Ford Ranger Raptor Review: The Ultimate Off-Road Performance Truck

The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor isn’t just a pickup truck; it’s a statement. After spending time pushing this beast on Ford’s off-road course in Utah, the sheer capability and exhilarating experience are undeniable. It’s a vehicle that redefines what you expect from a mid-size performance truck, blending everyday usability with extraordinary off-road prowess. While the standard 2024 Ranger models might have left some areas for improvement, the Raptor variant emerges as a truly exceptional machine, more than compensating for any minor shortcomings in its counterparts with its impressive engineering and technology. This isn’t just a truck with added accessories; it’s a meticulously crafted performance vehicle, destined to become a classic in its own right.

While sharing visual cues and platform elements with the regular Ford Ranger, the Raptor distinguishes itself as a unique entity. It’s under the skin where the Raptor truly sets itself apart, showcasing a suite of mechanical enhancements and performance-focused engineering.

This review will delve into the key mechanical aspects that make the Ranger Raptor special, offer insights into its development, and share the experience of tackling a Baja-inspired off-road course at the Ford Raptor Assault School. An invitation to this school is included with every Ranger Raptor purchase, and it’s an opportunity that every owner should seize to truly understand and master their vehicle’s capabilities.

Ford Performance Racing School Raptor Assault Course

Ford Raptor Assault School Interior View

Ford’s Raptor Assault School, located near Salt Lake City, is an invaluable experience. It teaches you how to maximize your Raptor’s potential without pushing it, or yourself, beyond the limit. These trucks are incredibly capable but not indestructible. Learning from professional instructors is crucial to enjoying your Raptor for years to come and avoiding any “viral moments” of off-road mishaps. Remember the infamous video of the first-generation Raptor attempting and failing a jump? Proper training is key to responsible and exhilarating off-road driving.

Ford Raptor Jump Fail

Fast forward to 2024, and the Raptor philosophy remains the same: it’s about a holistic approach to off-road performance. The new Ranger Raptor isn’t just a cosmetic upgrade or a mild suspension tweak; it’s a carefully orchestrated combination of features engineered to work in harmony. This synergy creates a machine optimized for high-speed driving across challenging terrains.

The Ranger Raptor stands out within the Raptor family for its size and agility. While the F-150 Raptor R is undeniably powerful, its sheer size and horsepower can be overwhelming, even in vast off-road environments.

Ford Ranger Raptor Heroic Pose Off-Road

The Ranger Raptor, however, offers a sweet spot. It proved immensely enjoyable on a relatively compact course, suggesting a greater sense of control and more accessible performance. This balance of power and maneuverability is the hallmark of a truly exceptional performance vehicle – easy to enjoy right away, yet rewarding to master over time.

Starting up the Ranger Raptor, even amidst strong winds, the 3.0-liter V6 engine immediately impresses with its surprisingly good sound. There’s a refined growl that hints at the power within. Before hitting the muddy, snowy course, a Ford driving instructor, Jen, humorously emphasized the lack of traction, a significant understatement given the conditions.

Ford Ranger Raptor Mud Driving Front View

Ford Ranger Raptor Mud Driving Side View

Ford Ranger Raptor Mud Splashing Close Up

The course was exceptionally muddy, the kind of conditions where you might typically park your own vehicle to avoid getting stuck. However, in the Ranger Raptor, set in Baja mode for maximum off-road attack, any hesitation quickly dissipated.

Baja mode is more than just disabling traction control; it’s a comprehensive system that optimizes the truck’s responsiveness for high-speed driving in loose terrain. Entering the first corner, a touch of gas, counter-steering, and then throttle modulation felt remarkably intuitive. The anti-lag system ensured instant turbo boost as power was reapplied, launching the Raptor forward with impressive force.

The experience was instantly exhilarating. “Haha mode” indeed, as the author originally texted – the Ranger Raptor in Baja mode is pure, unadulterated fun.

Driver's Exhilaration in Ford Ranger Raptor

Driving the Ranger Raptor across a long stretch of varied terrain, like the Baja peninsula, would be an unforgettable adventure.

Dinner with Ford Performance Chief Engineer Carl Widmann and Ranger Raptor Programme Supervisor Justin Capicchiano provided further insight into the truck’s development. Capicchiano, based in Australia, highlighted the Ranger Raptor’s strong Australian roots, a fitting origin given the country’s vast, challenging landscapes.

