Muscling up in Ford’s Ranger Raptor

Author: Jonathon Taylor
Muscling up in Ford’s Ranger Raptor

Ford Ranger

Designed to dominate in the desert, master the mountains and rule everywhere in between, Ford’s Ranger Raptor raises the off-road performance bar as a pick-up built to deliver plenty of road presence.

The Raptor is a powerhouse of a pickup that blends performance, durability, and modern technology to create a compelling package for off-road enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.

As an off-road-focused variant of the popular Ford Ranger, the Raptor takes things to the next level with enhanced suspension, a more powerful engine, and an array of features designed to make tackling the toughest terrains a breeze.

Developed by Ford Performance, the Ranger Raptor is the ultimate interpretation of Ford’s hugely successful Ranger.

With smarter technology controlling tougher, next-generation hardware, the Ranger Raptor blends raw power with mechanical and technical precision to create the most advanced Ranger ever.

Whether you’re conquering rugged trails or cruising through the city, the Ranger Raptor offers a robust driving experience that’s hard to match in its class.

Power to play

At the heart of the Ranger Raptor lies a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine – a serious upgrade over the standard Ranger. With 292 kW (around 405 horsepower) and a massive 583 Nm of torque, the Raptor is more than capable of handling any challenge you throw at it. The engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that provides smooth, responsive shifts and ensures the engine’s power is always at your disposal.

This formidable power unit delivers solid acceleration that feels immediate, and the V6’s rumble delivers plenty of presence. Ford has designed the Raptor for efficiency as well, meaning it offers the balance of a capable workhorse that’s still usable in everyday situations.

A red Ford Ranger Raptor driving on a sandy desert terrain, kicking up dust

Hardware for heavy hitters

One of the Raptor’s standout features is its suspension system. It’s equipped with specially-tuned Fox Racing shocks, designed to deliver comfort and handling across a variety of surfaces. These shocks, combined with the Raptor’s high ground clearance, allow it to tackle rough, uneven terrain with ease. Whether you’re navigating through bumpy dirt tracks, climbing rocky paths, or blasting through dunes, the Raptor’s suspension package has it covered.

You also get a Terrain Management System, which allows you to choose from multiple driving modes, such as Baja, Rock Crawl, and Normal. These settings adjust various vehicle parameters, such as throttle response, traction control, and suspension settings, optimising the truck’s performance for specific conditions, meaning it can be adjusted to give you the confidence to take on any adventure.

Tough, comfy and athletic

While the Raptor excels in off-road capability, it doesn’t skimp on comfort and technology. Inside, the cabin is a mix of rugged functionality and modern luxury, with quality materials throughout. The front seats are supportive and comfortable, and there’s room enough for five passengers, putting family trips and longer expeditions on the radar.

The tech suite is impressive, featuring a large, touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility so you can seamlessly connect your smartphone to the truck’s system for hands-free calls, music streaming, and navigation. You also get a high-quality sound system, climate control, and an array of driver-assist features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a rear-view camera.

Ford Ranger Raptor driving through a sandy, rocky terrain, creating a trail of dust

Sturdy and safe

As we’ve come to expect from modern, premium vehicles, the Raptor comes equipped with a suite of safety features. You’ll get Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driver-assist technologies, which includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.

What it costs

The starting price for the 2025 Raptor is approximately NZD 96,490. Yes, the Raptor is more expensive than the standard Ranger, but its price is justified by the specialised features and performance it offers.

Overall

The Ranger Raptor is a standout vehicle in the off-road pickup segment, offering a blend of raw power, cutting-edge technology, and rugged design. Whether you’re seeking a vehicle for weekend adventures or looking for a reliable, capable workhorse, the Ranger Raptor delivers in spades.

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