5 Things Make the 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor Worth Every Penny
We understand that the Ford Bronco Raptor isn’t cheap, but if you have the funds to go for it, then we’re jealous! One week wasn’t enough time to spend with this beast, although we did have to fill it up twice. Ignore the weak fuel economy for a minute to consider the benefits that the 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor provides.
Is the 2023 Ford Bronco worth buying?
Yes, the 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor is an excellent adventure vehicle to consider that’s surprisingly convenient for everyday life. But let’s examine that incredibly shocking $73,780 price tag!
That doesn’t make the decision to upgrade easy. But the Bronco Raptor packs a powerful punch with the EcoBoost 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. This is up from 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque with the regular Bronco.
It also has a wider track to improve stability at higher speeds, 170inch alloy wheels wrapped in 37-inch all-terrain tires, rock rails, steel bash plates, heavy-duty bumpers, a reinforced swing-gate, a unique Raptor hood, and bolt-on fender flares.
The H.O.S.S. 4.0 suspension setup includes FOX live-valve 3.1 internal bypass semi-active dampers with unique tuning. There are integrated reservoirs in the front and remote rear reservoirs.
Plus, unique control arms at the front and rear deliver 13 inches of wheel travel in the front and 14 inches in the rear. The Bronco Raptor also has a 13.1-inch ground clearance.
1. The Ford Bronco Raptor is fun
It’s hard not to have a good time in the Ford Bronco Raptor with a tremendous amount of power on tap. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.6 seconds. Taking off is hard to resist but is best done in Baja mode.
The Baja mode has anti-lag settings, so you can really fly across the desert and other types of terrain. The Bronco has a smooth power delivery thanks to the 10-speed automatic transmission with confident brakes.
Seriously, the Bronco Raptor will stop on a dime. Also, the steering is responsive, and there is little to no body roll around sharp bends.
While the suspension build makes the Bronco Raptor have a stiff ride over the pavement, it’s not uncomfortable. The cabin doesn’t rattle or shake. Plus, it provides a smooth ride over dirt, mud, and gravel trails.
2. The 2023 Bronco Raptor is easy
The 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor is a convenient daily driver, despite its massive size. Ure, it’s wide, but it has an ultra-sharp turning radius. The Trail Turn Assist feature brakes the inside-rear tire to make things more agile.
For an off-roading vehicle named after a dinosaur, the Bronco Raptor is surprisingly easy to maneuver. You can park in any spot and easily turn around in narrow areas. There’s tons of visibility in the front, while the 360-degree camera and parking bolster more confidence.
You don’t have to drive it in an aggressive manner to enjoy it. The steering modes include Normal, Sport, and Comfort to suit your daily needs. Plus, you can place the exhaust in normal mode for a relaxing ride. But please note that the downshifting in Sport mode can be rough.
Sure, there is a tall entry-level to consider. But the optional running boards make it simple for shorter kids to climb in without any issues. Plus, there are plenty of handles to access.
The all-weather flooring is excellent because you don’t need to worry about tracking mud in. There’s even a protective mat in the cargo area so you can quickly store muddy tools or equipment and go.
3. The 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor is comfortable
It’s not bad to drive home in the 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor after a full day of wheeling. It’s pretty smooth on the pavement, with helpful driver assistance features to make sure you’re safely in control.
There isn’t a lot of wind and road noise until you hit speeds above 55 miles per hour. But at lower speeds, things are pretty serene. The climate controls are actually louder than the wind and road noise.
On that note, the automatic climate controls keep the Bronco Raptor at the perfect temperature related to the surrounding conditions. It also has standard heated seats and a heated steering wheel.
The massive bucket seats with leather trim are welcoming and supportive. They work ergonomically to keep you feeling fresh and energized during longer trips. But we do miss the leather upholstery in the Wildtrak trim.
4. The Bronco Raptor provides its value
The 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor isn’t cheap, and we mean that when it comes to its build quality. The marine-grade vinyl and premium leather upholstery provide an elegant yet durable feeling. Also, the textured plastics are met with pops of carbon fiber trim and soft-touch-covered materials.
You get a nice sense of satisfaction while wrapping your fingers around the leather-wrapped steering wheel, too. Contonstrating shades of leather with accent stitching makes things pop, and we can’t get enough of the Bronco-shaped badging.
Each of the buttons and auxiliary switches have a nice heft. Things don’t seem very easy to break, but we didn’t exactly try. Plus, if you want to remove to roof panels and doors, you can store them in the standard canvas bags.
The material is tough and doesn’t seem like it will rip easily. Everything about this vehicle can take a beating.
Tons of nice tech features are standard such as the 12.0-inch infotainment system, 12.0-inch digital gauge cluster, ambient lighting, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging pad, remote start, and steering-wheel paddle shifters are fast and intuitive.
5. The Bronco Raptor is easy to customize
It’s not difficult to make the 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor feel like your own personal rig. It features a panel of auxiliary switches with pre-run wires, so you can easily add your accessories. Also, two charging ports are on the dash, making it convenient to mount your phone or GoPro.
The reinforced swing gate has an accessory panel, too. Plus, tons of after-market accessories are available, so you can stand out from the crowd with personal mods. There are different types of tops, doors, bumpers, wheels, roof racks, and storage organizers.
If you don’t like the fender flares, that’s fine. You can swap them out with a design that better suits your fancy.
The Bronco Raptor isn’t perfect, with drawbacks to consider, such as limited storage for personal items, a tight backseat, and intense fuel consumption. But it’s an addictive off-roading beast that doubles as a comfortable daily driver.