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Ford introduced the Ranger Raptor in Europe in August 2018 and has now replaced the muscular truck with a next-generation model. The rumors are true as this midsize pickup does get a larger 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6. That doesn’t make the full-fat 400 horsepower available in the Explorer ST, but it still packs a lot of punch for the segment.
The factory twin-turbo has been tuned to 288 hp and 491 Nm (362 lb-ft), meaning that torque is down by 53 lb-ft (72 Nm) compared to the performance SUV. Nevertheless, these are some healthy numbers considering the old Ranger Raptor with its EcoBlue engine had 210 hp and just slightly more torque, at 391 lb-ft (500 Nm). As before, the output is routed to the road via a ten-speed automatic transmission.
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If you prefer the low-end muscle produced by an oil burner, Ford has you covered. Ranger Raptor with diesel will still be offered. Sticking to the petrol unit will give you anti-lag technology adapted from the GT supercar and the Focus ST hot hatchback. That keeps a pair of turbos spinning for up to three seconds if you want to push the truck hard as soon as you take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
As you’d expect from a Raptor, the top-of-the-range Ranger gets sturdier suspension for better go-anywhere ability. This off-roader offers larger aluminum upper and lower control arms along with an upgraded Watt link system at the rear. The Blue Oval mounts 2.5-inch FOX shocks which halve the friction compared to the previous generation.
Needless to say, there’s significantly more suspension travel compared to the standard Ranger along with a 25 percent increase in damping strength to better cope with shocks. Reserved for the Raptor version, reinforcements on the C pillar, cargo area and spare tire have been created. In addition, Ford has strengthened the mounts for the shock pads, front shock tower and rear shock bracket.
The Ford Ranger Raptor 2023 for Europe gets a permanent four-wheel drive system with an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case on demand. There are locking differences at the front and rear along with seven driving modes to choose from: Normal, Sport, Slippery, Rock Crawl, Sand, Mud/Ruts and Baja.
It also gets the Trail Control off-road cruise control system, which works at speeds of up to 20 mph (32 km/h). The muscular fenders feature 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires and the rear features a sporty exhaust with adjustable flaps to quickly modify the soundtrack. LED matrix headlights are standard equipment, as are functional air inlets and aluminum side ladders.
The interior is home to sports seats which Ford says have been designed with fighter jet inspiration in mind, while Code Orange accents beautify the cabin. The magnesium paddle shifters are exclusive to the Raptor, which also gets a 10-speaker B&O sound system. The driver has a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster accompanied by a 12-inch vertical touchscreen with SYNC 4 and wireless support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Ford will begin customer deliveries of the new EcoBoost-powered Ranger Raptor in Europe in late summer, with diesel following next year. There’s no word yet on US availability, but a recent report suggests that production of the standard truck at the Michigan plant will begin in May 2023. It is expected to have an eight-year life cycle in North America where the Raptor diesel is unlikely. offered.
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