Ford Ranger Raptor Review 2024

Forget any idea of the Ford Ranger Raptor being merely a faster version of the blue oval’s popular pick-up truck. This is a genuine off-road performance vehicle, with almost every component developed and tuned to allow the Ranger Raptor to be almost unstoppable in the dirt.

Opportunities to use the Ford Ranger Raptor’s ability to the maximum in the UK are likely to be limited, unlike in Australia where it was first born.

Instead, the Raptor is something of an indulgence, even though it still retains plenty of practicality compared to a traditional sports car. 

The Ford Ranger Raptor lineup is a simple one, giving buyers the choice between petrol or diesel power. There is only a slight difference in list price between the two engine options when new, while real-world fuel economy is likely to be closely matched.

As a result, we think the 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 version of the Ranger Raptor is a better option than the diesel. It delivers much more performance, along with a more inspiring exhaust note. For a pick-up truck that is all about maximum entertainment, ‘go big or go home’ with the Ranger Raptor’s engine choices.

The generous level of standard specification is the same with both engines. There are also a host of customisation options to add, such as load bed covers and storage boxes.

If you want to make your Ranger Raptor look even more dramatic, consider combining Code Orange paintwork with the exterior decal package.

The Ford Ranger Raptor finds itself in a class of its own here in the UK. High-performance pick-up trucks are not a common sight on our shores, meaning the Raptor has no natural predators.

There is the Volkswagen Amarok Aventura to consider, which comes with the option of a 240PS 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine. Alternatively, the Toyota Hilux GR Sport is powered by a 204PS 2.8-litre diesel.

Given the level of driving fun on offer, true sports cars like the BMW M2 or Porsche 718 Cayman might be in the running, too.

A utilitarian pick-up truck is not the typical starting point for a performance vehicle. Thankfully, Ford has done just enough to the Ranger Raptor’s interior to justify its premium price tag.

There is liberal use of soft-touch faux leather and suede fabrics, along with gloss carbon fibre-esque trim and the previously mentioned Code Orange highlights to lift the cabin. If you really go hunting around, naturally you will find some harder plastics being used, but this is still a truck that could live a hard life if needed.

At this price point, sportier alternatives like a BMW M2 or Porsche 718 Cayman will naturally offer a more luxurious interior. But neither of those cars can tow a heavy trailer or bash their way across sand dunes (and still be working at the other end).

Ford has opted for a fashionable portrait-orientated infotainment touchscreen for the latest Ranger, sharing this setup with the related Volkswagen Amarok. The blue oval’s system is distinct from the German manufacturer’s setup, though, making use of the latest Ford SYNC4-A operating system.

For the Raptor, this means a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, with large icons that are easy to press and quick to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity are included as standard, along with satellite navigation, DAB radio and five USB connections. There is even a windscreen-mounted USB port to power a dashcam.

Compared to the rest of the Ranger lineup, the Raptor benefits from a larger 12-inch digital instrument panel. There is also wireless smartphone charging included as standard, along with a B&O premium sound system with 10 speakers and 360-degree surround-view parking cameras.

Unlike the Volkswagen Amarok, Ford has fitted the Ranger with physical buttons and dials for its dual-zone climate control. This makes it far easier to use in comparison.

Be under no illusion, the Ford Ranger Raptor is a large vehicle. It might not be as big as its American Ford F-150 Raptor cousin, but the Ranger still feels vast by European standards.

It measures 5,381mm in length, is 2,028mm wide without the door mirrors, and stands 1,922mm tall before any payload is added. Navigating a multi-storey car park, or even just tight urban streets, is not for the faint-hearted.

Being so big does make the Ranger Raptor spacious on the inside, with those in the front benefiting from plenty of room. Adults will have no issues with getting comfortable, aided by those electrically adjustable sports seats.

Offered solely in double-cab layout, the Ford Ranger Raptor is relatively spacious in the back as well. The seat-backs are quite upright, but otherwise it is more than usable for carrying adults.

Where the Ranger Raptor finds itself limited in practicality, certainly compared to regular pick-up trucks, is payload capacity. Its trick suspension may be great for off-roading, but it restricts carrying capacity to 631kg in petrol form, or 704kg for the diesel. This is still ample for domestic users, but does see the Ranger Raptor miss out on that valuable commercial vehicle rating for tax purposes.

A standard Euro pallet can still be carried in the Raptor’s load bed, and there are plenty of lashing points to keep everything secure. There is the potential to tow braked trailers weighing up to 2,500kg, too.

Unlike with the previous-generation Ranger Raptor, Ford has given UK buyers a choice between petrol or diesel power.

The twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 EcoBoost petrol engine is the absolute star of the lineup, though. It features a motorsport-derived anti-lag system, typically seen on rally cars or indeed the Ford GT supercar, which helps improve throttle response.

