attack for peak high-speed off-road performance
An interesting new feature and one which all true off-road capable vehicles should have is Trail Control. Very much like cruise control, The driver simply selects a set speed below 32km/h (20mph) and the vehicle will manage its acceleration and braking while the driver concentrates on steering through difficult terrain.
The Interior
Bearing in mind that vehicles like these are supposed to be agricultural, working appliances for the building site or farmyard, the Raptor is remarkably civilised. Inside the four-door crew-cab, the theme continues to emphasise the off-road performance and high‑energy nature.
The cabin features new sports seats in the front and rear to increase comfort and offer more support during high-speed cornering. The Code Orange accents on the instrument panel, trim and seats are mirrored by Ranger Raptor’s ambient lighting, which bathes the interior in an amber glow. A premium leather sports heated steering wheel with thumb swells, top-dead-centre marking and cast-magnesium paddle shifters completes the sporty feel.
It might be a truck but the cabin is high-tech and features a 12.4 inch all-digital cluster and 12 inch centre touchscreen boasting Ford’s new-generation SYNC 4A connectivity and entertainment system that delivers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility at no extra cost. A 10-speaker Bang & Olafson sound system provides the soundtrack.
On The Road
The previous version handled like a regular SUV with minimal lean in corners and honestly, given the size, was great to drive. Obviously, the giant knobbly tyres will compromise on-road driving but not as much as you would think. This is one really versatile vehicle. This latest version of the Ford Ranger Raptor is available to order now and import from the UK to Kenya, New Zealand , Ireland and elsewhere via the comprehensive service from MHH International.
