2024 Ford Ranger Raptor

Baby Raptor? Yes, please! For years, Americans have been clamoring for a smaller Raptor model based on the Ford Ranger. While such a model existed in foreign markets, the US was denied the pleasure. But that's all changed as the 2024 Ford Ranger spawned an off-road-focused high-performance Raptor variant for the global market, and it's been launched for the American market. Based on the latest adaptation of the T6-platformed Ranger, the Raptor variant will be a hardcore desert-running off-roader to take the fight to the Chevy Colorado ZR2 and Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro with bespoke suspension, bodywork, and of course, powertrains.

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Alongside the rest of the Ranger lineup, the release date for the Ford Ranger Raptor is set for the tail-end of Summer 2023. Ordering will be open in May.

The price of the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor will exceed that of all other Rangers. The Blue Oval states that a new Raptor will cost $55,365; this MSRP excludes a destination and delivery fee of $1,595. While this places it much, much higher than rivals like the Colorado ZR2, it fits in with the pricing expected of a Raptor variant and is justified by the massive performance increase compared to the competition.

The Colorado ZR2 and Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro are perhaps the closest rivals it has, but in reality, both are vastly underpowered and have nowhere near the levels of tech the Raptor has. For now, the Raptor is really in a class of one.

The feisty Ford arrives with aggressive styling to match its enhanced performance. To that end, the Ford Ranger Raptor exterior boasts beefy fender flares, a bespoke front fascia with big, bold FORD lettering, and a raised ride height to accompany the extra width. The C-shaped headlight design from the standard Ranger remains, with the headlight clusters pushed out wide. The 17-inch wheels are small, but the tires are chunky 33-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain KO3 items; optional beadlock-capable wheels are available. The Raptor will only be available in crew cab form, kitted out with a slew of Raptor decals for those who wish to stand out - as if the massive 2.3 mm-thick front bash plate could be ignored. At the rear, dual exhaust pipes and large Raptor badging set this model apart.

No Ranger Raptor would be complete without unique colors, so we're predicting Ford's Velocity Blue and Antimatter Blue paint hues as signature colors, along with other vibrant Ford shades like Code Orange on the palette. The reveal showcased a truck in what appears to be Rapid Red, but we'll know more once the configurator goes live.

Despite being classified as a midsize truck, the Ranger Raptor will be larger than most. Already based on a wheelbase and track that are two inches longer and wider than the Ranger we currently know and love, the Ranger Raptor's exterior dimensions will swell further. Official measurements include a 128.7-inch wheelbase, an overall length of 210.9 inches, a width of 79 inches excluding the mirrors (add 0.8 inches with those folded out), and a height of 75.9 inches.

The long-travel shocks add around two inches to the ride height, with ground clearance coming in at 10.7 inches. Approach, ramp, and departure angles are 33 degrees, 24.2 degrees, and 26.4 degrees, respectively. As for curb weight, the new Ford Ranger Raptor pickup truck will tip the scales at 5,325 pounds.

The previous Ranger Raptor never reached the USA, in part because it had a diesel engine. But the new Ford Ranger Raptor's engine is a turbocharged gasoline V6. The 3.0-liter unit uses twin turbos and Ford GT-derived anti-lag technology to produce impressive specs: 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. As predicted, a 10-speed automatic transmission is standard, as is full-time four-wheel-drive system with multiple drive modes. An electronic two-speed transfer case can shift on the fly, and front and rear locking differentials help apportion torque to all corners.

In typical Raptor fashion, 2.5-inch Fox Live Valve Internal Bypass shocks give it unrivaled ride quality and maximum Baja-racer potential with their long wheel travel. Up to seven drive modes are available, including the legendary Baja mode, while an active exhaust system has four modes all of its own: Quiet, Normal, Sport, and Baja. Ford's Trail control system is also standard for tricky trails.

Rumors suggest that Ford wants to develop a Ranger Raptor R at a later date, which could inherit the 5.0-liter Coyote V8 from the Mustang GT. This might be better suited to outright acceleration, but the Raptor nameplate is less about 0-60 mph times and more about overall off-road dominance.

You won't be buying the Ranger Raptor pickup for its exemplary gas mileage figures, but Ford's turbocharged engines are remarkably efficient relative to the competition. The Ranger Raptor will likely achieve similar figures to the Bronco Sasquatch and F-150 Raptor, meaning around 17 mpg combined.

Based on an all-new Ranger, expect all-new tech inside the cabin. Exclusively available in Crew Cab format, the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor's interior seats five, while the front occupants will be held snugly in place by firmly bolstered sport buckets and optional Recaro seats for extra support. A leather steering wheel is shaped specifically for the Raptor and comes with a 12 o'clock marker and magnesium paddle shifters, while the rest of the cabin benefits from accents in Code Orange.

Ford's SYNC4 infotainment touchscreen will be present, with a 12-inch portrait-orientation touchscreen catering to full smartphone integration. In addition to typical controls, paddle shifters and dedicated drive mode selectors will be present, while instrumentation will be handled by a 12.4-inch digital cluster. A Bang & Olufsen sound system comes equipped, if you want to drown out the sound of the Raptor.

As for cargo space in the 2024 Range Raptor, the five-foot cargo box is wider and provides 43.5 cubic feet of space. Payload comes in at 1,411 lbs, while towing capacity is limited to 5,510 lbs.