The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor isn’t just a standard Ranger in a fancy suit; it’s a completely different animal, especially when you talk about performance. While the regular 2024 Ranger offers modest updates, the Raptor variant steps up the game with a more powerful engine and a thoroughly enhanced suspension system designed for serious off-road action. Ford’s Raptor badge signifies top-tier off-road capability, and the Ranger Raptor lives up to this reputation, even if it’s considered the “least hardcore” Raptor in the lineup – which, in Raptor terms, is still exceptional. You might be wondering, just how quick is this off-road beast? Let’s dive into the performance metrics, specifically focusing on the Ranger Raptor 0-60 time and what makes this truck a speed demon in its class.
Ford’s off-road hierarchy, including Timberline, Tremor, and Raptor, clearly positions Raptor at the pinnacle. Timberline and Tremor trims offer some enhanced off-road features, but Raptor vehicles are built for high-speed desert running and extreme terrain. Think of the Bronco Raptor and F-150 Raptor – they are benchmarks in their segments. The Ranger Raptor joins this elite group, bringing Raptor performance to the mid-size truck category.
Image showing the Ford Raptor branding, emphasizing its off-road pedigree.
The Ford Bronco Raptor, for instance, takes an already capable Bronco and amplifies it with massive 37-inch tires, a beefed-up suspension, and a potent engine, arguably creating the most off-road capable vehicle available. The F-150 Raptor is legendary for its high-speed desert prowess and Baja racing pedigree.
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While the F-150 Raptor dominated its segment for years, the Ranger Raptor enters a more competitive mid-size market. However, it still brings a unique blend of power and agility. Before we delve deeper into the driving experience, let’s examine the hardware that contributes to the Ranger Raptor’s impressive performance, including its Ranger Raptor 0-60 time.
Ranger Raptor Hardware: Engineered for Speed and Off-Road Domination
The Ranger Raptor shares its foundation with the regular Ranger, utilizing an “advancement of the T6 architecture.” However, the Raptor version boasts significant upgrades, including a potent 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine and a sophisticated Watt’s Link coil suspension system, derived from the Ford Everest SUV.
Power and Performance: The Heart of the Raptor
The key differentiator for the Ranger Raptor, and a major factor in its impressive Ranger Raptor 0-60 time, is its engine. It packs a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 EcoBoost engine, delivering a substantial 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. This engine outpowers competitors like the Chevy Colorado ZR2 by a significant 95 horsepower, matching its torque figure. The Jeep Gladiator and Toyota Tacoma, while capable, offer less horsepower in their standard configurations.
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While the original article doesn’t provide an exact Ranger Raptor 0-60 mph time, it references the Bronco Raptor, which uses a similar engine with slightly more horsepower, achieving a 0-60 mph time of around 6.3 seconds according to Motor Trend. Considering the Ranger Raptor is lighter than the Bronco Raptor, it’s reasonable to expect a quicker Ranger Raptor 0-60 time, likely in the high five-second range. This acceleration is remarkable for a mid-size off-road truck and contributes significantly to its fun-to-drive factor, both on and off-road.
Suspension: Soaking Up Bumps at High Speed
Raptor models are renowned for their advanced suspension systems, and the Ranger Raptor is no exception. It features a thoroughly revised suspension compared to the standard Ranger. The front utilizes a double-wishbone setup with new knuckles, control arms, and unique Fox shocks, along with reinforced shock towers.
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The rear suspension is a complete departure from the standard Ranger’s leaf springs. The Raptor employs coil-overs, trailing arms, and a Watt’s Linkage. This sophisticated setup offers superior ride quality and control, especially in high-speed off-road conditions. The Fox 2.5-inch Live Valve Internal Bypass shocks are coil-overs at the front and piggyback reservoirs at the rear, designed to minimize heat build-up and maintain consistent performance. These shocks adapt damping performance based on the selected drive mode, optimizing for comfort, control, and capability across various terrains and speeds. This advanced suspension is crucial for high-speed off-roading and contributes to the vehicle’s ability to handle jumps and rough terrain while maintaining composure, further enhancing the driving experience beyond just straight-line Ranger Raptor 0-60 performance.
Geometry and Off-Road Prowess
While the Ranger Raptor excels in power and suspension, its geometry is more in the middle of the pack compared to its competitors. Its approach angle of 33 degrees is less aggressive than the Chevy Colorado ZR2 and Jeep Gladiator Mojave. However, its breakover and departure angles are competitive.
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The Ranger Raptor features 33-inch all-terrain tires and locking front and rear differentials for optimal traction. Its crawl ratio of 67.88:1 is also commendable for technical off-roading. While it might not be the absolute best rock crawler in its class due to approach angle limitations, the Ranger Raptor is exceptionally capable across diverse terrains, and its strengths truly shine in high-speed environments where its Ranger Raptor 0-60 speed and advanced suspension come into play.
Driving the Ranger Raptor: Speed and Thrills Off-Road
Behind the wheel, the Ranger Raptor feels special. It offers a better on-road ride than the standard Ranger, feeling softer and more comfortable, likely due to its coil-spring suspension. The acceleration is noticeably quicker; while not “face-ripping,” the 405 horsepower engine provides plenty of thrust, allowing you to break the rear tires loose and experience rapid acceleration. The 10-speed automatic transmission delivers quick shifts, contributing to the truck’s responsive feel and impressive Ranger Raptor 0-60 time.
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In high-speed off-road driving, the Ranger Raptor truly excels. In Baja mode, the truck becomes even more responsive, with reduced turbo lag and optimized shifting. Piloting the Ranger Raptor through dirt race courses is exhilarating, with confident cornering and controllable tail-out action. The engine sounds fantastic, with an exciting roar that adds to the overall driving experience.
The suspension shines when pushed hard. The Ranger Raptor handles jumps with remarkable composure, landing smoothly and absorbing impacts effortlessly. The advanced Fox shocks and tuned suspension are designed for this type of abuse, making the truck feel incredibly stable and controlled even when airborne. This capability is far beyond what most mid-size trucks can handle and emphasizes the Ranger Raptor’s focus on high-speed off-road performance, a facet directly linked to its powerful engine and impressive Ranger Raptor 0-60 capabilities.
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While the low-speed off-road course was easier, the Ranger Raptor still demonstrated its capability with excellent axle flex and quick-activating lockers. The “Trail Control” feature is also a standout, providing excellent off-road cruise control for technical sections. Geometry might be a limiting factor in extreme rock crawling scenarios, but for most off-road adventures, the Ranger Raptor is more than capable.
Verdict: Ranger Raptor – Speed and Off-Road Fun Redefined
The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor carves out a unique niche in the mid-size truck segment. While it might not dominate every single off-road metric, it excels in high-speed off-road driving thanks to its potent engine, advanced suspension, and well-tuned driving modes. Its estimated Ranger Raptor 0-60 time in the high five-second range is a testament to its performance capabilities, making it one of the quickest trucks in its class.
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If you’re looking for a mid-size truck that can conquer challenging terrain at speed, deliver thrilling acceleration, and offer a comfortable on-road experience, the Ranger Raptor should be high on your list. It’s designed for rally-inspired driving and delivers on that promise, making it a leader in its segment for those who prioritize high-speed off-road fun and appreciate the performance indicated by a stellar Ranger Raptor 0-60 time. For enthusiasts seeking a blend of speed, off-road prowess, and Raptor DNA, the Ranger Raptor is a compelling choice.
