The automotive world is witnessing an intriguing trend: iconic sports cars are venturing off the paved roads. Following Porsche’s 911 Dakar and Lamborghini’s Huracán Sterrato, rumors suggest Ford is ready to unleash its own off-road beast – the 2026 Ford Mustang Raptor R.
Ford’s “Raptorizing” philosophy, which began with the F-150 Raptor and expanded to the Bronco and Ranger Raptor, might surprisingly extend to the Mustang. While an off-road Mustang might seem unconventional, whispers from Dearborn suggest it’s becoming a reality. Hints were subtly dropped years ago with the introduction of splined front hubs in the sixth-generation Mustang, initially speculated for all-wheel drive acceleration enhancements, but now potentially for tackling tougher terrains.
Under the hood of the Mustang Raptor, expect a potent naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-8 engine, delivering close to 500 horsepower. While manual transmission purists might be disappointed, a 10-speed automatic transmission is expected to manage the power, channeling it to all four wheels via an electronically controlled center differential. Enthusiasts craving even more power will be thrilled to hear about the anticipated Mustang Raptor R, rumored to pack a supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 pushing over 700 horsepower.
Staying true to the Raptor lineage, the Mustang Raptor models are expected to feature Fox Live Valve dampers for superior off-road performance. A 2.0-inch lift, achieved through bespoke suspension components and elongated springs, will enhance ground clearance. Robust underbody bash plates will safeguard vital components, and all-terrain tires, nestled within cladding-protected fenders, will complete the rugged transformation.
As the seventh-generation Mustang prepares for its dealership debut, anticipation builds for performance-oriented variants, and notably, the Mustang Raptor is projected to arrive in 2026. While pricing is expected to be premium, starting around $90,000, it will still be considerably more accessible than other exotic off-road sports cars. The Mustang Raptor R promises to deliver a unique blend of pony car heritage and Raptor-bred off-road capability.
