Ranger Raptor Hands-on First Look: Best Raptor Per Dollar Spent?
Starting under $57 grand, the 2024 Ranger Raptor is the most powerful Ranger of all time and the lightest Raptor ever made.
Full disclosure: the Ford Motor Company flew Ford Truck Enthusiasts to Detroit to see the all-new 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor in person. Ford covered travel and amenities.
Ford unleashed its first F-150 Raptor over a decade ago, answering the question, what would happen if someone made a street-legal trophy truck built for high-speed off-roading and jumping? (Answer: it’s a huge hit and an icon.) Today, the Raptor family includes three F-150 Raptor variants (base, 37, and R), a Bronco Raptor, and now this, the first North American Ranger Raptor. (The nameplate has previously existed in other markets, although not exactly like this.)
For a full breakdown of the 2024 Ford Ranger XL, XLT, and Lariat, please click HERE!
Raptors represent the pinnacle of Ford’s truck and SUV engineering. Quick and capable and luxurious and stuffed to the gills with technology. But they’re also expensive and often very heavy. Which is why it’s remarkable to see the Ranger Raptor start at $56,960 (including destination and delivery) with a 5,325-lb curb weight. To put this into perspective, the Ranger Raptor is $20 to $30 grand cheaper than the F-150 Raptor (V6) and Bronco Raptor. And at least 400 pounds lighter.
In other words, the Ranger Raptor may be the most fun to drive while putting the smallest dent in your wallet.
What do YOU think about the Ranger Raptor?
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Unrivaled Power
Powered by a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, the Ranger Raptor delivers a best-in-class 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque with 90% of peak power arriving at redline. This is a variant of the 3.0L found in the Bronco Raptor, but down slightly in horsepower in torque, Ford says, due to the Ranger’s longer exhaust and more air-restrictive front end. Coupled with an advanced four-wheel drive system, electronically controlled on-demand two-speed transfer case, and front and rear locking differentials, this truck provides exceptional off-road traction.
G.O.A.T driving modes include Normal, Tow/Haul, Sport, Slippery, Off-Road, Rock Crawl, and Baja. Baja mode is the Ranger Raptor’s going ham mode for high-speed off-roading. Limited traction control. 4×4 engaged. And anti-lag setting with the turbos to keep the boost up. All while the large front-facing camera activates to help warn the driver of oncoming obstacles.
The Ranger Raptor also boasts an active valve exhaust system with four modes — Quiet, Normal, Sport, and Baja. But the 3.0 EcoBoost isn’t exactly a V8, so we’re not sure it needs to be louder. The only available transmission is the 10-speed automatic SelectShift transmission with 4H, 4L, and 4A modes. I know most folks are resistant to too many gears, but Ford’s modern 10-speeds are really smart when it comes to getting the truck into the right power band.
Advanced Suspension
Ford Performance has engineered the Ranger Raptor with a long-travel suspension system, including a Watts link rear suspension and class-exclusive 2.5-inch FOX Live Valve shocks. This suspension setup is designed to conquer challenging dunes and provide exceptional off-road capabilities.
The next-generation FOX 2.5-inch Live Valve Internal Bypass shocks are built to offer durability and performance, with Teflon-infused oil to reduce friction and heat build-up. The Ranger Raptor’s suspension also adapts to different driving modes, providing optimal comfort, control, and ride quality at various speeds. (Interestingly, Ford says that its engineers do all the programming and algorithms for the shocks, while FOX handles the physical construction, so it’s a true partnership.)
Narrower & Shorter
The 2024 Ranger Raptor may be 3.5 inches wider than the base Ranger — with unique fenders and bedsides — but it’s also the narrowest Raptor in the stable. Interestingly enough, the Ranger Raptor is the only Raptor, at 79.9 inches wide, that doesn’t require additional amber (front) and red (rear) lightning to meet DOT regulations for 80-inch-plus vehicles. For context, the F-150 Raptors come in at 86.6 inches while Bronco Raptor is at 85.7 inches.
The Ranger Raptor is also unique for offering the smallest tires. 285-70R17 B.F. Goodrich Radial A/T K03s. That’s 33 inches — the same size as the F-150 Tremor — compared to the 35s on the F-150 Raptor and Bronco Sasquatch, and 37s on the F-150 Raptor 37/R and Bronco Raptor.
Now, from a purely off-roading perspective, one could argue that it’s odd to see a Raptor without the massive tires and track width, but I’d personally argue this is a benefit.
First, smaller tires are easier to get moving because there’s less rotational mass — that’s going to translate to harder launches on the road and more control on the trails. Second, the Ranger Raptor is going to fit on narrower trails (always a plus). And, lastly, Ford engineers have extended the Ranger’s wheelbase by two inches for the 2024 model, so approach and departure angles are still relatively good for a vehicle running on 33s.
Interior Features & Cutting-Edge Technology
Inside, the 2024 Ranger Raptor is equipped with various purposeful technologies and features to enhance the driving experience. A high-resolution 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and 12-inch center touchscreen with SYNC 4A, Apple Carplay, and Android Auto wireless smartphone connectivity keep drivers informed and connected.
The cabin also boasts Ford Performance front seats with extra bolstering for support during high-speed cornering, a sport steering wheel with magnesium alloy paddle shifters, and six overhead upfitter switches for easy off-road hardware integration. Other notable features include a 360-Degree Camera and Front View Camera, Zone Lighting for nighttime adventures, and class-exclusive Pro Trailer Backup Assist for precise maneuvering of boats and campers.
Hands-On First Look
I think there are two basic ways to approach the Ranger Raptor. It’s either boring because it’s not quite as insane as the Bronco or F-150 Raptors. Or that the Ranger Raptor, with its smaller wheels and lighter package, is a tremendous value in the Raptor family. And that it’s, V8 motors aside, much more akin to the first generation F-150 Raptor in terms of value.
To be fair, we haven’t gotten to drive or even ride in one yet. But based on extensive experience other Raptors, the Ranger Raptor is an absolute bargain for what it offers (you know, until Ford dealerships ruin things). The power-to-weight ratio is second only to the Raptor R (nor will it suffer the rotational mass issues of 37-inch tires). It’s narrow and short enough to fit in parking spaces and garages. FOX suspensions are absurdly capable off-road and super smooth on. And the seats, tech, and infotainment are all top-of-the-line for a truck.
I’m also a big fan of the Ranger Raptor’s relatively subtlety. Yes, it’s got the badging, and you can get some loud colors and extra graphics. But it still feels like a mid-size truck, which gives it a cool, low-key sleeper status. Yes, it’s clearly very rugged, and the interior is wicked. But this is the type of vehicle that goes more than it shows, a winning combination I’d argue.
In short, my friends, the Ranger Raptor may just be the best Raptor for the money. And one of the funniest Fords ever produce. Can’t wait to review this one.
Orders for the new Ranger Raptor will begin later this month, with availability slated for late summer.
Photos: Michael S. Palmer & Ford Motor Company
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