Since 2010, Ford’s F-150 Raptor has been the apex predator in the world of off-road pickups. From its high-output twin-turbo V6 (or the 720-horsepower supercharged V8 found in the high-performance Raptor R) to the upgraded suspension with FOX internal bypass dampers and rear coil springs, there’s no mistaking the Raptor for any other F-150 model. The third-gen Raptor has enjoyed a massively successful run over the last couple of years, with demand consistently outstripping supply to make the truck one of the most sought-after F-150 trims on the market. The F-150 Raptor’s success has led to no shortage of copycats as Ram, Chevy, and the like try to get in on the super truck trend, but for many drivers, there’s just no substitute for the prehistorically-inspired model.
Now, the potent pickup gets a little in-house competition in the form of the Ranger Raptor. Ford has treated its midsize model to a thorough overhaul that’s worthy of the vaunted Raptor name, outfitting the Ranger Raptor with a host of heavy-duty off-road components that are well-suited to the truck’s smaller size. While few models can approach the raw power of the F-150 Raptor, finding a midsize Ford Ranger for sale might actually be a more practical choice when it comes to the type of off-road scenarios that the average driver is likely to encounter. Sure, the F-150 Raptor might provide the sort of high-speed, desert racing antics that wouldn’t be out of place at such iconic events as the Baja 1000, but the full-size pickup’s sheer bulk can also be limiting when it comes to navigating tighter off-road trails or trying to pull double duty as a daily driver. So, can the new Ranger trim possibly live up to the Raptor name, and what sort of off-road equipment has Ford employed to help drivers master the road less traveled? I’ll dive into all that and more as we explore the rough-and-tumble world of the Ford Ranger Raptor.
It’s All Good Under The Hood
Pure power isn’t the be-all-end-all when it comes to conquering a steep incline, muddy stretch of trail, or other off-road obstacles, but it’s certainly an important part of the equation. The Ranger Raptor is equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 that produces 405 hp, which should be more than enough muscle for any off-road excursion. There’s nothing wrong with the 270-horsepower 2.3-liter four-cylinder or 315-horsepower 2.7-liter V6 found in the standard Ranger, but the Ranger Raptor’s brawny 3.0-liter proves just how seriously Ford has taken the assignment, especially when you start to contrast the truck against some of the market’s other off-road offerings. Slapping some sporty accessories on an existing model and marketing it as a dedicated off-road machine has become all the rage across the modern truck market, but replacing the Ranger’s single-most expensive component with one of the mightiest V6 engines in the automaker’s lineup has allowed Ford to skirt the “soft-roader” tag with ease.
The Ranger Raptor also excels in the torque department, which is often a more useful metric when trying to compare off-road models. Traction is everything when you’re dealing with challenging off-road terrain, and with 430 lb-ft of pure twisting force on tap, the Ranger Raptor has it in spades. For those who value speed above all else, this truck isn’t likely to disappoint with a blistering zero to 60 mph time of 5.3 seconds. That’s only a tenth slower than the F-150 Raptor and clocks in almost a full second faster than the regular Ranger at 6.2 seconds. The most glaring contrast comes when measuring the Ranger Raptor against Chevy’s midsize off-road model, the Colorado ZR2. The Chevy is relatively underpowered with a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder delivering just 310 horsepower and a pokey zero to 60 mph time of 7.1 seconds.
Ranging Into New Territory
From its 2.5-inch FOX Live Valve shocks with variable compression damping and Watts-Link suspension to its coil-over springs and custom steering rack with longer tie rods, the Ranger Raptor is a standout from a suspension perspective. There’s no underestimating the importance of shock absorption when you’re regularly venturing into unforgiving off-road environs—a lesson Ford has clearly taken to heart when designing the Ranger Raptor. The FOX Live Valve shocks are widely considered to be some of the best on the market, with the Blue Oval sparing no expense to ensure the new Ranger does the Raptor name proud. In order to meet the demands of the off-road lifestyle, Ford has also beefed up every corner of the truck, expanding the truck’s axle tube by 3.5 inches and replacing the standard Panhard rod with a Watts linkage to provide superior lateral control for improved cornering.
