Ford Ranger Raptor

Ultimate Performance Pickup with Advanced Off-Road Capability

 

The Ford Ranger Raptor has revolutionized the mid-size pickup truck segment, offering a unique blend of power, performance, and prestige. This rugged yet refined vehicle has captured the attention of off-road enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike. With its imposing presence and advanced capabilities, the Ford Ranger Raptor lease stands out in a crowded market, promising an exhilarating driving experience both on and off the beaten path.

This comprehensive guide delves into the key aspects that make the Ford Ranger Raptor a standout choice. We'll explore its powerful engine, off-road performance features, and interior comfort. The article will also compare the Ranger Raptor to its competitors, discuss its pricing and availability, and examine its reliability and specs. Whether you're considering buying a Ranger Raptor or simply curious about this exceptional vehicle, this guide provides valuable insights into its capabilities and appeal. Source

Unveiling the Ford Ranger Raptor

The Ford Ranger Raptor stands as a testament to Ford's commitment to off-road excellence. This limited edition model has revolutionized the mid-size pickup truck segment, offering a unique blend of power, performance, and prestige. The Ranger Raptor is designed to handle any conditions, from comfortable highway driving to tackling the most challenging off-road terrains.

Key Features of the Ford Ranger Raptor

The Ford Ranger Raptor's design is a perfect balance of form and function. Its imposing presence is immediately noticeable, with a wider track that not only enhances its off-road capabilities but also allows for expanded bed space. The bed now measures 48.2 inches wide, accommodating 4x8 sheets of plywood between the wheel wells. Practicality meets convenience with six clamps in the bed and available LED lighting, which illuminates the bed and its 120-volt outlet for powering accessories at night.
The Raptor's exterior is adorned with distinctive features that set it apart from its siblings. The front grille boasts giant Ford letters stamped like a 3D face tattoo, with all apertures opened for improved airflow. Steel skid plates protect the engine, transfer case, and gas tank, while two tow hooks at the rear complement the ones up front. The tailgate, though lacking swinging tricks, includes practical elements such as a built-in ruler, bottle openers on either side, and clamp openings.

Off-Road Capabilities Ford Ranger Raptor

The Ranger Raptor's off-road prowess is where it truly shines. It comes equipped with electronic locking front and rear differentials, providing superior traction in challenging terrains. The suspension setup, featuring coils instead of leaf springs, allows for better articulation and adaptation to changing conditions, soaking up bumps more readily than its counterparts.
For extreme off-road scenarios, the Ranger Raptor offers specialized driving modes. Rock Crawl mode includes a trail control system that functions like an uphill or downhill cruise control, working up to 10 mph and adjustable in 0.5 mph increments. In Off-Road mode, this limit extends to 20 mph with 1 mph increments. These features, combined with the improved approach and departure angles provided by the Rhino 4X4 barwork, make the Ranger Raptor a formidable off-road machine.

Performance Upgrades Ford Ranger Raptor

The heart of the Ranger Raptor's performance lies in its powerful 3.0-liter V6 engine. This powerplant can be further enhanced with aftermarket upgrades like the DTUK tuning box, a plug-and-play device that modifies signals sent to the engine's sensors. This modification results in improved fuel injection and turbo boost pressure, leading to a significant increase in power and torque.
With the DTUK tuning box installed, the Ranger Raptor's power output can be boosted to an impressive 352ps and 551nm of torque, representing gains of 60ps and 84nm over the stock engine. This extra power proves useful for towing heavy loads or navigating rough terrain. Importantly, these performance enhancements don't come at the cost of fuel efficiency; in fact, the improved fuel injection can lead to better fuel economy.
For those seeking to push the Ranger Raptor's performance even further, the Wagner Tuning Performance Intercooler Kit offers significant benefits. This state-of-the-art intercooler features a core size of 480mm x 209mm x 110mm, providing 69% more volume than the stock intercooler. The result is improved airflow, enhanced power, and superior performance. Constructed with high-quality bar and plate materials and featuring internal turbulators and cast aluminum end tanks, this kit ensures optimal cooling characteristics while maintaining low pressure drop for maximum efficiency.
The Ranger Raptor's Baja mode taps into the full potential of the V6 engine, opens up the exhaust system, and illuminates the cluster and ambient lighting. This mode can be activated in 2H or 4H, with the rear differential lock on or off, allowing drivers to customize their experience based on their comfort levels and the terrain at hand.

Power Under the Hood Ford Ranger Raptor

The Ford Ranger Raptor boasts an impressive powertrain that sets it apart from its competitors. This section delves into the heart of the Raptor's performance, exploring its engine specifications, transmission, drivetrain, and fuel efficiency.
 

