The Ford Ranger Raptor: A High-Performance Mid-Size Pickup Truck Built for Off-Road Adventures
The Ford Ranger Raptor is a purpose-built mid-size pickup truck that balances daily driving duties with exceptional off-road performance. Designed for the most rugged terrain, the Ranger Raptor is a high-performance truck that has been engineered for punishing off-road conditions. With a unique chassis, high-performance running gear, and advanced driver assist technologies, the Ranger Raptor is a truck that can handle anything from smooth tar roads to mud, ruts, rocks, and desert sand.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the features that make the Ford Ranger Raptor stand out from the competition. From its high-energy design to its advanced driver assist technologies, we will explore everything that this high-performance truck has to offer.
A Unique Chassis Built for Off-Road Conditions
The Ford Ranger Raptor has a unique chassis that has been designed to handle even the toughest off-road conditions. With a series of unique mounts and reinforcements, including the C-pillar, load box, and spare wheel, as well as unique frames for the jounce bumper, shock tower, and rear shock bracket, the Ranger Raptor is a truck that is built to last.
The suspension upgrades in the Next-Gen Ranger Raptor make the most of the new FOX Live Valve dampers. The next-generation FOX 2.5-inch Live Valve Internal Bypass shock absorbers with cutting-edge control technology offer position-sensitive damping capability. These shock absorbers are the most sophisticated yet on Ranger Raptor and are filled with Teflon™ infused oil that reduces friction by around 50 percent compared to those on the current Ranger Raptor. This allows the suspension to adapt in real time to the driving conditions, providing exceptional on-road body control while absorbing corrugations and bigger ruts off-road with ease, ensuring maximum control and performance.
A High-Performance Off-Roader with Advanced Running Gear
The high-performance off-roader like the Ranger Raptor needs the running gear to match. The Next-Gen Ranger Raptor’s suspension is completely redesigned. All-new tough, lightweight aluminum upper and lower control arms, long-travel front and rear suspension, and refined Watt’s link rear end have been designed to deliver more control across rough terrain at high speed.
The suspension upgrades in the Next-Gen Ranger Raptor make the most of the new FOX Live Valve dampers. The next-generation FOX 2.5-inch Live Valve Internal Bypass shock absorbers with cutting-edge control technology offer position-sensitive damping capability. These shock absorbers are the most sophisticated yet on Ranger Raptor and are filled with Teflon™ infused oil that reduces friction by around 50 percent compared to those on the current Ranger Raptor. This allows the suspension to adapt in real time to the driving conditions, providing exceptional on-road body control while absorbing corrugations and bigger ruts off-road with ease, ensuring maximum control and performance.
The suspension system is linked to the revised selectable drive modes, with the Live Valve Internal Bypass system developed to provide better on-road comfort and off-road ride quality both at high and low speed. The driver can select from three settings available: Normal, Sport, and Off Road, each with its unique suspension and exhaust modes.
In addition to the suspension and exhaust modes, drivers can select from four steering modes from the specially tuned electronic power-assisted steering (EPAS): Normal, Sport, Comfort, and Off-Road – the latter only available when Baja Drive Mode is selected. The system uses a larger EPAS motor with a faster steering ratio, and delivers improvements in steering effort, response, and precision. In Baja mode, the steering is specially tuned to sharpen response and precision, assisting the driver to position and control
As the Ford Ranger Raptor continues to capture the imagination of performance and off-road enthusiasts alike, Ford has been hard at work enhancing its design, performance, and features for the next generation. The result is a stunning, muscular vehicle that’s built to take on any terrain, from city streets to the roughest off-road tracks.
Design
The all-new design of the Ford Ranger Raptor has been crafted to communicate its exceptional performance characteristics at first glance. It features flared wheel arches that emphasise its width and a bold F-O-R-D lettering on the grille that makes a statement. The C-clamp headlights and the bumper are derived from the next-gen Ranger, and the bumper is separated from the grille to give the vehicle a distinct look.
Matrix LED headlights with LED daytime running lights are among the many new design features, and they push lighting performance to new levels. The headlights feature dynamic bending lights, glare-free high beam, and auto dynamic levelling, providing safer lighting for both the driver and oncoming traffic.
The vehicle’s flared fenders have been designed to accommodate a muscular 17-inch wheel that’s wrapped in 285/70 R17 BF Goodrich all-terrain KO2 tyres. There are functional vents, aero features, and tough, new-design cast aluminium side steps to enhance the look and functionality of the vehicle. The LED taillights at the rear provide a signature link to the front, while the precision grey rear bumper features an integrated step pad and towbar that is tucked up high to increase the departure angle from 24 to 25 degrees.
The Ranger Raptor is available in a range of colours, from solid Arctic White to five metallic paints, including Absolute Black, Blue Lightning, Aluminium Metallic, Meteor Grey, and Sedona Orange. The two new exclusive colours to this high-performance model are Code Orange and Conquer Grey.
Interior
The interior design of the Ranger Raptor is just as impressive as its exterior. The cabin features jet fighter-inspired sports seats that are both more comfortable and more supportive during high-speed cornering. The seats are in the front and rear of the vehicle, and the Code Orange accents on the instrument panel, trim, and seats are enhanced by the vehicle’s ambient lighting, which bathes the interior in an amber glow.
