Ford Ranger Raptor pick-up truck is based on the all-new Ranger that will go on sale later this year, but gets more power, better off-road credentials and meaner looks…
On sale Summer 2022 | Price from £48,000 (est, excluding VAT)
Many of us will remember being both terrified and excited by 1993’s Jurassic Park, and especially its ferocious Velociraptors, which were created using full-size animatronics. Fast-forward to 2015’s Jurassic World, and those raptors were back, but this time they were computer generated – making them faster, scarier and even more exciting. The point is that, over time, technology improves, and that’s why the latest Ford Ranger Raptor promises to be one of the most exciting pick-up trucks yet – and it’s certainly no dinosaur.
Like its prehistoric namesakes, the latest Ranger Raptor looks like it could hold its own in any battle. Features include LED lights at the front and rear, 17in alloy wheels, and muscular styling all round. Those looks are backed up by a monstrous engine – a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol developing 284bhp and 326lb ft of torque.
The new engine features a so-called anti-lag system, which keeps the turbocharger spinning when you step off the accelerator pedal, so there’s no delay if you decide to press on again after slowing down. You can tailor the engine’s noise to your liking too, and among the options is a Quiet mode, which should avoid you falling out with your neighbours. Baja mode, meanwhile, lets the engine sing at its loudest.
Performance figures haven’t been revealed, but expect the 0-62mph sprint time to beat that of the previous-generation Ranger Raptor, which managed it in 10.5sec. And speaking of the old Raptor, that car’s 210bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine will continue to be offered in this Raptor. Whichever engine you go for, you’ll get a 10-speed automatic gearbox as standard. There’s no talk of a plug-in hybrid or electric Raptor, or indeed the Ford Ranger on which it is based, for now at least.
When the going gets tough, the Ranger Raptor aims to keep going thanks to a new four-wheel-drive system, locking front and rear differentials, and upgraded suspension. There are driving modes tailored to terrain ranging from rocks to roads, and if you need to travel as the pterodactyl flies, underbody protection keeps the Raptor’s innards safe from harm. There’s also a new Trail Control function, which acts like an off-road cruise control at speeds of up to 20mph.
Inside, the Raptor marks itself out from other versions of the new Ford Ranger, with sports seats inspired by the F-22 Raptor fighter jet, contrasting colour stitching on the dashboard and bespoke ambient lighting.
There’s the same 12.4in digital instrument cluster and 12in portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment system as you’ll find in the regular Ranger, and it offers wireless connections for Apple Carplay and Android Auto. We found Ford’s Sync 4 software to be intuitive and responsive in the Mustang Mach-E electric SUV, and the inclusion of physical controls for the climate settings should improve ease of use on the move. A 10-speaker sound system by Bang & Olufsen is available for audiophiles.
Don’t think the Raptor is just for fun, either. It’s expected to offer all the same load-lugging credentials as the regular Ranger. That means the ability to carry more than 1000kg in its load bed, which translates into savings for company car users thanks to low tax rates for commercial vehicles. The regular Ranger comes with handy features including a powered socket in the load bed for external tools, as well as extra lighting outside, and these should carry over to the Raptor model too.
There’s no word on pricing yet, but expect the Raptor to command a significant premium over the standard Ford Ranger, at around £48,000 excluding VAT, or £56,000 including it. We suspect most buyers will be best served by the regular version, but that won’t reach UK dealers until 2023, whereas the Raptor is due this Summer – so if you’re keen on moving up the food chain quickly, the Raptor could be your best bet.
Keyword: 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor pick-up revealed: price, specs and release date