Engine Specifications

The Ranger Raptor offers two formidable engine options, each designed to deliver outstanding performance both on and off-road. The star of the show is the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 petrol engine, which is unique to the Raptor model. This twin-turbocharged powerplant produces 292 horsepower in the UK market, although Australian versions boast an even more impressive 392 horsepower and 583 Nm of torque.
The V6 engine features a compacted graphite iron block with aluminum heads, utilizing a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) design with four valves per cylinder and twin independent variable camshaft timing. With a bore of 3.36 inches (85.4 mm) and a stroke of 3.38 inches (86.0 mm), the engine displaces 180.0 cubic inches (2,949 cubic centimeters). It has a compression ratio of 10.5:1 and employs both port fuel and direct injection systems for optimal fuel delivery.
For those preferring diesel power, Ford offers a 2.0-liter Bi-turbo EcoBlue diesel engine. This option produces 208 horsepower and provides a different driving experience with its own set of performance characteristics.

Transmission and Drivetrain Ford Ranger Raptor

Both engine options are paired with Ford's sophisticated 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. This gearbox is designed to deliver spirited acceleration while maintaining surprising fuel efficiency. It employs real-time adaptive shift-scheduling, allowing it to effortlessly adapt to changing conditions, ensuring the Raptor is always in the optimal gear for any situation.
The transmission's gear ratios are carefully selected to maximize performance across a wide range of driving scenarios. The first gear has a ratio of 4.714:1, providing excellent low-end torque for off-road crawling and towing. The tenth gear, with a ratio of 0.636:1, allows for efficient highway cruising.
The Ranger Raptor comes standard with a 4x4 drivetrain featuring an Electromechanical Transfer Case (eMTC). This system is complemented by electronic locking front and rear differentials, providing superior traction in challenging off-road conditions. The final drive rear axle ratio is 4.27:1, striking a balance between acceleration and fuel economy.

Fuel Efficiency Ford Ranger Raptor

While the Ranger Raptor prioritizes performance, fuel efficiency remains a consideration for many buyers. The 3.0-liter V6 petrol engine, despite its impressive power output, manages an official WLTP rating of 20.4 mpg (miles per gallon). However, real-world fuel consumption can vary significantly depending on driving conditions and style. During high-performance off-road testing, fuel economy figures as low as 15 mpg have been observed, though more careful driving can yield results approaching the 20s.
For those seeking better fuel economy, the 2.0-liter diesel engine offers a slight improvement with an official rating of 26.6 mpg. This figure represents a slight decrease from the previous diesel model's 31.7 mpg, likely due to the new Raptor's enhanced performance capabilities.
It's worth noting that the Raptor's fuel tank capacity is 20.3 gallons, providing a reasonable range despite its thirsty nature. The recommended fuel for the V6 petrol engine is 91 octane, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.

Off-Road Performance Features Ford Ranger Raptor

The Ford Ranger Raptor's off-road capabilities are a testament to its engineering prowess. With a host of advanced features designed to tackle the toughest terrains, this vehicle stands out as a true off-road champion.

Suspension System Ford Ranger Raptor

At the heart of the Ranger Raptor's exceptional off-road performance lies its purpose-built suspension system. This system incorporates lightweight aluminum upper and lower control arms, coupled with a long-travel rear suspension featuring a Watts linkage and trailing arms. This setup provides superior control and stability across rough terrain, even at high speeds.
The crown jewel of the Ranger Raptor's suspension is the FOX Shocks with Live Valve Technology. These shocks represent a significant upgrade from passive dampers to semi-active Live Valve dampers, a key factor in managing dynamic loads and enhancing the vehicle's overall capability. The system combines passive and semi-active elements, allowing for adaptive performance based on terrain and driving conditions.
Inside each shock absorber, a series of unique shimmed bypass ports allow Teflon™-infused oil to flow between the inner and outer body. This design creates carefully crafted ride zones within the shock absorber, developed jointly by Ford and FOX engineers. These zones enable the damper to build damping force based on stroke position, providing a comfortable ride across light terrain while increasing damping on more aggressive surfaces.
The Live Valve system takes the Ranger Raptor's suspension to new heights. It controls oil flow around the damper by adjusting flow through the valve needle when specific drive modes are selected. This system analyzes data from various sensors 500 times per second, allowing it to predict and prepare for changes in driving style and terrain.