An output of 292PS, along with 491Nm of torque, is considerable for a pick-up truck. Just try not to be too upset that Australian Raptor buyers get a more substantial 397PS, due to not being hobbled by European exhaust emissions rules. Even this lower 292PS output is sufficient for the Ranger Raptor to accelerate from 0-62mph in a swift 7.9 seconds.

The diesel version uses a 2.0-litre EcoBlue bi-turbo four-cylinder engine, which is carried over from the previous model. It produces 210PS and 505Nm of torque, while the 0-62mph time increases to a more sedate 10.5 seconds.

A 10-speed automatic transmission, with paddle shifters made from magnesium, is standard for both engines. It changes gear rapidly, helping to maximise the Ranger Raptor’s performance and reward drivers who use the paddles.

As a true off-roader, four-wheel drive is standard for the Ranger Raptor, with a selectable two-speed transfer case. A locking rear differential is fitted, while petrol models have a front locking differential as well.

Putting the Raptor in rear-wheel-drive mode, combined with big torque and off-road biased tyres, can result in a truck that feels keen to go sideways...

Refinement in the context of the Ford Ranger Raptor is perhaps best judged on the number of options available for the exhaust system. Petrol models come with an Active Exhaust Valve, with varying degrees of loudness depending on the driving mode selected via a steering wheel-mounted button.

The wildest Baja mode is officially intended only for off-road use, but the temptation of the guttural roar it creates will be hard to resist.

Aside from its exhaust, the Ford Ranger Raptor is surprisingly refined for a performance pick-up truck. It can make for an effective long-distance cruiser on the road, with even its huge tyres not generating too much noise.

For all the talk of performance and crazy off-road ability, the Ford Ranger Raptor should also be a safe pick-up truck. Not least because it is built to take on almost anything you can throw at it.

When tested by the Euro NCAP safety organisation, the Ford Ranger received the maximum five-star rating. This included an impressive 84 percent score for adult occupant protection, plus 90 percent for child occupants.

Standard safety equipment includes a wealth of airbags, including one for the driver’s knees, and Isofix child seat attachments in the rear.

For the Ranger Raptor, there is also intelligent adaptive cruise control, active park assist, blind-spot assist and an intelligent speed limiter. Automatic Matrix LED headlights and rain-sensing windscreen wipers are fitted, along with Ford’s Quickclear heated front windscreen.

The Ford Ranger Raptor may be pushed to its limits, so dependability will be an important factor for owners. Being so new, judging the reliability of the new Ranger is a little hard to do, but so far there have been no major problems reported.

It is worth remembering that Ford has detuned the petrol V6 engine for emissions reasons, which should also help with its longevity.

In the latest Honest John Satisfaction Index survey, Ford placed in the lower half of the table, not far behind Volkswagen. This was based upon older models, however, so hopefully the new Ranger can help improve upon that score.

As a desirable high-performance pick-up truck, it should come as no surprise that the Ford Ranger Raptor will not be cheap to insure.

Picking the diesel-powered Raptor sees a group 43 (out of 50 groups in total) insurance rating. The more powerful V6 petrol is also placed in the same group.

Curiously, this is still lower than the group 45 rating applied to the related Volkswagen Amarok Aventura.

Somewhat confusingly, despite the Ford Ranger Raptor not being viewed as a light commercial vehicle by HMRC, the DVLA treats it as one for VED (road tax) purposes.

This means drivers will be able to register it as a light commercial vehicle and pay an annual charge of £320 – or £176 for six months.

However, the lack of a one-tonne payload capacity means VAT cannot be reclaimed when purchasing a Ranger Raptor. Company car Benefit-in-Kind tax rates will also be higher, costing those in the 40 percent tax bracket more than £700 a month.

Unlike some of the more utilitarian Ford Ranger versions, the Raptor comes with a healthy level of standard equipment.

This starts with a unique front grille for the Ranger Raptor, spelling out the Ford name in huge letters. It comes with fuel-saving active grille shutters, too. Automatic Matrix LED headlights sit either side, while there are also LED front fog lights, LED tail lights and zone lighting.

The Raptor comes with Precision Grey 17-inch alloy wheels shod with chunky all-terrain tyres. Unlike a normal Ford Ranger, on a Raptor these wheels are connected to an adjustable suspension setup, with trick Fox Live Valve internal bypass dampers for the petrol model.

On the inside, Ford Performance sports seats are clad in a combination of Miko suede and leather trim. The driver’s seat benefits from 10-way power adjustment, while both the front pair come with heating included. Dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and a heated steering wheel are also part of the deal.

There is a 12-inch digital instrument panel, along with a 12-inch multimedia touch screen using Ford’s SYNC4-A infotainment system. This offers a DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, satellite navigation and voice control. It all plays through a premium B&O sound system.

Ford also fits intelligent adaptive cruise control, active parking assist and front and rear parking sensors.