FORD RANGER RAPTOR CAN TACKLE OFF-ROAD RIGOR WITH VIGOR!
We already have the F-150 Raptor and Raptor R and the Bronco Raptor. And now here comes its high-performance, off-road 4WD sibling, the Ford Ranger Raptor! The crowded and highly competitive midsize truck segment just got even more packed than before.
A 3.0-liter EcoBoost intercooled and twin-turbocharged V-6 engine cranks 405 hp and 430 pounds-feet of torque. Crammed between the F-150 and the smaller Maverick, the Ranger gets an efficient and seamless 10-speed auto gear box. What distinguishes this pickup from many others on the road is a double A-arm front and a Watts-link rear suspension. In particular, since it is aided by Fox 2.5-inch live valve shocks that adjust dampers to improve performance over rough surfaces and unpleasant bumps. In other words, you get much better handling, balance and control. Top it all with a choice of normal, tow/haul, sport, slippery, off-road, rock crawl and Baja (hardcore off-road driving) modes and you can be assured of a secure ride in severe road/weather conditions. The razor-sharp electric power rack-and-pinion steering responds quickly to quick turns and sharp curves.
Ensconced on the fully boxed steel frame are C-clamp projector LEDs surrounding a bold FORD imprint on the grille above an all-steel bumper. The similar C-clamped tail lamps and RANGER in all caps are visible in the rear. We would be remiss to mention the front skip plate made of high-strength steel to protect the Ranger’s undercarriage from rocks and debris. Or the frame-mounted front/rear red tow hooks. A 12.4-inch digital cluster, a 12-inch infotainment touch screen and magnesium-alloy paddle shifters greet the driver upon taking a seat. Raptor enthusiasts will be acquainted with strips of Code Orange on the air vents, steering wheel and seats. Fancy aftermarket accessories like light bars or a dash cam? Then the upfitter switches in the overhead console will serve their purpose. The power-slide rear window can be left open for hauling plywood or to retrieve items from the truck bed. Dual auto a/c, ambient lights, SYNC4, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, power locks/doors, under-seat rear bin, heated steering wheel, Bang & Olufsen sound system, wireless phone charge come at no extra cost.
Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, four-wheel antilock brakes, AdvanceTrac with electronic stability control, blind spot with cross traffic alert, pre-collision assist with auto emergency brakes, forward collision warning, active park assist, two-speed transfer case, front/rear locking differentials, trail control, lane keep system, 36-degree camera, remote start, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights.
It is no F-150 but if you are in search of a midsize pickup with astonishing off-road capabilities to tackle the harshest of terrains, plentiful power, and an attractive and accommodating cabin, then the Ranger Raptor fits the bill. That it can haul over 5,500 pounds with a payload capacity of 1,375 pounds makes it a daily driver’s choice too!
FORD RANGER RAPTOR
Tires: P285/70R17
Wheelbase: 128.7 inches
Length: 210.9 inches
Width: 86.7 inches
Height: 75.9 inches
Weight: 5,325 pounds
Fuel capacity: 20.3 gallons
City/highway: 16/18 mpg
Base price: $55,620
Price as tested: $60,545
Web site: www.ford.com