Terrain Management System

The Ranger Raptor boasts an advanced permanent four-wheel drive system with an electronically controlled on-demand two-speed transfer case. This system is complemented by front and rear locking differentials, a feature highly valued by serious off-road enthusiasts.
To further enhance its off-road prowess, the Ranger Raptor offers up to seven selectable drive modes. These modes are linked to the Live Valve Internal Bypass system, allowing for optimized performance across various terrains and driving conditions. The standout among these is the 'Baja' mode, specifically designed for extreme high-speed off-roading.
Each drive mode adjusts various vehicle parameters to suit different conditions. For instance, in Normal mode, the damping response is largely passive, maintaining the smooth "magic carpet" ride that made the original Ranger Raptor popular. Switch to Sport mode, and the system increases damping assistance to maintain flatter cornering. The system's ability to adjust within milliseconds ensures a natural and responsive driving experience across all terrains.

Tires and Wheels Ford Ranger Raptor

The Ranger Raptor's off-road capabilities are further enhanced by its wheel and tire combination. The vehicle features flared fenders to accommodate a choice of two muscular 17-inch wheel designs. One of these designs offers beadlock capability, a feature particularly useful for serious off-road enthusiasts.
These wheels are wrapped in BFGoodrich® all-terrain KO2® tires, known for their exceptional off-road performance and durability. This tire choice ensures optimal traction across a wide range of surfaces, from smooth tarmac to loose sand and rocky trails.
The combination of advanced suspension, intelligent terrain management, and purpose-built wheels and tires makes the Ford Ranger Raptor a formidable off-road machine. It's designed to dominate in the desert, master mountains, and excel in all terrains in between, truly raising the bar for off-road performance in the pickup truck segment.

Interior Comfort and Technology

The Ford Ranger Raptor's interior strikes a balance between rugged utility and premium comfort, elevating it beyond its commercial vehicle origins. The cabin's design reflects Ford Performance DNA, offering a blend of functionality and luxury that sets it apart from standard pickup trucks.

Seating and Materials Ford Ranger Raptor

The Ranger Raptor features race-inspired, contoured front seats that provide optimal support and stand-out style. Trimmed in premium leather and MIKO suede, these seats boast embossed Raptor lettering and contrast stitching. They are electrically adjustable and heated, offering comfort levels typically found in premium SUVs. While the seats are generally comfortable and easy to slide into, longer-legged drivers might wish for a longer seat base.
The interior's material quality has seen a significant upgrade. Soft-touch plastics on the doors and suede-like material on the dash contribute to a more upscale feel. Red highlights on the seats, steering wheel, and dash further enhance the ambiance. However, some harder plastics remain, designed to withstand the rigors of off-road use.
Rear seating accommodates three passengers, with adequate space for adults in both rows. The cabin can also handle car seats, though loading and unloading children from the elevated position requires some skill.

Infotainment System Ford Ranger Raptor

At the heart of the Ranger Raptor's technology offerings is Ford's SYNC 4A infotainment system. This system is displayed on a 12-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen in the center of the dash, complemented by a 12.4-inch digital instrument display for the driver.
The SYNC 4A system offers a range of advanced features:

1. Cloud-based connectivity for comprehensive destination search and real-time traffic information

 

1. Over-the-air update capability for continuous improvement

 

1. Conversational voice recognition for easier control

 

1. Wireless smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

 

1. Wireless charging for compatible devices

While the system initially appears complex, users quickly become accustomed to its layout. The screen is divided into sections, offering sharp graphics and useful camera angles for off-roading and parking. However, some icons are small, and the air-conditioning controls at the bottom of the screen can be challenging to use while driving. Fortunately, physical rotary knobs for temperature adjustment are provided below the screen.
The Raptor also comes standard with a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, delivering powerful sound quality to enhance the driving experience.

Driver Assistance Features Ford Ranger Raptor

The Ford Ranger Raptor offers an impressive array of driver assistance features, making it a leader in its class with 31 standard or available features. These systems work together to enhance safety and convenience:

1. Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Trailer Coverage: Alerts drivers to vehicles in blind spots, even when towing.

 

1. Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go: Maintains set speed and distance from vehicles ahead, capable of coming to a complete stop and resuming in traffic.

 

1. Lane-Keeping Assist: Helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane.

 

1. Active Park Assist 2.0: A class-exclusive feature that automates parallel and perpendicular parking.

 

1. Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Trailer Reverse Guidance: Class-exclusive features that simplify trailer maneuvering.

 

1. 360-degree camera: Provides a comprehensive view of the vehicle's surroundings.

 

1. Trail Control: Allows drivers to set a low speed for off-road driving.

The Raptor also includes advanced safety features such as airbags for both front occupants, including a "Far-Side" airbag that deploys between the front seats to prevent passenger collision in an accident. Additional safety systems include Pre-Collision Assist and Post-Impact Braking.

