Skepticism is a healthy reaction when car companies start throwing around terms like “rally car” to describe their latest vehicles. Before driving the new Ford Ranger Raptor, the rally car comparison kept popping up, triggering that skepticism. However, after a day behind the wheel in Utah, skepticism began to fade, replaced by a growing appreciation for just how capable, and frankly, how much fun this truck really is. It rips, plain and simple, and it’s far from a disappointment.
Full disclosure: Ford flew me out to Utah to experience the Ranger Raptor. And yes, Utah’s landscapes are stunning.
The original F-150 Raptor, launched back in 2010, felt like an automotive miracle. It was a high-speed desert runner that, against all odds, made it from concept to dealership. Suddenly, anyone could walk into a Ford dealership and drive away in a machine built for high-speed off-road adventures. Unsurprisingly, it was a massive hit and has been a staple of the F-150 lineup ever since.
With the Ranger’s return to the American market in 2019, the question of a Ranger Raptor variant became unavoidable. Enthusiasts looked at the F-150 Raptor and then at the Ranger, and the demand for a smaller Raptor was obvious. While the rest of the world enjoyed the Ranger Raptor, North America had to wait. Until now.
The Ranger Raptor shares Ford’s robust T6 platform with the Bronco Raptor, and boasts the same potent twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering 405 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. The chassis has been significantly upgraded with a reinforced frame, lightweight control arms, and advanced Fox live-valve suspension. The Raptor is packed with off-road tech: front and rear locking differentials, impressive approach, breakover, and departure angles (33, 24.2, and 26.4 degrees respectively), a generous 10.7 inches of ground clearance, a two-speed transfer case, and rugged BFG KO3 tires. And let’s be honest, it looks fantastic, even if personal preference might dictate removing the decals.
The day began at the Raptor Assault School, a complimentary driving program for Ranger Raptor owners. The name “Assault School” might raise eyebrows – conjuring images of military training rather than off-road fun. While Ford emphasizes responsible off-roading and environmental awareness, the name feels slightly misaligned with their welcoming approach. Perhaps “Ranger Raptor Flight School” would be more fitting, given the truck’s aerial capabilities.
Despite the name, Raptor Assault School is undeniably enjoyable. After a brief on-road drive showcasing the Ranger Raptor’s surprisingly refined road manners and improved steering compared to the standard Ranger, the course transitioned to a rock crawling section in the Utah mountains. Here, participants tested the rear locker, hill descent control, and utilized the front camera for precise tire placement. It quickly became apparent that the Ranger Raptor was barely breaking a sweat on the course. While the program catered to drivers of varying off-road experience levels, the Raptor’s rock crawling prowess was definitively demonstrated. It could likely navigate the course with two wheels missing, highlighting its inherent capability.
Drivers are also introduced to the Ranger Raptor’s comprehensive suite of driving modes. While effective and functional, the sheer number of modes – Normal, Tow/Haul, Sport, Slippery, Off-Road, Rock Crawl, and Baja – might seem overwhelming to some. Compared to simpler vehicles with fewer or no modes, the Raptor offers a mode for virtually every conceivable driving scenario.
Following the rock crawl, the focus shifted to high-speed off-road driving exercises. This is where the Raptor truly distinguishes itself from more traditional off-road vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. Raptors are engineered for speed across challenging terrain, not just slow-speed technical obstacles.
The program was structured to accommodate drivers with diverse experience levels, with instructors initially discouraging the use of paddle shifters and limiting exercise repetitions. The first exercise was a familiar track-day style loop: accelerate, turn, brake.
Two key observations emerged quickly. First, the Raptor’s suspension is incredibly adept at absorbing aggressive inputs. Attempting to induce a slide through left-foot braking required significant force, showcasing the suspension’s composure. Second, even in Baja mode, the most permissive setting, the Raptor exhibited power reduction under certain conditions. While designed to provide initial slide satisfaction, the system intervenes to prevent drivers from chasing excessive slides and potentially losing control. This power management became a point of discussion among journalists, with some expressing slight disappointment. However, as explained by Ranger Raptor Program Manager Justin Capicchiano, this feature is intentional, prioritizing safety while still allowing for a considerable amount of fun. Once understood, drivers can adapt and still fully enjoy the truck’s capabilities.
Another crucial discovery, perhaps unintentionally encouraged, involves the traction control system. By pressing, releasing, and then holding the traction control button, the system can be fully disabled. While not explicitly condoned during the Raptor Assault School, this unlocked the truck’s true potential.
Disabling traction control reveals the Ranger Raptor as the machine it was always meant to be. While its height and weight prevent it from being a true rally car replica, it drifts predictably and beautifully. It explodes out of corners with impressive speed and possesses enough momentum to achieve airtime on the Baja course’s back straight dip. It is, in essence, a profoundly enjoyable vehicle that leaves a lasting impression.
With destination charges, the Ranger Raptor starts at $56,960. The mid-size truck segment presents a value challenge, as prices can quickly escalate. At $60,000, buyers expect a lot of truck. Furthermore, for those planning extended camping trips, the Raptor’s payload capacity is reduced to 1375 pounds.
However, if the priority is off-road exhilaration, high-speed desert running, and the occasional sideways adventure, the Ranger Raptor justifies its price. While a direct comparison to the Chevy Colorado ZR2/GMC Canyon AT4X awaits, the Ranger Raptor currently sets the benchmark for fun in a modern pickup truck. It delivers an unparalleled level of driving enjoyment and off-road capability in its class.