Ford Ranger Raptor Heroic Pose Front Angle

Australia’s expansive deserts and demanding races like the Finke Desert Race served as the perfect proving ground for the Ranger Raptor. The Finke Desert Race, a grueling two-day sprint across harsh terrain, saw a near-stock Ranger Raptor, driven by Brad Lovell, not only complete the race but also achieve impressive times. Capicchiano mentioned using his personal Ranger Raptor for pre-running, achieving times that would have rivaled some race cars.

Ford Ranger Raptor Finke Desert Race Results

Widmann shared anecdotes about testing in Australia, where eucalyptus trees replaced cones, emphasizing the need for precise steering and robust design. Capicchiano perfectly summarized the Ranger Raptor’s appeal: “Flattering to the novice and rewarding to the expert.” Having driven it, this description rings true.

Delving into the technical details, the Ranger Raptor boasts significant upgrades beyond the standard Ranger. While sharing frame rails between the axles, much of the truck is uniquely engineered for performance.

Ford Ranger Raptor Underbody Control System

Ford Ranger Raptor Underbody Exhaust System

Ford Ranger Raptor Underbody Fuel System

Ford Ranger Raptor Underbody Live Valve Shocks

Ford Ranger Raptor Underbody Skid Plate

Ford Ranger Raptor Underbody Watt's Link Suspension

The heart of the Ranger Raptor is a 3.0-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque on 91 octane fuel. This iron-block, aluminum-head engine with DOHC and variable cam timing provides substantial power and maintains momentum effectively. While not delivering overwhelming off-the-line acceleration, the engine excels in providing consistent and strong power delivery across the rev range.

An electromechanical transfer case ensures smooth and rapid 4×4 shifting, while the 10-speed automatic transmission can be operated in automatic mode or manually via paddle shifters. Forged aluminum control arms reduce unsprung weight, and a Watt’s link rear suspension enhances axle control compared to traditional leaf springs.

The Fox Live Valve shocks are a highlight, offering electronically adjustable damping based on drive modes. These high-performance shocks, a staple in Raptor vehicles, are designed to withstand extreme heat and demanding off-road conditions. The Live Valve technology allows the Ranger Raptor to adapt in real-time to varying terrain and driving styles, reading hundreds of inputs per second to optimize ride quality and handling. While replacement costs might be higher, the performance benefits are significant.

Ford Ranger Raptor Suspension Technology

Inside the cabin, visibility is excellent, and the digital display provides a wealth of vehicle information. The interior design is functional and driver-focused, although some minor plastic trim issues were noted.

Ford Ranger Raptor Cockpit View 1

Ford Ranger Raptor Cockpit View 2

Ford Ranger Raptor Cockpit View 3

Ford Ranger Raptor Cockpit View 4

Ford Ranger Raptor Cockpit View 5

Ford Ranger Raptor Cockpit View 6

One of the most surprising aspects of the Ranger Raptor is its stability during high-speed maneuvers. Its wide track width, similar to the first-generation F-150 Raptor, combined with the advanced shock technology, inspires confidence even in aggressive driving scenarios. Passenger laps with Ford’s professional drivers further highlighted the truck’s composed nature, even during high-angle slides.

Ford Ranger Raptor Heroic Pose Rear Angle

The exhaust note is another pleasant surprise. Ford engineers dedicated significant effort to tuning the V6 to produce a satisfying sound, drawing inspiration from performance cars like the Nissan GT-R and Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The result is a unique, energetic sound profile, further enhanced by a quiet mode for more subtle operation. This isn’t artificial sound enhancement; it’s achieved through an electronically controlled valve in the exhaust system itself.

Ford Ranger Raptor Exhaust Sound Example

Other notable features include integrated auxiliary switches for accessories, comfortable and supportive seats, functional hood and fender vents, and the optional geometric graphics. While the short bed configuration might not be ideal for heavy-duty work, it’s perfectly suited for adventure gear and equipment.

Ford Ranger Raptor Heroic Pose Bed Angle

Despite minor interior fit and finish quibbles and infotainment screen aesthetics, the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor delivers exceptional performance and value for its starting price of around $55,000. It’s a compelling proposition in the performance vehicle market, so much so that it warrants serious consideration for anyone seeking a capable and thrilling off-road machine.

For those fortunate enough to own a Ranger Raptor, experiencing its capabilities in its element – the desert – is highly recommended. Whether in California or the wider Southwest, the Ranger Raptor is built for these landscapes. However, responsible driving and gradual exploration of its limits, ideally with professional training, are essential to fully and safely enjoy this remarkable vehicle.

2024 Ford Ranger Raptor Specs
Base Price (approx.)
Powertrain
Horsepower
Torque
Curb Weight
Max Payload
Off-Road Angles
Ground Clearance
Fuel Economy
Quick Take
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