By: Peter Gregorian
October 19, 2024
The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor is a thrilling addition to Ford’s midsize pickup truck lineup, bringing the high-performance off-road treatment that made its bigger sibling, the F-150 Raptor, an icon. After spending an adventurous week behind the wheel, courtesy of Ford Canada, it’s clear that the Ranger Raptor is packed with serious hardware and capability while remaining practical enough for everyday use.
From the moment you lay eyes on the Ranger Raptor, its muscular styling demands attention. The bulging fenders, blacked-out grille with bold “FORD” lettering, and prominent skid plates create an unmistakable Raptor look that means business. The wider stance and raised ride height further enhance its commanding presence, whether you’re cruising down the highway or tackling tough trails. The unique 17-inch grey painted Beadlock wheels, wrapped in BFGoodrich all-terrain tires, are ready to conquer any off-road challenge, providing incredible grip across various conditions, including wading through muddy water. Whether the Azure Grey Metallic Tri-Coat paint with the Raptor Decal Kit is sparkling clean or coated in a layer of mud, the Raptor turns heads and attracts admiration wherever it goes.
While the Ranger Raptor’s short 5-foot bed with 1,233 liters (43.5 cubic feet) of cargo volume is adequate for most tasks, the lifted suspension can make loading and hauling larger items a bit impractical, despite the built-in tie-downs. However, it’s important to remember that this is a purpose-built vehicle designed for off-road thrashing, with occasional cargo transport. Thankfully, the Raptor is also equipped with an Advanced Towing Package, allowing it to tow a trailer with a maximum weight of 2,499 kilograms (5,510 pounds).
Where the Raptor truly shines is in its ability to deliver exhilarating performance across various terrains. This is thanks to the powerful twin-turbocharged 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine, which churns out an impressive 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission, the Ranger Raptor can sprint from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in under six seconds, rivaling the acceleration of its larger F-150 Raptor counterpart. The Raptor’s dual exhaust system emits a guttural, almost Jurassic-like roar, adding to the vehicle’s aggressive character.
The advanced full-time 4×4 system, two electronic differential lockers, and multiple drive modes work seamlessly together to propel the Ranger Raptor through the toughest terrains, instilling a sense of invincibility in the driver. With three on-road modes (Normal, Sport, Slippery) and four off-road modes (Sand, Rock Crawl, Mud/Ruts, Baja), each varying the powertrain, drivetrain, and suspension settings according to the situation, the Raptor is well-equipped to handle any challenge. For those who prefer ultimate control over every aspect of the driving experience, the R mode allows independent adjustment of exhaust, engine, steering, and suspension settings.
The Ranger Raptor’s suspension, featuring Fox Live Valve internal bypass shocks, is a true marvel of engineering. With 11.4 inches of rear-wheel travel and 10.7 inches of ground clearance, the Raptor inspires confidence when traversing ruts and broken terrain. The Live Valve technology adjusts compression and rebound in real-time when traveling at high speeds over rough roads, allowing the suspension to soak up huge bumps with remarkable composure.
Even on tarmac, the Ranger Raptor feels well-planted and handles corners with poise, despite its all-terrain tires, higher center of gravity, and substantial 2,415-kilogram (5,325-pound) curb weight. While the steering might feel a bit slow and muted compared to a sports car, it’s perfectly suited for the Raptor’s intended purpose.
Inside the cabin, the Ranger Raptor’s interior strikes a balance between sportiness, comfort, and functionality. The heavily bolstered leather and microsuede front seats keep you securely in place during spirited driving across all terrains. However, rear seat passengers might find the bench a bit uncomfortable on longer journeys. In-cabin storage is somewhat limited, with only two small cubbies under the rear seat bench, the center console, and the glove compartment.
The materials throughout the cabin are a mix of soft-touch components and harder, cheaper-feeling plastics, which might be a bit disappointing for a midsize truck in this price range. Additionally, the redundant climate controls, with both physical and digital options, can be confusing, and the physical climate control and volume knobs feel relatively small.
On the technology front, the Ranger Raptor is well-equipped. The SYNC 4A infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless smartphone integration. The 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system delivers crisp, clear, and surprisingly impressive audio quality. The Raptor also features a mix of 12V and 120V power outlets in the cabin and truck bed, as well as built-in auxiliary switches and wiring for aftermarket accessory support, which off-road enthusiasts are sure to appreciate.
Ford has packed the Ranger Raptor with their latest driver-assist and safety technologies. The Co-Pilot360 system includes pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist, all of which work incredibly well alongside the adaptive cruise control for long highway commutes. The 360-degree camera system, when not caked in mud, is incredibly helpful for precision off-road maneuvering, providing a clear view of all angles of the vehicle and negating the need for a spotter in most instances.
According to Natural Resources Canada, the Ranger Raptor’s official fuel economy figures are 14.9L/100KM in the city, 12.8L/100KM on the highway, and 14.0L/100KM combined. During real-world driving, which included a mix of stop-and-go city traffic, off-road trail thrashing, and casual highway cruising, the observed fuel economy was 15.9L/100KM combined. While this might seem poor, it’s not unexpected given the high-output turbocharged V6 engine and all-terrain tires.
With a starting MSRP of $77,945 CAD, the Ranger Raptor positions itself as a more affordable and equally capable alternative to the F-150 Raptor. The tested vehicle, equipped with the Azure Grey paint ($800), 17″ wheels ($2,000), and Raptor Decal pack ($1,000), came out to $84,040. While the Ranger Raptor comes well-equipped, it would have been nice to have the bedliner included as standard, rather than as a $600 option.
In conclusion, the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor is a game-changer in the midsize truck segment, injecting a heavy dose of off-road capability and attitude. Although it may not be as luxurious or powerful as its larger F-150 Raptor sibling, the Ranger Raptor still delivers a thrilling driving experience in a more compact and affordable package. Straight out of the box, it effortlessly conquers city streets, highways, and off-road trails, and enthusiasts have the flexibility to further enhance the truck’s capability thanks to the auxiliary switches. For off-road enthusiasts who don’t require a full-size truck and can live with minor compromises, the Ranger Raptor is an exciting new addition to the Ford Performance lineup.
