US truck buyers will no longer have to look with envy upon their global counterparts as Ford has announced that the Ranger Raptor will indeed make its way stateside. While not exactly the same as the Raptor other worldwide buyers have enjoyed for the last couple years, the 2024 edition has the chops to live up to what Ford Performance Chief Engineer Carl Widmann says, “…is the baddest Ranger we’ve ever made.”
More pickup-truck news and reviews
2024 Ford Ranger Raptor
It starts with an engine that is unique to this model: a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 with numbers that would make some full-size pickups jealous: 405 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. Power gets to the pavement (or dirt, or sand, or mud) via a 10-speed automatic transmission and electronically controlled 4-wheel-drive system with locking front and rear differentials.
The suspension follows in the footsteps of Ford’s flagship F-150 Raptor by using 2.5-inch FOX-brand shock absorbers with internal bypass valves and piggyback reservoirs to help reduce heat buildup during intense off-roading sessions. Seven drive modes are available, and the suspension, engine, and transmission automatically adapt to which one the driver selects.
On the outside, Ranger Raptor looks like a shrunk-down version of its F-150 counterpart with the Ford wordmark spread proudly across the front grille. LED projector headlights and the brand’s signature “C-clamp” arrangement help illuminate the road and trail. Tires are specific 33-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain KO3 mounted on 17-inch wheels. Underbody protection comes in the form of high-strength steel plates with dedicated shields for the engine, transfer case, and fuel tank.
The cabin also shares several design elements with the F-150 Raptor including bright “Code Orange” trim pieces, overhead upfitter switches, and a surround-view camera with trailer backup assist. Instrumentation is all-digital with a 12.4-inch customizable cluster and separate 12-inch infotainment screen running the latest version of Ford’s Sync software suite.
Pricing for the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor starts at $55,365 plus $1,595 destination fee. Orders are currently open with initial retail deliveries expected in the first quarter of 2024.
Coming Soon: 2024 Ineos Grenadier
CG Says:
For those intrigued by the F-150 and Bronco Raptors but thing they’re a bit too big and/or ostentatious, Ford may have your ride right here. The Ranger Raptor has some very special hardware under its skin, yet its design is rather subtle, something that could fit in perfectly at the office or hardware store parking lot. Stay tuned to see how it drives.
Test Drive: 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2
Listen to the Car Stuff Podcast
2024 Ford Ranger Raptor Gallery
Click below for enlarged images
Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast Episode 195: Public Charging Disaster, Hyundai and Amazon Deal