Could a Raptor-fied Expedition Be in the Works?

With the success of the F-150 Raptor and a possible Ranger Raptor on the horizon, will Ford look to add an SUV to the off-road family?

When you’ve got a hit on your hands, you ride that wave of success as far as it will take you. It’s safe to say that both generations of the F-150 Raptor has proven to be an unmitigated success story. With trucks in general selling like hot cakes, Ford has also decided to bring the mid-size Ranger and the Bronco back to the U.S.

In addition, we recently learned that Ford might expand the Raptor brand and create a Ranger version, which would make a ton of sense given the success of the Chevy Colorado ZR2 and Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro.

If people keep buying every single Raptor they can get their hands on, why not make more? Why not turn the name synonymous with off-road performance into a brand that signifies just that? After all, our obsession with lifted performance trucks is only growing, and rolling into a local dealership to buy one with a warranty has proven irresistible thus far.

It’s probably safe to assume that the Bronco will serve as a popular mid-size SUV off-road platform. But what about the folks who want/need a full-size SUV, yet still want to have a little fun off-road? Enter the Expedition. By building an Expedition Raptor, Ford would be offering a product that no one else does! With the recent announcement of the FX4 package as an option for the new Expedition, it makes sense as a more hardcore offering.

Ford has even admitted that a full 20 percent of Expedition buyers already use their SUVs off-road. That figure will only grow with the availability of the FX4 package, and it could increase even more with an Expedition Raptor. Building one would be a snap as well. Ford already has the basics in place, and it already comes with the lower performance version of the F-150’s 3.5-liter Ecoboost.

So what are you waiting for, Ford? Let’s turn this Raptor obsession into a family affair.

Chime in with your thoughts on the forum. >>

Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.

He has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles, and every other type of automobile, Brett had spent several years running parts for local auto dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.