Oct 31, 2022 at 5:47am ET
This Is It!
Ford unveiled the Ranger Raptor earlier this year and by the looks of it, the Dearborn automaker is already ready to take the performance truck to the next level. Come tomorrow, November 1, a racing version will break cover during the Melbourne Cup Day, Australia's horse racing event held annually on the first Tuesday of November. To generate buzz around the premiere, a short teaser video has been published on various social media channels.
It’s too soon to say what the Blue Oval has been working on, but the extra lights suggest it's a rally-ready version for events such as the Baja 1000. All we can do is speculate at this point, but we won't be too surprised if it’s a Ranger Raptor R or something similar. The speedy truck already comes from the factory with a dedicated Baja driving mode, meaning it was conceived from the get-go to take a beating.
Unlike the previous-generation Ranger Raptor, the new one is coming to North America where it has been confirmed to go on sale in 2023. The United States and Canada are likely to receive the uncorked version with the full 392 hp and 583 Nm [430 lb-ft] of torque. Over in Europe, the truck has only 288 hp and 491 Nm [362 lb-ft] from its twin-turbo V6 EcoBoost engine due to far more stringent emissions regulations.
With the new Ranger Raptor, Ford is doing things differently by switching from a twin-turbodiesel four-cylinder to a V6 gas engine. In select markets, there's also a V6 diesel for the non-Raptor version while Volkswagen will be selling its own truck as the second-generation Amarok. As before, the Ranger has served as the foundation for a body-on-frame Everest SUV, but a spicy Raptor derivative is not planned for the time being.
The Ranger Raptor Is Different Depending On The Market:
Source: Ford Performance
The 2022 Ford Ranger, despite its lower sales volumes versus the Toyota Tacoma and Chevy Colorado, is still among the best in the midsize segment. But what really excites the enthusiasts, though, is the performance off-road versions. Sure the TRD Pro and ZR2 Bison have been a favorite, but honestly, it’s the long-awaited Ranger Raptor that's going to rattle the segment.
While the 2022 Ford F-150 has its fair share of Raptor models, from the 450-horsepower ‘regular’ to the 5.2L Supercharged Raptor R, it’s the smaller 2023 Ranger Raptor that piques our interest. In fact, we reckon this off-road-ready Ranger has so much potential that it’s worth waiting for its arrival here.
Although the next-gen Ranger Raptor is available in overseas markets, the model is yet to hit U.S shores. Sales of the new Ford Ranger Raptor in the United States are expected to start sometime next year. However, due to global supplychain issues, it is expected the Ranger Raptor’s launch in the U.S. being pushed to 2023—instead of late 2022—and that the new Ford could likely be a 2024 model.
On the plus side, though, we have all the information on what the new top-spec Ranger is capable of. Ford equipped the new 2023 Ranger Raptor with several bespoke touches and plenty of off-road gear. Suffice to say, the midsize Raptor truck has the potential to traverse any terrain without sweating one bit.
The New Ranger Raptor Gets A Rowdy V6 With Two Turbochargers
via Ford
The racy Raptor is equipped with competition-level off-road technology and hardware. Because the market favors spicy engines, Ford has added a bit more flavor to the otherwise boring credentials of the Ranger. The Raptor model gets the same twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 that’s offered in a variety of Ford and Lincoln models.
However, Ford Performance tuned the powerplant to deliver 392 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque in the new Ranger Raptor sold overseas. U.S models could see slightly different outputs. In terms of transmission, the midsize truck gets a 10-speed automatic with front and rear locking differentials. Obviously it features a four-wheel-drive system with multiple drive modes.
Of the seven driver-selectable modes, the uniquely tuned Baja Mode activates a turbo anti-lag calibration to maximize performance over high-speed desert runs. The other available setups are fairly straightforward. These help make the Ranger Raptor more versatile across demanding scenarios. In addition to high-speed desert capabilities and crawling over rocks, this Ranger is also capable of towing 5,500 pounds, which is lower than its non-Raptor siblings owing to the performance-rated suspension and chassis geometry.
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Bespoke Exterior Details Make The Ranger Raptor Feel Purposeful
via Ford
Ford has given the Ranger Raptor quite a few bespoke design elements. You get a unique grille design with layered protrusions that give the front fascia a dominating appeal. A similar design can be seen on Ford’s larger F-150 Raptor, making the design ethos cohesive across the range. With fender flares, alongside bespoke off-road tires and suspension, the Ranger Raptor now sits taller and wider than a standard Ranger. The contoured front bumper design enhances the overall presence, exposing a portion of the massive front tires. The Ranger Raptor gets 33-inch BFGoodrich KO2 off-road tires wrapped around upgraded 17-inch wheels with optional Beadlock rims.
In addition to this, Ford Performance collaborated with FOX to develop competition-level off-road suspension for the Ranger Raptor. The arsenal consists of semi-active dampers and FOX’s live valve integrated controllers on all four shocks. Suspension height sensors and other sensors at each corner monitor terrain conditions independently hundreds of times every second and adjust suspension tuning accordingly.
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Performance Interiors Enhance The Ranger Raptor’s Racy Appeal
Via: Ford
Apart from the obvious lettering business that includes a splash of Raptor badges inside, we can see leather and suede upholstery adorning the heavily bolstered front seats. As standard, the 2023 Ranger Raptor gets a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.
The Ranger Raptor features a familiar dash design, integrating an all-digital cluster, as seen in the Bronco Raptor. This allows drivers to select from various views and should likely feature the Performance View when sold in the U.S. The Performance View emphasizes tachometer and gear readings for a more involving drive experience. Also, the overseas version has aluminum paddle shifters and a 12 o’clock marker on the steering wheel, which add to the sporty appeal. However, the 2023 Ranger Raptor will only be offered in one configuration—a crew cab with a five-foot cargo bed.
To sum up, the 2023 Ranger Raptor has enough oomph to get you through the gnarliest of terrains without much drama. We anticipate Ford to price the upcoming Raptor model close to $55,000, which is about the same price as the Australian version, after conversion. As far as performance-oriented 4x4 trucks go, the 2023 Ranger Raptor has all the makings of being the best in the midsize segment.
Sources: Ford Australia