A set of 33-inch BFGoodrich KO3 all-terrain tires allow the Ranger Raptor to chew through mud, sand, and other loose surfaces with ease, but it’s the truck’s ample arsenal of off-road tech that really caught my attention this time around. The Ranger Raptor comes standard with a hardy four-wheel drive system with four distinct settings: 2H, 4H, 4L, and 4A. It’s the Raptor’s 4A mode that really sets it apart from the lesser Ranger, allowing the truck to monitor changing road conditions and automatically engage the 4WD system as needed. The customization potential doesn’t stop with the 4WD system, with the Ranger Raptor offering seven additional drive modes. Off-Road mode and Rock Crawl mode see the electronically locking rear differential kick into action to provide maximum traction, but Baja mode might be the most noteworthy of the settings. In Baja mode, the Ranger defaults to 4H, dials back the truck’s stability and traction control systems, and lets drivers manually activate the electronically locking rear differential. Perfect for speeding over uneven off-road terrain, Baja mode will have you itching to test the truck’s limits every time you pass a wide-open field or desert hardpan.
Right-Sizing the Raptor
As I mentioned earlier, the F-150 Raptor’s size can actually be something or a drawback when it comes to tackling hazardous off-road terrain. Measuring 86.6 inches wide, the F-150 Raptor is so bulky that Ford is legally mandated to outfit the pickup with the same clearance lights found on commercial trucks. That sort of size might not make much of a difference when you’re cruising through the wide-open desert or speeding across an empty field, but it could definitely present some problems on the sort of two-track trails that are the bread and butter of the off-roading world. From trading paint with passing vehicles to making narrow turns to the sort of brush-induced “trail striping” that can damage the exterior, full-size pickups aren’t always the right choice for off-road adventure.
That’s where the Ranger Raptor comes in. The pickup’s midsize design allows it to go where few full-size models would dare, whether it be the tight turns of your local off-road trails or the snug parking spots of a nearby grocery store. The Ranger Raptor measures 79.8 inches wide, which, while four inches wider than the garden-variety Ranger, is actually narrower than a standard F-150. Most of this extra width comes down to the Ranger Raptor’s extended fender flares and wider track, which sees the truck’s tires spaced out by an extra 3.5 inches. The Ranger Raptor also boasts improved approach, breakover, and departure angles, which are three numbers that can make all the difference when trying to tackle steep inclines or precipitous drop-offs. While the standard Ranger has approach, breakover, and departure angles of 30.2, 23, and 25.8 degrees, respectively, the Raptor version ups the ante at 33, 24.2, and 26.4 degrees. It might not sound like much, but those few degrees can mean the difference between an easy off-road journey and one that results in a bunch of bruises, dents, and scrapes.
Towing Tech on Tap
In addition to its long list of off-road goodies, the Ranger Raptor also comes standard with a generous suite of advanced towing technology. The Advanced Towing Package adds a trailer brake controller to the mix, not to mention two unique features that are sure to make your next towing task go off without a hitch. Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist eliminates one of the trickiest parts of any towing project: trying to figure out which way to move the steering wheel to get your boat, trailer, or RV nestled into the perfect spot. The system takes all the guesswork out of the process with a standalone knob that can be used to control the Ranger Raptor’s steering system.
Just enter a few simple measurements, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist will spring into action, using the truck’s camera system to monitor the trailer and allowing drivers to maneuver it to the left or right by manipulating the knob. That means less time spent on mental gymnastics and more time enjoying a lake cruise, prepping a campfire, or tearing through the woods on your ATV. The Ranger Raptor also comes standard with the Trailer Tow Package, which outfits the pickup with a 4/7-pin wiring harness and a Class IV trailer hitch receiver that gives drivers the opportunity to take full advantage of the truck’s 5,510-pound towing capacity.
An Enticing Off-Roader
The new off-road Ranger represents a valuable addition to the Raptor family. The F-150 Raptor is already the stuff of legend, while the Bronco Raptor sees Ford’s beloved adventure-ready SUV transformed into a true off-road beast. The Ranger Raptor’s midsize design, 405-horsepower EcoBoost V6, and bounty of off-road suspension components should allow it to etch its name into the history books alongside its full-size sibling, giving Ford fans an enticing new option that outshines the F-150 Raptor in terms of practicality and efficiency. While I’ve largely focused on the Ranger Raptor’s off-road resume, these components are just one part of the midsize pickup’s appeal. The rugged truck is also about as refined as they come, with a premium 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, 12-inch vertical touchscreen display, 12-inch digital gauge cluster, and available Wi-Fi hotspot. Throw in a five-foot bed equipped with 120-volt outlets, integrated bed lighting, and plenty of cargo room, and it’s easy to see why the Ranger Raptor has already earned so much attention in its short time on the market.
