The Ford Ranger got a full redesign this year and we reviewed that back in July, detailing what’s changed and how much we liked those upgrades. One of the big changes that we just glossed over, though, was the addition of a new Raptor model to the Ranger lineup.
The all-new 2024 Ranger Raptor use a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 that produces 405 horsepower. This engine is exclusive to the Raptor model and mates to the same 10-speed automatic as the others. Four-wheel drive is standard as well.
A lift kit adds height and makes room for Fox shocks at all four corners and 33-inch BFGoodrich K03 all-terrain tires. Added drive modes for the throttle and transmission optimize for more types of terrain. A wider front and rear track adds stability for the higher ride height and fender flares keep the tires contained.
Other additions include a low-speed cruise control for trail driving, locking differentials at both front and rear, added bolstering to Raptor-specific front bucket seating, and accessory switches on the overhead console for any dealer and aftermarket add-ons.
Downers to the 2024 Ranger Raptor are the turbo, which still often causes loss of traction when it suddenly kicks in and a loss of about 2,000 pounds of towing capability for the truck when this package is added.
For the added off-road prowess that the Raptor model brings, though, that latter point can be a decent payoff. We’re not sure about the turbo problem, though. Other, heavier models of the Raptor (F-150, Bronco) don’t have that issue. Likely due to their higher vehicle weight which helps mitigate it. As it is, though, the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor is still a lot of fun to drive off the pavement and carries the Raptor name very well for the brand.
Price wise, the 2024 Ranger Raptor is pretty high up there at over $57,000. For comparison, the popular XLT model is about $20,000 cheaper. The Raptor brings a lot of equipment and prestige to the mix for that price tag, though. And it looks genuinely powerful and off-road-ready by comparison. It’s a much tougher design. Whether it’s twenty grand worth of tough is something the buyer will have to decide.
Our favorite part of the Ranger Raptor’s appeal, though, is its no-problem attitude when off the road. It’s not a rock climber or river crosser like its other Raptor siblings might be. But it’s definitely strong and fast and capable of giving anything with TRD or ZR2 in its competitive field a good run for their money.
This review originally published on DriveModeShow.com.
