The Ford F-150 Raptor R and Bronco Raptor provide nothing less than pure thrills in the desert.
Ultimate Showdown
As Blue Oval fans, we're truly living in a golden age in terms of off-road performance, given the presence of so many capable models in Ford's current lineup. None compare to the range-topping Raptor, however, which is offered on a trio of models - the Ranger, Bronco, and F-150, currently. Recently, Top Gear got to test out two of them - the Bronco Raptor and F-150 Raptor R - in the desert, and needless to say, a great time was had by all involved.
Two Contenders
First up, we have the Bronco Raptor, which is equipped with the latest and greatest in terms of Fox suspension technology, coupled with the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 making 412 horsepower. It's an impressive machine on paper - albeit one that makes far less power than the Raptor R, which famously packs the supercharged 5.2-liter V8 cranking out 700 raging ponies.
Big Money, Big Performance
Neither of these machines is what one might call cheap, of course, with the Bronco Raptor starting out at just a tad over $90k, while the F-150 Raptor R stickers for a shocking $109k. Regardless, these two machines offer a considerable amount of content - and fun - for that large outlay of cash, as our hosts find out rather quickly.
Right at Home
Blasting through the sands of Johnson Valley, it's clear that this is precisely what these two vehicles do best. Both of these machines are right at home playing in this giant sandpit of sorts, jumping over dunes and landing gracefully in the process.
Perfecting the Formula
Both of these vehicles prove to be so capable off-road, in fact, that our hosts have a hard time believing that both are comfortable and suitable daily drivers that are street-legal, to boot. It's hard to get this close to trophy truck performance while also providing such a cushy experience, but Ford has perfected that formula over the years.
Tough Comparison
Ultimately, picking a winner between these two proves quite difficult. The main sticking point is the engine that powers both, and in that regard, it's not really fair to have to pit something like the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 against the Predator-based 5.2-liter V8, which sounds and performs far better.
Doing It All Well
Regardless, it's clear that both of these amazing machines provide an experience that's tough to top in today's automotive market - one that's equally suited for all kinds of activities, whether they be tackling off-road courses or sitting in traffic during the daily grind. And in that regard, you can't really go wrong with either.
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