The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor quickly gained a lot of fans among off-road and utility vehicle enthusiasts. Its distinctive appearance goes hand in hand with great off-road capabilities, a very utilitarian character and good quality of workmanship. We bring you closer to the silhouette of the Ranger Raptor.
The Ford Ranger Raptor is the flagship model in the Ford pickup range. Designed for off-road enthusiasts who expect a combination of high performance with unparalleled off-road capabilities. In its latest version, available from 2023, the Ranger Raptor offers a number of technical and styling improvements that make it an even more attractive choice for lovers of adventures off the beaten track.
Engines and performance
Although in the US the new Ford Ranger Raptor is available with a larger number of engines – petrol 2.3, 2.7 and 30 EcoBoost with power of 270, 315 and 405 HP respectively, in Poland we can choose from only two engines – a two-liter diesel and a three-liter petrol with more modest performance. Here they are:
- 2.0 EcoBlue Bi-Turbo diesel engine. The four-cylinder diesel with a capacity of 1997 cm³ generates power of 210 HP (154 kW) and torque of 500 Nm. Thanks to the use of double supercharging, this unit provides smooth and dynamic acceleration. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes about 10.5 seconds, and the maximum speed is 180 km/h. Average fuel consumption oscillates around 8.9 l/100 km.
- 3.0 V6 EcoBoost petrol engine. For those who prefer more power, a petrol unit with 292 HP and 491 Nm of torque is available. This engine provides even better performance, but acceleration and fuel consumption data can vary widely – from 11 liters on the highway to up to 17/20 in the city.
Drivetrain and gearbox
The Ranger Raptor is equipped with an advanced four-wheel drive system (e-4WD) with the ability to choose from various driving modes that adapt the drive system to the terrain. As standard, it works with a 10-speed automatic gearbox, which ensures smooth and efficient transfer of power to the wheels.
Suspension and off-road capabilities
The Raptor’s suspension has been designed with extreme off-road conditions in mind. The front has an independent McPherson suspension with coil springs, while the rear has a double wishbone multi-link suspension. Gas shock absorbers provide excellent control and ride comfort even in difficult terrain. With a ground clearance of 285 mm and approach (32°), breakover (24°) and departure (27°) angles, the Ranger Raptor is able to overcome demanding terrain obstacles. Additionally, the wading depth of 850 mm allows for safe overcoming of water obstacles.
Kerb weight and load capacity
The vehicle’s kerb weight is 2436 kg, and the permissible gross vehicle weight is 3280 kg. The Ranger Raptor can tow trailers weighing up to 3500 kg with brakes and 750 kg without brakes. Dimensions and cargo space The vehicle measures 5360 mm in length, 2028 mm in width (2208 mm with mirrors) and 1926 mm in height. The wheelbase is 3270 mm. The cargo box has a capacity of 1850 litres, which allows for the transport of a large amount of equipment or cargo.
Driving impressions and tests
In field tests, the Ford Ranger Raptor demonstrated very good driving properties, both on asphalt and off-road. Advanced suspension and precise steering ensure confident driving. The powertrains – especially the petrol V6 – are praised for their appropriate dynamics. The 2-litre diesel is slightly more modest in terms of maximum power, but supported by two turbochargers, it provides enough torque and power for the car to cope even in difficult conditions.
See also: Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 250 – offroad legend reborn
The vehicle’s interior offers high comfort and modern technologies supporting the driver. In addition, it is fancy and leaves the impression of high quality of workmanship. Is this really the case? We will see in a few years, when these cars will have higher mileage.
The Raptor is a versatile pick-up truck that combines reasonable performance with quite considerable off-road capabilities already in the basic version. It does not require any special modifications or alterations to drive on unpaved roads or even in more difficult terrain. There are still questions about the durability and strength of the components and body elements – in terms of design, the Raptor looks very hi-end.
Good in off-road and everyday use
On the one hand, these are very nice features for everyday use. On the other, they can cause problems when driving on unpaved roads. In off-road, the car works and “turns” much more strongly than during typical road use. And the more designer elements, plastics, screens, the greater the risk that they will squeak, crackle or stop working when used in more difficult conditions. For now, however, there is no point in finding fault. Time will tell how these cars will look in a few years.
In tests, Ford’s flagship pick-up is assessed very positively, mainly for its driving properties, great off-road capability, but also a very “civilian” character that does not interfere with everyday use. Perhaps that is why so many of these cars can be seen on the streets of large cities. They look great, and driving them is not tiring even despite such large dimensions and off-road character.
Key off-road capabilities of the Ford Ranger Raptor
- Advanced 4×4 drive – e-4WD system with electronically controlled center differential and rear axle lock provides excellent traction on any surface.
- FOX Live Valve suspension – shock absorbers with variable damping characteristics adapt to driving conditions, reducing shocks and providing greater control on bumpy terrain.
- Off-road driving modes – the driver can choose from several modes, including Baja (for dynamic driving on sand), Rock Crawl (for climbing rocks) or Mud/Ruts (for muddy roads).
- High ground clearance and off-road angles – 285 mm of ground clearance, 32° approach angle, 24° breakover angle and 27° departure angle allow you to safely overcome obstacles.
- Wading depth of 850 mm – Ranger Raptor can easily cross rivers and flooded roads, making it an ideal choice for lovers of extreme expeditions.
Ford Ranger Raptor – hardtop or camper?
It is also worth mentioning that Ranger Raptor is very susceptible to modifications and in a sense “plastic”. The offer of companies creating accessories for expedition and off-road vehicles allows you to equip it with a lot of additional gadgets. Brands such as Alu-Cab allow you to equip it with a hardtop or canopy type of structure, increasing its usability or allowing you to turn it into a real, expedition camper. Front Runner has a lot of additional accessories such as SlimLine or SlimSport racks, Pro-Bed systems or drawer structures; increasing the functionality of the Ranger. There are also plates for a winch and many, many other accessories.
If, in turn, you intend to turn Ranger Raptor into a real off-road beast, or an expedition camper, you should also familiarize yourself with the very wide offer of ARB. Here you will find many possibilities of suspension modifications: from parabolic springs (for Ranger), through BP-51, MT64 suspensions, polybushes, springs, to adapters. In ARB we will also find bumpers, Base Rack racks, or axle locks, snorkels and additional fuel tanks.
We cannot forget about other, more universal accessories, such as additional lighting. We recommend, for example, Strands, Lazer or ARB. Winches – here WARN VR Evo – or underbody protection, and sills and plates for mounting accessories are e.g. MorE. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the offer of our store rayo4x4.pl, both in terms of products dedicated to the Ford Ranger Raptor, as well as more universal ones. If you do not find the accessories you are interested in – call us – we will definitely help!