Comparing the Ranger Raptor

The Ford Ranger Raptor stands out in the pickup truck segment, offering unique features and capabilities that set it apart from both its standard counterparts and competitors. This comparison highlights the key differences and advantages of the Ranger Raptor.

vs. Standard Ford Ranger Ford Ranger Raptor

The Ranger Raptor boasts significant upgrades over the standard Ford Ranger models, such as the Thunder and Wildtrak variants. These enhancements are evident in both its design and performance capabilities.
Dimensionally, the Raptor is more imposing. It features front and rear tracks that are 150mm wider and sits 51mm taller than the standard Modified Ford Ranger. This increased stature contributes to improved off-road performance, with the Raptor achieving superior approach, breakover, and departure angles (32.5°, 24°, and 24° respectively) compared to the standard Ranger (28.7°, 21.5°, and 25.4°).
The Raptor's suspension system is a major differentiator. It employs 63mm-diameter Fox Racing dampers, increasing front travel by 32% and rear travel by 18%. Unlike the standard Ranger's leaf-sprung rear suspension, the Raptor features a coil-sprung arrangement with a Watt's Linkage, allowing for near-straight suspension travel. This setup, combined with new aluminum control arms, significantly enhances the vehicle's off-road capabilities.
Visually, the Raptor distinguishes itself with bespoke front and rear wings, blistered arches, and tough plastic cladding. It rides on 17-inch wheels wrapped in 33-inch BF Goodrich A/T tires, compared to the 18-inch wheels with Continental ContiCrossContact XL tires found on models like the Thunder.
The Raptor's frame has been reinforced with low-alloy steels, increasing its impact resistance. This structural enhancement, coupled with its advanced suspension, allows the Raptor to tackle challenging terrains with ease, outperforming the standard Ranger in off-road scenarios.

vs. Competitors in the Segment Ford Ranger Raptor

When compared to its competitors, the Ranger Raptor holds its own in several key areas while facing some limitations in others.
Priced at just over £60,000, the Raptor is positioned competitively in its segment, undercutting some of its rivals. However, its classification as a non-commercial vehicle due to payload limitations means it doesn't offer the same tax benefits as other pickup trucks.
The Raptor excels in off-road performance, particularly in high-speed scenarios. Its Baja mode allows for controlled, fast driving on rough tracks, with the suspension effectively absorbing bumps and handling jumps smoothly. This capability sets it apart from competitors that may require slower speeds on similar terrain.
However, the Raptor faces some limitations in traditional pickup truck metrics. Its maximum towing capacity of 2.5 tons is 1,000kg less than some competitors and even less than the standard Ranger. Additionally, its inability to carry a one-ton payload affects its versatility for some commercial applications.
The Raptor's advanced technology features, such as its off-road cruise control system, match or exceed those of high-end competitors like Land Rover. This system allows drivers to maintain speeds up to 18mph while focusing on navigating challenging terrain.
In terms of on-road performance, the Raptor maintains the comfort and refinement of its standard counterparts, despite its more rugged build. However, its off-road-oriented tires may offer less grip on wet tarmac compared to more road-biased competitors.

Conclusion

The Ford Ranger Raptor stands out as a game-changer in the pickup truck world. Its blend of raw power, off-road prowess, and high-tech features makes it a top choice for thrill-seekers and everyday drivers alike. The Raptor's advanced suspension system, coupled with its robust engine options, gives it an edge over both standard Rangers and competitors in tackling tough terrains.
While the Raptor shines in off-road performance, it also offers comfort and refinement on city streets. Its luxurious interior, packed with cutting-edge tech, shows Ford's commitment to creating a well-rounded vehicle. Despite some trade-offs in towing capacity and payload, the Ranger Raptor 2024 unique mix of capabilities makes it a standout option for those seeking a versatile and exciting pickup truck experience.

FAQs Ford Ranger Raptor

What is the horsepower of the 2024 Ford Raptor R? The 2024 Ford Raptor R has significantly enhanced its performance, featuring a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine that produces an impressive 720 horsepower, which is an increase of 20 horsepower over its previous model.
How can I increase the speed of my Ford Raptor? Installing a cold air intake system can boost the Ford Raptor's speed by enhancing the engine's combustion process through increased cool air intake. This upgrade can potentially add more than 30 horsepower and also improve the appearance of the engine bay.
What is the horsepower of the Ford Raptor's performance model? The Ford Raptor, recognized as a 2024 Editors' Choice, delivers 450 horsepower with its twin-turbocharged V-6 engine coupled to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The more robust Raptor R model boasts a 720-horsepower supercharged V-8, offering a significantly louder and more powerful performance.
How much power does the Ranger Raptor produce? The Ranger Raptor is equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine, similar to that of the Bronco Raptor. See Ford Ranger Raptor AccessoriesDue to its extended exhaust piping, it generates 405 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque.