It has been confirmed that the Ford Ranger is the latest blue oval truck to be bitten by the Raptor. The Ford Ranger Raptor will debut in Europe, Australia, and North America, but each market will get a slightly different version. In North America, the Ford Ranger Raptor will debut as a 2023 model in its new third-gen body design. Performance specs for the North American Ranger Raptor have not been confirmed, but here’s what we know thus far.
The 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor will look brawnier than the standard model, with flared fenders and broader rear cover tracks to fit its 32-inch all-terrain tires and 17-inch wheels. Higher ground clearance is expected, along with an aggressive hood scoop, bespoke front and rear bumpers, aluminum side steps, skid plates, and a signature front grille. Off-Road-focused parts include underbody armor with a 2.3-inch thick steel front bash plate and shields to protect the engine and transmission. In addition, a set of twin-rated tow hooks come as standard equipment on the Ranger Raptor.
The interior features bucket seats said to be inspired by jet fighters. These bucket seats will offer plenty of support and bolstering, along with a leather-wrapped Raptor steering wheel with red stitching and a pair of magnesium paddle shifters. Standard equipment includes matrix LED headlights, a 12-inch central infotainment screen with a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10-speaker B&O audio system.
A twin-turbo 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 powers the Ford Ranger Raptor. The engine is tuned to deliver 392-hp and 430 lb.-ft of torque using a 10-speed automatic transmission based on the Australian market. Ford has not confirmed the specs for the North American market, but we can assume it will be within the 400-hp range. The Ranger Raptor is ready to tackle all-terrain thanks to a heavy-duty suspension featuring 2.5-inch Live Valve FOX shocks and new upper and lower aluminum control arms. Ground clearance is set at 11.4-inch at the front and 9.8-inches at the rear.
As with other Ford performance trucks, the Ranger Raptor will offer seven driver modes: Normal, Sport, Slippery, Rock Crawl, Mud/Ruts, Sand, and the favorite Baja mode – ideal for high-speed off-road driving. The Ranger Raptor also features an active-valve exhaust system that changes the truck’s voice depending on the drive move. The 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor will be introduced next year.
For more news from Ford, check out the 2022 Ford Bronco Everglades Edition, featuring a factory snorkel and winch.
