Like many adventures, this Ford Bronco Raptor review begins with a questionable decision, following my friend Josh Ashcroft down a trail that seemed… less than advisable. It’s become a familiar pattern in my vehicle reviews, often sparked by Josh’s adventurous spirit, or perhaps a touch of automotive masochism. This time, the rig in question was the formidable Ford Bronco Raptor, and the location, the sprawling Deschutes National Forest in Central Oregon, near the Overland Expo Pacific Northwest.
Joined by Josh in his Land Rover LR3 and Winslow Sandler in his Jeep Wrangler JKU, we embarked on a quest through the Deschutes’ labyrinthine network of trails. Our mission, seemingly futile, was to rediscover a trail Josh vaguely remembered from a decade prior. A day of dead ends, locked gates, and colossal fallen trees ensued, obstacles that the Bronco Raptor, with its sheer size and capability, often conquered while the others watched in awe. By midday, morale was waning. Lunch at the end of yet another dead-end trail, a tantalizingly short distance from a lake according to the maps, felt more like a surrender than a break. We were close, but as with so many trails that weekend, frustratingly just out of reach.
Over hastily made sandwiches, Josh, studying Gaia GPS, offered one last hopeful lead: a faint, ten-mile arc on the map. After a chorus of groans and doubtful expressions, and the prospect of more backtracking, the idea was met with skepticism. However, at a literal fork in the road after lunch, the choice was stark: the known path to the lake, or the allure of the unknown trail. After a moment of hesitation, the adventurous spirit prevailed. “Fine,” I conceded, “Let’s try that track.”
Ford Bronco Raptor on a rocky trail
Unleashing the Raptor Bronco: Beyond Desert Running
Since 2009, the Raptor badge, initially exclusive to the F-150, has symbolized high-speed desert domination – think blasting across Johnson Valley at breakneck speeds. Ford’s vision for the Raptor was clear: desert running prowess. However, my off-roading philosophy leans towards controlled, technical maneuvers – “as slow as possible, as fast as necessary.” Thus, the Raptor name initially held limited appeal, until Ford Performance grafted it onto the iconic Bronco. Suddenly, the Raptor Bronco sparked genuine interest.
Ford’s transformation of the Bronco into a Raptor-worthy machine was extensive. For a deep dive into the engineering marvel, The Autopian offers an insightful analysis. For me, the standout features were the factory-fitted 37-inch BF Goodrich T/A KO2 tires, the advanced piggyback reservoir FOX suspension, and the potent 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 EcoBoost engine, paired with a responsive 10-speed automatic transmission.
Ford Bronco Raptor front suspension and tires
The Raptor Bronco boasts impressive figures: 400 horsepower, a generous 13.1 inches of ground clearance, front and rear lockers, Ford’s G.O.A.T. (Go Over Any Type of Terrain) Modes, and a tech-forward 24 inches of combined screen real estate in the dashboard.
To accommodate the Raptor Bronco’s immense track width and the massive 37-inch tires, designers implemented substantial fender flares. While some playfully likened them to kiddie pools, their size is undeniable. With mirrors folded, the Raptor Bronco measures a staggering 85.7 inches wide, eclipsing even a RAM 2500’s 79.5 inches.
Despite the exaggerated flares, the Raptor Bronco exudes a commanding presence from the front and sides. The rear profile, arguably, is less aesthetically refined, appearing somewhat bulky. However, beneath the sheet metal lies immense capability, and that’s the true measure of this machine.
Ford Bronco Raptor rear view showing wide fenders
Conquering the 10-Mile Black Diamond Trail in the Raptor Bronco
Ninety minutes after our hesitant lunch, we stumbled upon the elusive trailhead. Josh’s “long-lost trail” was found. His initial warning about a “rocky start” proved to be a significant understatement. The first rock shelf we encountered hinted at a challenge far beyond what Josh had suggested. “I don’t remember this part,” Josh admitted, a phrase that would become a recurring theme throughout the next five grueling hours. Unbeknownst to us, we were embarking on a ten-mile black diamond rated trail – and the rating was no exaggeration.
This trail was relentless. Ten miles of sharp volcanic rock, tightly confined by towering conifers – arguably the most unforgiving terrain combination for any 4×4, especially one as wide as the Raptor Bronco. There were no respites, no open stretches, just continuous trees and rocks for miles on end. Adding to the tension, remnants of shattered side-by-sides littered the trail, amplifying the perceived risk. If these smaller, nimbler vehicles are breaking apart, what are our chances?
Ford Bronco Raptor navigating a rocky section of trail
Engaging both front and rear lockers and utilizing the ‘Rock Crawl’ G.O.A.T. Mode, the Raptor Bronco and its 37-inch BFGs performed admirably. Yet, my focus was rarely straight ahead. My eyes darted constantly between the side mirrors, monitoring the proximity of massive trees to the wide fender flares, and the 12-inch center touchscreen, displaying the forward-facing camera’s view of the treacherous terrain ahead.
