Is this an April Fool’s joke? It certainly sounds like one, but according to a report from Car and Driver magazine, Ford is indeed planning a 2026 Mustang Raptor. Yes, you read that right. The iconic pony car is going off-road.
In an era where even Porsche has dared to take the 911 into the Dakar desert and Lamborghini is prepping a Huracán Sterrato for some dirt action, perhaps a rugged Mustang variant isn’t so outlandish after all. The automotive world is seeing a surge in performance vehicles with off-road aspirations, and Ford, it seems, is ready to jump into the fray with its most iconic coupe. Even the humble minivan, like Toyota’s Sienna Woodland Edition, is getting the lifted treatment, so why not a Mustang?
Ford’s “Raptorize everything” mantra, which started with the groundbreaking F-150 Raptor and continued with the Bronco and Ranger Raptor models, appears to be extending its reach further than anyone anticipated. While Raptor versions of SUVs like the Explorer and Expedition might seem like logical extensions, applying the Raptor badge to the Mustang is a genuinely surprising, yet intriguing, move.
Hints of this unconventional direction may have been subtly present for years. Eagle-eyed observers noticed splined front hubs on the sixth-generation Mustang, initially interpreted as a precursor to all-wheel drive for enhanced on-road performance. However, it now appears that Ford had more adventurous terrains in mind.
Powering the 2026 Ford Mustang Raptor will be a potent 5.0-liter V-8 engine, delivering close to 500 horsepower. This engine choice will undoubtedly excite Bronco enthusiasts who have been longing for a V8 option. Unfortunately for purists, a manual transmission won’t be offered; instead, a 10-speed automatic transmission will manage the power. An electronically controlled center differential will distribute torque to all four wheels, maximizing traction in off-road conditions. And for those craving even more power, rumors suggest a Mustang Raptor R variant is in development, boasting a supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 pushing over 700 horsepower.
Staying true to the Raptor lineage, the Mustang Raptor will be equipped with Fox Live Valve dampers, essential for absorbing harsh landings during off-road excursions. Expect a 2.0-inch lift thanks to bespoke suspension components and elongated springs, providing increased ground clearance. To safeguard vital components, an extensive array of underbody bash plates will be fitted. All-terrain tires, nestled within cladding-protected fenders, will complete the rugged transformation, ensuring the 2026 Mustang Raptor looks as capable as it is intended to be.
The seventh-generation Mustang is anticipated to arrive at dealerships later this fall, with performance-oriented street models to follow. The Mustang Raptor variant is expected to make its debut in 2026. While pricing is projected to be around $90,000, making it far from cheap, it will still be considerably more accessible than a lifted Lamborghini. This limited-run, off-road Mustang promises to be a unique and thrilling addition to the Raptor family.
Interestingly, Car and Driver has a history of Mustang versus Mustang comparisons. Back in 1992, they famously pitted a Fox-body Mustang GT convertible against a real horse on a dirt track. The Mustang GT decisively outperformed the equine competitor in speed, proving the original Mustang’s prowess, even on dirt, long before the idea of a dedicated off-road Mustang Raptor ever surfaced.
