All-New Ford
Ranger Raptor
What is it?
With flared wheel arches, C-clamp headlights, square bonnet and bold F-O-R-D lettering on the grille, the all-new Raptor is an imposing vehicle to say the least.
To be fair, the Raptor isn’t aimed at the working pickup market, it’s for those of us who want a bit of fun, and fun it offers by the bucket load.
As you walk around the back, the LED taillights provide a signature styling link to the front, while the precision grey rear bumper features an integrated step and towbar that’s tucked up high to avoid getting hung up and acting as a ground anchor. Then you have a pair of not-so-subtle chrome tailpipes exitWing from either side. Add to that, 17” alloys shod with BF Goodrich All-Terrains, tough, grippy cast-aluminium side steps, a ridiculous amount of approach angle, a choice of bold colours and you have quite a good looking, yet intimidating pickup.
The biggest news is the introduction of an all-new twin-turbo 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 petrol engine that’s tuned by Ford Performance to produce just shy of 300bhp and 491Nm of torque. Then there’s a specific boost profile for each gear of Ford’s advanced 10-speed automatic transmission and a racebred anti lag system to help deliver maximum thrills, supported by four exhaust modes from Quiet to Baja.
As we know from the previous generation, as a commercial pickup the Raptor has limitations. It has a maximum payload of just 700kg, so this does not qualify as a commercial vehicle. It will only tow up to 2500kg, and with CO2 emissions at 315g/km it falls in the highest tax band. 24
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Speaking of it’s transmission, the V6 is mated to a new fulltime four-wheel drive system (which can switch to 2WD), and features an electronic two-speed transfer case. It’ll reach 62mph from rest in 7.9 seconds, which feels much quicker, and take you to a top speed of 111mph. It’s a bit thirsty mind, expect mid to high twenties.