Introduction
As manufacturers increasingly desert the pick-up market, it’s left Ford in a brilliantly advantageous position, with its Ranger truck accounting for an incredible 56 per cent of all pick-ups sold so far in the UK in 2022.
Now Ford is back with a next-generation version of its long-standing truck, and it’s taken the bold decision to launch it in extreme Raptor form. This is the sportier off-road-focused version of the Ranger, and one which Ford’s Performance team works on.
The previous Ranger Raptor was already an impressive tool, but felt a little lacking with its diesel engine so Ford is now introducing a new, more powerful V6 petrol engine that’s unique to the Raptor. A raft of other mechanical changes have been made, with this truck getting a reworked version of the impressive Fox suspension setup seen previously. Let’s hit the dunes and gravel tracks to see what the Raptor’s made of.
Performance
As we’ve mentioned, the previous Ranger Raptor used a relatively unremarkable 2.0-lite biturbo diesel engine, and though this will return on sale in a few months' time on more regular Ranger models, the highlight for the Raptor is a new petrol engine.
It’s a 3.0-litre V6 unit that produces an impressive 288bhp and 491Nm of torque, allowing for a 0-60mph time of 7.7 seconds (the old diesel took 10 seconds), and enables a 111mph top speed.
There’s a new anti-lag system that allows for quicker acceleration out of corners, while a highlight is the new electronically-controlled active exhaust system that really helps to amplify the Raptor’s performance.
The downside with this new petrol engine is the running costs – Ford claims just 20.5mpg and 315g/km CO2 emissions.
Ride and handling
The previous Raptor was still a hugely capable entertaining truck, but thanks to the new petrol engine and exhaust, it really unleashes a new character to this pick-up. For fast off-roading, the Raptor’s Baja driving mode allows for ridiculous fun and adjustability.
We got to try the Raptor on some impressively tough terrain, such as steep descents and rock climbing, and it didn’t struggle once. There are front and rear locking differentials, along with a raft of off-road modes to help manage throttle response and traction. That Fox suspension also makes the ride so much better than other pick-ups, even on the tarmac.
Of course, few buyers ever buying a Raptor will ever explore their vehicle’s full capability, but if they do, it’s almost impossible not to be impressed with its talents.
Interior
The latest Ranger’s interior represents a big step up compared to its predecessor, with a key new addition being its new 12-inch portrait touchscreen that runs Ford’s latest Sync 4 software - it looks fantastic. The ergonomics are fantastic too, with traditional analogue climate controls remaining, despite the large screen. The Raptor also gets high-quality leather and suede performance seats, which do a great job of keeping you in place and offer plenty of support too.
Rear seat space in the Raptor is fine for adults, though the bulky sport seats do eat into the room on offer. Like its predecessor, the Raptor also has a reduced payload of 652kg – someway off the one-tonne-plus offered by most pick-ups. It does compromise its ability as a ‘working’ truck, so the regular Ranger is likely a better option if load-lugging ability is what you’re after.
Equipment
The Raptor sits right at the top of the Ranger line-up, and that’s reflected in the level of kit included.
Highlights include Matrix LED headlights, electric and heated front seats, wireless smartphone charging and a 360-degree camera, while the large 12-inch touchscreen and digital dial display of a similar size feature as well. That’s on top of the impressive off-road specification as well.
Cost
All of this ability and equipment doesn’t come cheap, with the Ford Ranger priced from £58,900 for the on-the-road price, including VAT.
Because of its low payload, the Raptor also doesn’t slot into the ‘dual purpose’ commercial vehicle class, which attracts company car tax savings and also lets companies claim the VAT back on their purchases.
Verdict
Pick-ups don’t come much better than the Ford Ranger Raptor. The previous version was already an icon when it came to off-roading and sheer presence, and Ford has only elevated that with this new model.
Transformed by that V6 engine, it feels sportier and more capable than ever, and in the right setting is a huge amount of fun. While it’s unlikely you’ll be able to take advantage of its abilities all that often in the UK, this is strangely part of the appeal of this phenomenal truck.
Enquire on a new Ford Ranger Raptor
