On paper, Ford’s new Ranger Raptor ticks all the boxes. It’s spacious and modern, with all the safety and in-cabin technology you could want in a box-fresh car.
Oh, and it also has stonking 292kW/583Nm 3.0-litre twin-turbo-petrol V6 engine under the bonnet that will rocket the 2500kg dual-cab ute from a standstill to 100km/h in about 5.5 seconds.
Couple that with upgraded suspension and all-terrain tyres, and surely the Ranger Raptor will be some of the most fun you can have on four wheels, right?
Well, the sticking point might be its price, which was revealed this week to be $84,490 before on-road costs, so what else is on offer for less that promises to be just as much fun?
BMW 330i – $79,900 before on-road costs
190kW/400Nm from a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine
Who would have thought that BMW’s perennial sports sedan would be available for less than a ladder-frame dual-cab ute?
Well for just a touch under $80,000, you can get yourself into a brand new 330i, which punches out a sizeable 190kW/400Nm from its 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine.
It may be down on power and torque compared with the Ranger Raptor, but its 5.8-second 0-100km/h acceleration time is spritely enough, and you get a plush and premium interior, and dynamically engaging rear-drive layout.
Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport – $83,276 before on-road costs
279kW/530Nm from a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6
If its pace, practicality and a premium badge you want, how about the Genesis GV70?
Or more specifically, the flagship variant that scores a potent 279kW/530Nm 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 that is enough to rocket it to 100km/h from a standstill in just 5.1s.
All the modern conveniences are included, such as power-adjustable seats, a digital instrument cluster and Nappa leather trim, wrapped in a stylish mid-size SUV package.
Volkswagen Arteon R-Line Shooting Brake – $70,740 before on-road costs
206kW/400Nm from a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine
If practicality is a huge draw to the Ranger Raptor, well, have you considered a wagon?
The just-launched VW Arteon R-Line Shooting Brake combines a punchy 206kW/400Nm 2.0-litre petrol engine with a long roofline and sizeable 565-litre boot, meaning there is plenty of room to move gear and the family very quickly.
A 5.6s 0-100km/h acceleration time also doesn’t hurt, while its interior is kitted out with all the latest in safety and technology.
Ford Mustang GT – $64,190 before on-road costs
339kW/556Nm from a 5.0-litre petrol V8
What more can be said about the Mustang? Ford’s iconic pony car has been around for decades, and is now the only choice for Aussies after some affordable V8 muscle.
Sending 339kW/556Nm to the rear wheels means a 0-100km/h acceleration run in just 4.3s when equipped with an automatic, but even the do-it-yourself version needs just about 0.3s to hit triple digits.
And if you are worried about the fuel bill, well, with a near-$20,000 saving with the Mustang GT over the Ranger Raptor, we’re betting you’ll be able to keep the V8-powered coupe going for a while.
Mazda MX-5 – $37,790 before on-road costs
135kW/205Nm from a 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder engine
MX-5 is always the answer, right? Ok, it might be an odd choice for those shopping for a Ranger Raptor, but here us out.
The Mazda MX-5 remains one of the most dynamically engaging vehicles on the market thanks to its low weight and rear-wheel-drive formula, and so affordable is the 2022 version that you could actually buy two of them for the price of one Ranger Raptor.
Or better yet, why not get an MX-5 for the weekend and have enough change left over to buy a Ranger XL?
Porsche Macan – $84,800 before on-road costs
195kW/400Nm from a 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder engine
The Porsche Macan might not be able to match the Ranger Raptor in terms of pure grunt and performance … but it is a Porsche.
This means premium build quality, German engineering and badge that will make other parents envious during school runs.
And doesn’t it seem better to be sat in a Porsche mid-size SUV while stuck in traffic than a Ford ute?
Land Rover Defender 110 P300 Standard – $81,890 before on-road costs
221kW/400Nm from a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine
Maybe you’re attracted to the new Ranger Raptor because you like to get off the beaten path and go to places unknown.
The Land Rover Defender 110 will be more than a match for most off-roading adventures, and offers comfortable seating for five – just like the Ranger Raptor.
With a dual-range 4×4 system as standard, and an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Land Rover Defender is also about $4000 cheaper too.
Nissan Patrol Ti – $82,160 before on-road costs
298kW/560Nm from a 5.6-litre petrol V8
Like the Land Rover Defender, the Nissan Patrol is renowned for its off-road prowess, and also has the new Ranger Raptor handily beaten in one key area – towing.
Though the Ranger Raptor can haul a sizeable 2500kg load, the Nissan Patrol can tow a literal tonne more with its 3500kg braked towing capacity.
Throw in serious off-road chops and a plush and upmarket interior, as well as interior space to spare, and you’ve got yourself a convincing alternative to Ford’s new flagship ute.
Keyword: The 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor costs how much?! What other fun cars you can buy for less than the cost of the new dual-cab ute flagship