The buzz around the new Ford Ranger Raptor often echoes a single, powerful comparison: it’s likened to a rally car. While automakers frequently draw parallels to rally performance, in the case of the Ranger Raptor, this comparison holds significant weight. After spending a day behind the wheel, skepticism gave way to genuine excitement. This isn’t just another truck; it’s a machine engineered to rip, and it delivers on that promise in spectacular fashion.
Full disclosure: Ford invited us to Utah to experience the Ranger Raptor firsthand. The stunning Utah landscape provided the perfect backdrop for testing this off-road beast.
The original F-150 Raptor, launched in 2010, was a revelation – a high-speed off-road truck that defied expectations. It was a testament to automotive ingenuity, offering customers a factory-built vehicle capable of tackling desert terrain at highway speeds. Its success was undeniable, establishing the Raptor as a permanent fixture in the F-150 lineup.
With the Ford Ranger’s return to the American market in 2019, enthusiasts immediately envisioned a Ranger Raptor, mirroring the formula that made its larger sibling so popular. For years, North America missed out on this concept, but the wait is finally over.
The Ranger Raptor shares its robust T6 platform with the Bronco Raptor, featuring a potent twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 405 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. Ford engineers have significantly enhanced the chassis with a reinforced frame, lightweight control arms, and advanced Fox live-valve suspension. Key off-road features include front and rear locking differentials, impressive approach, breakover, and departure angles (33, 24.2, and 26.4 degrees respectively), a generous 10.7 inches of ground clearance, a two-speed transfer case, and durable BFG KO3 tires. Visually, the Ranger Raptor commands attention with its aggressive styling, though personal preference might dictate removing the factory decals for a cleaner look.
Our Ranger Raptor experience began at the Raptor Assault School, an exclusive driving program offered complimentary to Ranger Raptor owners. While the “Assault School” moniker might raise eyebrows, conjuring images far removed from off-roading fun, the reality is a well-structured and enjoyable learning environment. Perhaps a name like “Ranger Raptor Flight School,” alluding to the truck’s jump capabilities, would better capture its spirit.
Despite the name, the Raptor Assault School is expertly designed. Following a brief on-road drive, which highlighted the Ranger Raptor’s surprisingly refined on-pavement handling and improved steering compared to the standard Ranger, we transitioned to a rock crawling course nestled in the Utah mountains. Here, we explored the truck’s off-road technology, engaging and disengaging the rear locker, testing the hill descent control, and utilizing the front camera for precise tire placement. The Ranger Raptor effortlessly navigated the course, demonstrating its rock crawling prowess with ease. While the course wasn’t designed to be extreme, it effectively showcased the Ranger Raptor’s capabilities for drivers of all skill levels.
The Ranger Raptor boasts a comprehensive suite of driving modes, each tailored to specific terrains and driving conditions. These modes, including Normal, Tow/Haul, Sport, Slippery, Off-Road, Rock Crawl, and Baja, genuinely enhance the truck’s performance and adaptability. While some may prefer the simplicity of older vehicles with fewer electronic aids, the Ranger Raptor’s modes offer a significant advantage in optimizing performance for diverse environments.
After conquering the rock crawl, the focus shifted to high-speed off-road driving exercises, the Ranger Raptor’s true forte. This is where the Raptor distinguishes itself from traditional off-roaders like the Wrangler Rubicon. Raptors are built for speed and agility across loose terrain.
The driving program was structured to accommodate varying experience levels. Instructors guided participants through exercises designed to familiarize them with the Ranger Raptor’s high-speed handling, emphasizing safety and controlled maneuvers. The initial exercise resembled a basic track day loop – accelerate, turn, brake – allowing drivers to acclimate to the truck’s dynamics.
Quickly, the Ranger Raptor’s capabilities became apparent. Attempting to induce slides through aggressive left-foot braking proved surprisingly difficult, with the advanced suspension effectively absorbing inputs. However, in Baja mode, the truck’s electronic controls would subtly reduce power after initiating a slide, a point of discussion among some journalists seeking uninhibited drifting. According to Ranger Raptor Program Manager Justin Capicchiano, this feature is intentional, designed to provide initial slide satisfaction while preventing drivers from losing control in prolonged drifts. Understanding this behavior allows drivers to adapt and still extract maximum fun from the truck.
For those seeking to fully unleash the Ranger Raptor’s potential, disabling traction control is possible by pressing and holding the traction control button. While not explicitly encouraged during the Raptor Assault School program focused on safety for all experience levels, doing so reveals the truck’s raw, unadulterated performance.
With traction control off, the Ranger Raptor transforms into the rally-inspired machine it was always meant to be. While its height and weight preclude it from being a true rally car replica, it delivers exhilarating, controllable slides and explosive corner exits. Hitting a dip on the Baja course with speed results in impressive airtime, solidifying the Ranger Raptor as an exceptionally fun and engaging vehicle. The experience is genuinely captivating and leaves a lasting impression.
Starting at $56,960 with destination charges, the Ranger Raptor occupies a premium position in the mid-size truck market. The price point can be a significant consideration, especially given that a fully equipped full-size truck is within reach for a similar investment. Furthermore, the Raptor’s focus on performance does reduce payload capacity to 1375 pounds, potentially limiting its practicality for heavy-duty work or extended camping setups.
However, for drivers prioritizing high-speed off-road capability and exhilarating driving dynamics, the Ranger Raptor stands in a class of its own. While comparisons to the ZR2/AT4X are inevitable, the Ranger Raptor delivers an unmatched level of fun and performance in the modern pickup truck landscape. If your idea of truck ownership involves sideways action and airborne adventures, the Ranger Raptor is undoubtedly worth the price of admission.