The steering wheel is made of premium grade leather and features thumb swells, on-center marking, and cast magnesium paddle shifters, adding to the dynamic character of the vehicle. The vehicle has a fully digital cabin, with a high-resolution 12.4-inch digital cluster, which is the largest on the Ranger, and a 12-inch center touchscreen boasting Ford’s new-generation SYNC 4A connectivity and entertainment system. The system offers both Apple and Android wireless smartphone connectivity, along with wireless charging. There are Type A and Type C USB charging and data ports provided in the front center console, with a useful USB charging port located alongside the rear-view mirror to power a dashcam or GPS device.
Passengers in the rear of the vehicle have access to their own USB-A and USB-C charging ports, complemented by a built-in 400-Watt inverter that provides convenient 240V power to the load box in conjunction with a 12V socket. A premium 10-speaker 660W Bang & Olufsen sound system provides exceptional acoustics that will please music lovers.
Integrated into the 12-inch center touchscreen is a superb 360-degree camera system with a split-view display. The system uses cameras mounted in the front grille, under the tailgate badge, and in the sideview mirrors, giving the driver a live top-down view of everything around the vehicle, as well as cross-traffic views in front of and behind the vehicle.
Performance
The Ford Ranger Raptor is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 EcoBoost engine that delivers 228 kW of power and 580 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, which is designed to provide responsive and smooth shifts. The Ranger Raptor also features a high-performance suspension system, which includes Fox Racing Shox with position-sensitive damping, allowing the vehicle to easily absorb bumps and jumps while off-roading.
The Ranger Raptor’s 4WD system includes an electronic locking rear differential and an electronic locking front differential, allowing the vehicle to easily handle challenging terrain. The vehicle’s Terrain Management System includes six different drive modes that adjust the vehicle’s throttle response, transmission, and traction control to suit different terrain types. The vehicle’s Off-road SYNC screen allows the driver to easily toggle selected 4×4 features on or off, including the electronic front and rear differential locks, Hill Descent Control, and parking sensors.
Driver assist technologies
In addition to the regular suite of driving aids such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control, Hill Launch Assist, and Hill Descent Control, the Ford Ranger Raptor comes loaded with Ford’s most advanced driver assist technologies and safety features to date.
The Ranger Raptor features Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Lane Centring, allowing drivers to maintain a pre-set speed and distance from the car ahead and will even bring the vehicle to a complete stop if required. It is able to detect lane markings and help keep the vehicle centred in the lane. Evasive Steer Assist uses radar and a camera to detect slower-moving and stationary vehicles ahead and provides steering support to enable drivers to manoeuvre around a vehicle if a collision is imminent.
In addition to these features, the Ranger Raptor is equipped with an active park assist system that helps drivers safely maneuver into tight parking spots at the push of a button. The system is integrated with the electronic E-Shifter and electronic parking brake, taking care of the steering, gear shifts, acceleration, and braking to navigate into parallel or perpendicular parking spaces with ease. This feature is a game-changer for those who struggle with parking and want a vehicle that can help them navigate tight parking spaces with ease.
The Ranger Raptor also has a range of pre-collision and post-collision safety features that provide additional protection for the driver and passengers in the event of an accident. The Pre-Collision Assist with Dynamic Brake Support, Forward Collision Warning, and Automated Emergency Braking features can automatically apply the brakes to avoid or mitigate the effects of accidents if the driver is turning across the path of oncoming traffic. The Reverse Brake Assist helps drivers reverse into parking spots and other tight spaces by providing audible and visual warnings. This system can even bring the vehicle to a complete stop if the driver doesn’t react in time.
Post-Collision Braking is another safety feature that applies moderate brake pressure to slow the vehicle in the event of a collision, potentially reducing injury, damage, and the risk of a secondary collision. These safety features make the Ranger Raptor an excellent choice for those looking for a mid-size pickup truck that prioritizes safety and driver-assist technologies.
Ford Performance Family
The roots of the Raptor name lie in North America, where Ford engineers used it on high-performance pickup trucks. It started with the first-generation F-150 SVT Raptor in 2010, which was optimized for high-speed off-road performance. Ford focused on detailed engineering upgrades around suspension, all-terrain tires, and four-wheel drive.
In 2018, a new member of the Ford Performance family was launched internationally in the form of the first-ever Ranger Raptor. It debuted in South Africa in 2019 as a locally produced model, assembled alongside the rest of the Ranger line-up at Ford’s Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria. The Next-Gen Ranger Raptor is now fully imported from Thailand, with the Silverton assembly operations focusing on expanded production of the Next-Gen Ranger for domestic sales and exports to more than 100 global markets.
The original Ford Ranger Raptor spread the Ford Performance brand to a whole new audience of hardcore pickup owners around the world, introducing the Raptor name into dozens of new markets. The Next-Gen Ranger Raptor continues this legacy, with a purpose-built vehicle that balances daily duties with the sort of performance never seen in a mid-size pickup.
Off-Road Capabilities
The Ranger Raptor is built to conquer challenging off-road terrain, making it the perfect choice for adventurers who want to push their vehicle to the limit. With its Fox Racing Shox suspension and BF Goodrich all-terrain tires, the Ranger Raptor can tackle any type of terrain, from rocky trails to sandy dunes.
The Ranger Raptor’s suspension system is designed to handle high-speed off-road driving, providing exceptional dampening and support for a smooth ride over rough terrain. It also has an advanced Terrain Management System that allows drivers to choose from six different modes: Normal, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Sand, Rock, Baja, and Sport.
The Baja mode is specifically designed for high-speed off-road driving, providing the best performance on sandy terrain, while the Rock mode provides maximum traction and control on rocky terrain.