The steep inclines often obscured the immediate path, making the high-resolution forward camera indispensable. It undoubtedly averted numerous potential collisions with unseen boulders. Mile after grueling mile, the widebody Raptor Bronco navigated the narrow confines, threading between trees and crawling over razor-edged rocks, miraculously unscathed.
Ford Bronco Raptor front camera view on touchscreen
By nightfall, exhaustion was profound. The mental strain of safeguarding the Raptor Bronco had been immense. As a meticulous overlander with my own vehicles, the responsibility for someone else’s rig amplified the pressure. While eager to test Ford’s latest 4×4, causing damage was definitely not on the agenda.
Ford Bronco Raptor crawling over rocks
Raptor Bronco Driving Dynamics: A Revelation On and Off-Road
Having previously reviewed the Bronco 4-Door Black Diamond, I anticipated a degree of familiarity in the Raptor Bronco’s driving experience. How different could it truly be? The answer: profoundly different.
The Ford 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine is a game-changer. It delivers V8-like power with V6-level fuel efficiency. In Baja Mode, one of four exhaust settings (including a neighbor-friendly “Quiet” mode), the exhaust note is reminiscent of a Jaguar’s roar. Paired with the rapid-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission, which behaves more like a dual-clutch system than a traditional automatic, the engine’s capabilities are fully realized. However, in 4Low, the transmission’s eagerness to shift, ideal for high-speed desert runs, can result in a noticeable bucking sensation between first and second gear during low-speed crawling. Manually shifting with the steering wheel-mounted paddles largely mitigates this.
During my 549.9 miles with the Raptor Bronco, it averaged 15 mpg. For a widebody 4×4 boasting 400 horsepower and riding on 37-inch tires, this fuel economy is remarkable.
Ford Bronco Raptor driving on a dirt road
The Raptor Bronco’s highway performance was even more surprising than its off-road prowess. While its off-road capabilities were expected to be exceptional, its on-road manners were an unknown. Instead of the anticipated wandering and wallowing often associated with large off-road tires, the Raptor Bronco exhibited a ride quality akin to a Range Rover. This refined on-road behavior is largely attributable to its independent front suspension, anchored by the piggyback reservoir FOX shocks. Ford Performance and FOX engineers masterfully tuned these shocks to deliver both Baja-ready robustness and daily-driving comfort. Driving the Raptor Bronco is genuinely exceptional across all terrains.
Ford Bronco Raptor driving on a paved road
Rethinking the Raptor Bronco: An Overlander’s Perspective
Emerging from the ten-mile black diamond trail, we found a relatively level spot to camp. As soon as the Raptor Bronco was parked and the engine off, I deployed my cot in the dirt and collapsed onto it, gazing at the evening sky and drifting clouds. We had inadvertently conquered the most challenging trail I had ever driven, and I was utterly spent.
Before this trip, a Ford representative suggested the Raptor Bronco wasn’t primarily designed for overlanding, despite its impressive tires and powertrain. It was, they emphasized, more of a desert runner than a technical trail machine.
Ford Bronco Raptor parked in an overlanding campsite
Initially dismissive of this notion, after navigating the black diamond trail, I began to understand their perspective. Earlier in our journey, we encountered a straight, heavily rutted trail. Seizing the opportunity to unleash the Raptor Bronco, I engaged Baja Mode and floored the accelerator. The Bronco surged forward, effortlessly gliding over the uneven terrain for nearly half a mile. It was an unprecedented sensation; the rocks, holes, and ruts seemed to vanish beneath the Bronco, intimidated by the onslaught of 37-inch BFGs. It was in this moment, I realized later, that the Raptor Bronco was truly in its element. It handled the black diamond trail with remarkable competence, but desert running is its inherent forte.
Ford Bronco Raptor driving fast on a rutted trail
Does this mean the Raptor Bronco is unsuitable for overlanding? Absolutely not. The Ford Bronco Raptor possesses one of the finest powertrains, suspension systems, and interiors ever integrated into a factory 4×4. It’s truly exceptional engineering, and the Ford Performance team deserves immense credit. The Ford Bronco Raptor is, unequivocally, the finest factory off-roader I have ever driven.
Ford Bronco Raptor front grill and Raptor badging
“I’ll wager only a handful of owners will ever use the Raptor Bronco for overlanding,” the Ford representative had chuckled. I sincerely hope they are mistaken. Limiting this exceptional machine to solely high-speed desert runs would be a disservice. The Raptor Bronco’s G.O.A.T. Modes beckon us to explore its capabilities across all terrains, and overlanding should undoubtedly be included in its repertoire.
