2024 Ford Ranger Raptor Road Test
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 พ.ค. 2024
- 2024 Ford Ranger Lariat FX4 Forbes story: www.forbes.com/sites/kbrauer/...
The transformation of the Ford Ranger in just the past 12 months is pretty amazing. In 2019, when the Ranger returned to the U.S. market, it was essentially a hastily-readied backfill model meant to latch on to whatever surging midsize truck sales it could. Brought in as a re-worked global truck that clearly wasn’t up to U.S. market standards, the previous-generation Ford Ranger boasted a potent powertrain wrapped in a paltry package.
Fast forward 5 years, and the 2024 Ranger receives a much-needed redesign. The primary strength of the previous model - its capable drivetrain - now sits in an all-new frame and body, with an all new interior to complete the midsize truck’s transformation. And if the carry-over 2.3-liter turbo four engine, with 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, isn’t enough, the 2024 Ranger offers a 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 with 315 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque.
Still not enough power you say? Well how about this version? The Ford Ranger Raptor’s 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, with 405-horsepower, absolutely smothers the midsize truck segment. It's connected to Ford’s 10-speed automatic, making it essentially the same drivetrain as the Bronco Raptor. Though with a $56,950 MSRP, and pretty much fully equipped at that price, it’s over $30,000 cheaper than the Bronco. It would appear Ford was done playing the also-ran role in this category.
It’s worth noting that the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon also offer a peak 430 pound-feet of torque. This translates to a 7,700-pound towing capacity for the GM twins, while the Ranger Raptor’s capacity maxes out at 5,510 pounds. However, if towing is your priority and Ford is your preference, the standard Ranger with the 2.7-liter V6 is rated to pull up to 7,500 pounds, nearly tying the Colorado and Canyon.
But why are we talking towing when the point of the Ranger Raptor is off-road partying, not on-road utility. Actually, it’s worth noting that every new Ranger has some great functionality features, regardless of drivetrain choice. We’re big fans of the new, optional 12.4-inch instrument cluster and 12-inch, vertically-oriented central touchscreen - both are standard on the Raptor model. And we appreciate the truck’s cool interior storage features, like the dual gloveboxes and flip-up rear seat bottom.
But when it comes to the Ranger Raptor trim the really important features are all outside the cabin. These include a 3-inch wider track and elevated ride height compared to a standard Ranger, along with electronic-locking front- and rear differentials, Fox 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks, an active exhaust system, and 33-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires on 17-inch wheels.
There’s also protective underbody skid plates, fender flares, front and rear tow hooks, and additional off-road driving modes like Baja, which is meant to help rotate the truck and send up rooster tails of dust on your favorite off-road trail.
These are the features we focused on while climbing our local off-road mountain trail. Ford says it tuned the truck to be more fun on high-speed off-road runs versus offering the kind of crazy suspension articulation the Bronco Raptor delivers. The truck’s longer wheelbase, lower weight and lower ride height - compared to the Bronco - gives it a more stable, nimble feel than the Bronco Raptor, encouraging more sideways yaw action versus low-speed rock crawling.
This design also gives the Ranger Raptor better on-road manners, with increased highway comfort and stability, and improved cornering confidence. But don’t get carried away. With those knobby, all-terrain tires you’ll get plenty of rubber roar on twisty roads if you try to drive it like a sports car.
And with a zero-to-60 time around 5.2 seconds, relatively precise steering - for a truck - and a Sport mode that increases throttle response and dampens body roll, you might be inspired to drive it more like a Mustang than an F-150. Don’t say we didn’t warn you if you get too exuberant - it’s still a truck.
And for $60,000 the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor is not an inexpensive truck. However, it’s represents a completely unique, one-off offering within its segment. Its combination of on-road comfort and utility, plus off-road capability and fun, makes it the only high-performance game in midsize truck town. - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
I love it when Ford gets it right.
They really did this time. 👍
Yea...at 65K, they nailed it.
King of the performance mid size hands down
Nothing else like it right now. Let’s see if Toyota or GM step up…
I just got this truck in hot pepper red and it’s a blast to drive!
Nice! Would definitely go loud for color, given this truck’s personality and capabilities.
Even the street version looks like a good one.
That standard Ranger is really good now. They aggressively upped their game for the 2024 redesign. Which makes sense when you consider how critical their F-150 is. If any company should be owning the midsize truck category, it's Ford.
Anxiously waiting for mine. Ordered last July with no end in sight yet :/
Seems to be a backlog of demand for sure. But not surprising.
Towing numbers aren’t correct technically. The zr2 tows less than the regular Colorado and the regular Ranger tows 7k. So not apples to apples on the tow numbers.
Baja is a special setting because it’s the only drive mode that allows for the anti lag turbo setting
Good info. Thanks!
Not sure if I missed the road test?
Here's the link:www.forbes.com/sites/kbrauer/2024/05/14/test-driving-the-2024-ford-ranger-raptor/?sh=af1ca7640311
not enough skid plates
I sorta thought the same thing when I saw the underbelly shot. A couple more wouldn't hurt for this trucks intended purpose. Especially by the rear differential.
Looks like Trabuco Canyon
Good eye.
And 2 extra cylinders
That would be crazy. But awesome.