Ranger Raptor – The new Ranger Raptor is unique amongst normal sized Utes in Australia
It’s built for one specific purpose and that is to drive very fast over sand and dirt roads. It does that extremely well.
That’s in part due to the Performance FOX racing suspension. Also the 3.0L V6 twin turbo performance petrol engine mated to the 10 Sp AT.
There is a heap of adjustability available. You can select the suspension and steering settings, and for the audiophiles the exhaust can be tuned for an awesome crisp note.
You can also customise the drivers instruments.
In terms of performance it matches the larger RAM 1500 5.7L V8 Hemi but in a smaller and lighter body.
Do you really need to go that fast in a 4WD Ute – Not really? Is it fun – Hell Yeah?
In terms of performance amongst normal Utes its Game, Set and Match. Nothing matches for performance, ride or handling.
However it has reduced payload and towing capability.
Priced from $85,490 plus the usual costs, but there is more than a 12 month wait on orders currently
This is a Motoring Minute
Im Rob Fraser
TO LISTEN TO THE RAPTOR RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW
Ford Ranger Raptor Motoring Minute Video
Specific Ranger Raptor Features
Engine & Transmission
- 3.0-litre V6 Twin-Turbo EcoBoost with 10-Speed Automatic
- Active exhaust
- Performance Fox racing 2.5-inch live valve suspension & Watts Link coil suspension
- Electronic locking front differential
Grille & Lighting
- Unique ‘F-O-R-D’ block letter Grille
- Matrix LED headlamps auto dynamic levelling with LED DTRLs
- Full LED taillamps
- LED front fog lamps
Exterior
- Front Bash Plate (2.3mm-thick steel)
- Unique Raptor dual tow hooks
- Spray-in bedliner
Wheels
- Standard: 17in Alloy & spare, T285/70 R17 BF Goodrich K02 High Performance All Terrain tyres
- Optional: 17in Beadlock capable wheels
Interior
- 4-inch Customisable Digital Cluster
- Paddle Shifters
- Selectable Drive Modes
Selectable Modes
DRIVE: STEERING: DAMPERS: EXHAUST:
Normal Normal Normal Quiet
Sport Comfort Off-Road Normal
Slippery Sport Sport Sport
Mud/Ruts Off-Road Baja
Sand
Baja
Rock Crawl
Seats
- Ford Performance Seats embossed with “Raptor” logo & “Code Orange” accented stitching
Note: Ranger Raptor does not come with these standard Wildtrak features: Sports Hoop, Power Roller Shutter, Cargo Management System, Roof Rails, Load Box Tie Down Rails, Integrated Rear Load Box Access Step.
Quick Ranger Raptor Thoughts
- Raptor looks great
- Its in a class of its own for performance, adaptability and driver functionality
- You can select suspension settings, steering, exhaust sound, drive mode etc.
- Ride and handling both on and off road is surprisingly good. Better than most SUVs
- Its FUN to drive
- Driver engagement is priority number one.
- Its like driving a highly specked sports SUV.
- But its thirsty, as expected with all that performance
- I was stopped by someone that had ordered one sight unseen, yet he knew everything about it. He even ordered it in the same colour as the test Ute. He was in heaven just looking at it and talking about it. His wife not so much
- The central touchscreen which is zoned has a minor niggle in that it cut off the lower section of the CarPlay contacts.
- Otherwise its practical and functional.
- Towing is restricted to 2500kg and 250kg tow ball rating.
- So its ok for lighter camper trailers, quad bike trailer, seadoos or smaller boats.
- The Raptor isn’t the Ute to buy to tow the heavy 4WD Caravan.
What is good? |
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What is not so good? |
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Also Look At
The dual cab 4WD Ute segment is crowded and extremely competitive. However the Raptor now sits almost in its own niche.
Perhaps you could look at RAM 1500 Warlock, Ford F150, Navara PRO 4X Warrior, Toyota HiLux GR Sport, or the upcoming VW Amarok.
Ford Ranger | |
Model | Ranger Raptor |
| Model Price | $85,490 MLP* |
| Engine | 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo Petrol |
| Drivetrain | 10 Sp Sports AT Dual Range 4WD |
| Power | 292kW @ 5,650rpm |
| Torque | 583Nm @ 3,500rpm |
| Safety | N/A |
| 0-100kmh / Top Speed | 5.5 secs Est / TBA |
| CO2 Emissions | 262 g/km Euro 5 |
| Economy ADR | 11.5L/100km / 80L capacity |
| Economy on test | 12.6L/100k |
| Servicing | 4 Yrs. / 60,000km service plan |
| Warranty | 5yr/ Unlimited km |
| Road side Assist | 5Yr. conditional roadside assist |
*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)
Overall Rating | 88/100 |
| Behind the Wheel | 9 |
| Comfort | 9 |
| Equipment | 9 |
| Performance | 10 |
| Ride and Handling | 9 |
| Practicality | 8 |
| Fit for Purpose | 9 |
| Towing / 4WD | 8 – 3 Towing / 5 4WD |
| Technology/connectivity | 9 |
| Value for Money | 8 |
Dimensions | |
| Overall Length | 5381mm |
| Wheelbase | 3270mm |
| Width | 2028mm |
| Height | 1922mm |
| Wheels | 17×8.5 Alloy |
| Tyres | 285/70 R17 |
| Max ground clearance | Up to 272mm |
| Wading Depth | 850mm |
| Approach | TBC |
| Rampover | TBC |
| Departure angle | TBC |
| Turning Circle KTK | TBC |
| Boot Capacity Min | N/A |
| Boot capacity Max | 1280L |
| Tub length | 1540mm |
| Tub Height | 540mm |
| Tub width | 1540mm |
| Distance between arches | 1200mm |
| Kerb Weight | 2431kg |
| Payload (kg) | 753kg* |
| GVM (kg) | 3130kg |
| GCM | 5370kg |
| Towing Capacity | 2500kg |
| Tow Ball rating | 250kg |
* Ford supplied
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