Get Ready, the Next-Gen Ford Ranger Raptor Is Coming
Believe it or not, it seems like we are finally getting the Ford Ranger Raptor here in the States. And that means consumers will have yet another choice when it comes to an off-road midsize truck. It also means that the Ford Bronco Raptor and Ford F-150 Raptor will have a smaller sibling. So what do we expect for this new pickup truck?
Is there a Ford Ranger Raptor?
Although the truck has not come to the United States yet, there is a Ford Ranger Raptor. As a midsize pickup, it’s meant to handle some legitimate off-roading as well as improved performance over the standard model.
The Blue Oval’s reasoning for not giving the U.S. the first-gen Ranger Raptor is that it was developed for markets without the F-150 Raptor. Thankfully, that is about to change, though. Soon, we will see this missing link in the Raptor lineup here in the States.
The Ranger Raptor is built Ford tough
Although the Blue Oval has not revealed things like pricing, the Ranger Raptor will likely be one of the more expensive options for this midsize truck. At the same time, it will offer off-road capability and some added performance.
In terms of the Ford Ranger Raptor’s powertrain, it will feature a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine. While numbers aren’t confirmed yet, it is rumored to make 392 horsepower and 430 pound-foot of torque. And that’s pretty much the same setup that is found on the Ford Bronco Raptor.
It would not be surprising if this pickup also got locking front and rear differentials, as well as a lift kit from the factory. And in true Raptor fashion, it is going to look more aggressive than the standard Ranger.
When is this truck coming?
According to Car and Driver, the Ranger Raptor was supposed to arrive for the 2023 model year. But now, it looks more likely that it will be here for the 2024 model year. Don’t think you’ll just be able to show up to the dealership and get one, though.
Because the Ranger Raptor will be popular, it will probably be difficult to actually get your hands on one. At least, at first. This generation of Ford Ranger has been long awaited. And that is because when Ford reintroduced its midsize truck here in the States, we actually got the previous generation.
A new generation of Ranger will put us on par with various global markets. And it means we will have a newer truck. The Blue Oval has been fairly tight-lipped on when the new pickup will actually become available. But it could arrive at some point in 2023.
The Raptor trim will just be one of many 2024 Ranger trim levels. We do expect to still see more affordable options like the FX4 Off-Road package and Ranger Tremor. But those will not be as extreme as the Raptor option. At the end of the day, it is pretty exciting that Ford is finally providing a legitimately new midsize truck to more markets.
