The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor Is an Off-Roading Bargain
The wait for the Ford Ranger Raptor is finally over. We’ve been teased about this new monster truck for months, and it’s honestly better than expected. Not only is the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor capable, but it’s affordable compared to other Raptor options.
How much is the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor?
The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor price starts at 56,900. We know that the price may seem a little high for a midsize truck, but it’s loaded with power and extra off-roading equipment for tackling the wild.
Plus, the 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor starts at $83,580, so the Ranger Raptor is $28,475 cheaper. That’s some significant off-roading savings. MotorTrend notes that the Range Raptor is also more practical with its truck bed.
The 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 is cheaper at $46,800, but it’s more of a rock crawler than a desert racer. Both options can tackle the wild with Baja 1000 victories to brag about. Also, the larger F-150 Raptor starts at $76,755.
What comes with the 2024 Ranger Raptor?
The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor uses the 3.0-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine with 405 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. In the Bronco Raptor, this engine provides 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque, but the Ranger Raptor is 400 lbs lighter, so it’s probably just as fast.
The engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and sends power through an electronically controlled transfer case with front and rear locking differentials. It rides on 17-inch beadlock capable wheels wrapped in 33-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A K03 tires.
New upper and lower aluminum control arms increase suspension travel, and the upper shock mount is improved. The rear suspension has coil-over shock units mounted outboard of the frame.
Ford Performance programmed the 2.5-inch Fox Live Valve Internal Bypass shocks with various damping maps and position-sensitive damping that changes rates mid-stoke based on jounce and rebounds. The shocks have new Teflon-infused oil to reduce friction and heat build-up.
The system automatically senses when the wheels leave the ground to provide a soft landing regardless of the driving mode. The tailored driving modes include Normal/Tow/Haul, Slippery, Sport, Off-Road, Baja, and Cro Crawl. The R mode allows you to customize your preferred settings.
A steel bash plate protects the undercarriage, and American models feature a steel bumper in the front. Tow hooks are found in the front and rear.
How capable is the new Ranger Raptor?
The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor has a 10.7-inch ground clearance and can ford water up to 33 inches deep. It has a 33.0-degree approach angle, a 24.2-degree break-over angle, and a 26.4-degree departure angle.
The Ranger Raptor can tow up to 5,510 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,411 lbs. It has 5.2 inches of jounce and 4.8 inches of rebound in the front with 6.5 and 5.0 inches in the rear. The track is wider by 3.5 inches. There’s no stabilizer bar to get in the way.
It uses Watts linkage to laterally locate the live rear axle. The interior features six overhead upfitter switches for accessories. Trail Control is like off-road cruise control, and new trail cameras display the path ahead.
The new Ford Ranger Raptor offers tons of capability, comfort, power, and convenience. We can’t wait to see how it holds up.
