Photo credit: Ford
Ford’s Bronco made waves when it launched with its off-road friendly Sasquatch package that fit 35-inch-tall tires from the factory. The expectation was that later Bronco variants to get the beefy off-road-specific upgrades and improvements, with most assuming Ford would expand its Raptor brand beyond the F-150. And so it has: Ford’s Bronco Raptor is shaping up to be an even more capable off-road machine than even the Bronco Sasquatch.
Powering the Bronco Raptor isn’t one of Ford’s V8s, however. Instead, a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 sits under the hood, turning out an as-yet undisclosed amount of horsepower and torque. That said, Ford does say it will send over 400 hp to the standard 10-speed transmission. This outpaces its stablemates sporting the 2.7-liter V6 and 2.3-liter I4 options. This might not be as powerful as Jeep’s 6.4-liter V8 in the Wrangler, but it should be more than enough to help you get out of trouble.
Almost as important as a more potent powertrain is the Bronco Raptor’s revised suspension. Following the Raptor formula laid out by the F-150, the Bronco Raptor rests on a set of 37-inch-tall tires wrapping 17-inch, beadlock-capable wheels. The Bronco Raptor’s tires aren’t its only change. Fox Live Valve dampers do the suspension-smoothing work, using various sensors to help adjust the damping in real time. This Bronco Raptor offers 13.0-inches of suspension travel in the front and 14.0-inches of suspension travel in the back. It’s also 9.8-inches wider than the standard Bronco.
Aesthetically, the Bronco Raptor receives unique front and rear quarter-panels, fenders, fender flares, and door appliqués. The revised panels make sense considering the vehicles newfound width. The grille should also remind you of Ford’s F-150 Raptor. Replacing the standard Bronco lettering is a large, block-letter Ford grille insert.
The interior sees updates, too. Assuming that you’re going to make a mess in your new rig, Ford opted for base Bronco Raptors to have washout vinyl flooring and marine-grade vinyl-wrapped seats. Of course, you can tack on upgrades like leather seat bolsters and carpet, if you’re more concerned with comfort. Standard for all Broncos is a 12.0-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Ford’s Sync 4.
Ford plans to release pricing closer to the Bronco Raptor’s March availability. Meanwhile, Ford is helping to ease some possible tension with current customers by allocating reservations for Bronco Raptors to existing reservation holders. That might be bad news for those who aren’t currently in the system, but Ford will probably find a way to sell you one eventually.
Do you think the Ford Bronco Raptor hits all the right notes, or is the Jeep Wrangler still supreme? Let us know your thoughts below.
Keyword: Ford's Bronco Raptor Is Bigger, Badder, and More Powerful