PHOENX — Ford redesigned the midsized 2024 Ranger and for the first time added the Raptor trim level, an expansion of the off-road performance arm first introduced 15 years ago in 2009, for the F-150 Raptor. The Raptor sits atop the Lariat, XLT and XL with all trim levels produced with a crew cab and 5-foot cargo bed. For reference, the new Ranger Raptor is Ford's equivalent to off-road competitors like the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, Jeep Gladiator Mojave and Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro.

Powering the Ranger Raptor is a modified Bronco Raptor 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 with 405-hp and 430 lb-ft torque, slightly less than Bronco's 418-hp and 440 lb-ft. torque and uses the same transfer case and front and rear locking differential. A 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission includes cast magnesium alloy paddle shifters on the steering column for those who want to assume the shifting duties.

There's a small, square knob for an electronic shifter rather than the stalk mechanical shifter on other Ranger trim levels. But the shifter if at best fussy to use, counterintuitive to operate, and a struggle to land the gear you want to drive. Finding reverse was totally annoying and got old fast.



There's nearly 11-inches of ground clearance, 1.5-inches more than the standard Ranger. The Ranger Raptor is shod with 33-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 tires hung with 17-inch aluminum deadlocks wheels (optional) , rear coil-over shocks, a live rear axel, and essential 2.5-inch Fox Live Valve Internal Bypass electronically controlled shocks and steel skid plates to cover the engine, transfer case and gas tank.

Other customized off-road ready gear includes terrain-tracking that adjust things like shock damping to maximize performance. There's also unique running boards and a new front bumper is purpose built to improve the approach angle to 33 degrees up from the standard Ranger's 29.2 degrees. Raptor has a payload of 1,711 pounds and can tow up to 5,500 pounds.

Exterior identifying styling Raptor obligatory oversized and unmistakable 3D FORD grille, flared fenders to accommodate the 3.5 inch wider than other Rangers track and an affixed "Raptor" vinyl decal to the rear of both cargo bed sides to go along with extra badging all around the vehicle. Inside, the cabin looks the part, is attractive, and flush with distinguishing flourishes of red trim, red stitching, red trim on the heavily bolstered seats and a strip of red tape on the steering wheel for identifying corner angling correctly.

To be sure, there's an abundance of hard plastic trim to the black interior, along with some rubberized materials, and while there's just modest dedicated detailing to set it apart from the standard Ranger, it seems to work just fine.

Tech, infotainment and connectivity is delivered via a standard 12.4-inch vertically aligned touchscreen with Ford's latest Sync infotainment software. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot are standard. Options include a built-in navigation and 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.

While the standard issue Ranger includes a number of drive modes to choose from the Raptor ups the game from the Normal, Tow/Haul, Sport Slippery, Off-Road, and Rock Crawl, that adjusts the engine tuning and transmission mapping, ABS calibration, traction control, steering, throttle response and more, it's the Baja mode that makes things really interesting.

Derived from the legendary desert race, selecting Baja mode adjusts the mode settings and capabilities to the max making the midsize Raptor as Baja jump efficient as the full-sized F-150 Raptor R. There's also four active exhaust mode settings with Baja and Sport settings almost disorderly raucous, your neighbors will appreciate your late evening arrival setting on Normal or Quiet to keep peace in the hood. Finally, the 360-degree camera and Pro Trailer Backup Assist will come in handy in all blind spot situations.  

While our testing did not include the California Baja, it did include some rather aggressive Arizona desert off-roading up and down hills laden with serious ruts, boulders, rock and deep sand, the Raptor's purpose-built terrain. The Raptor easily handled and negotiated the arduous and demanding trails with a herculean effort and result but we actually were more impressed with its sedan like manners on pavement surfaces where its commuting on urban roads were beyond impressive. More sports-sedan-like than rugged off-road.

Considering flat-out acceleration and speed, Ranger Raptor reached 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds in our unofficial testing and eclipsed the standing quarter mile in 14.4 seconds. While not meant for the drag strip this amount of power does thankfully feature when towing on steep mountain grades or when passing slower vehicles. However the drawback is the Raptor required premium fuel returned just 16.1 MPG combined driving during our week of testing

Overall, with the arrival of the 2024 Ranger Raptor to the stable of Ford's off-road performance vehicles it may not be as large but it certainly is no less interesting or as fun catching air under all four BFG's or turning heads in the Costco parking lot. The Ranger Raptor is neither incognito nor retiring and as we found, thoroughly addicting to drive regardless of the surface beneath the wheels.

Vital Stats

Base Price: $55,620
Price as Tested: $57,710
Powertrain: 3.0-Liter, twin turbocharged, 405-hp V-6 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4X4.
EPA Fuel Economy: 16/18/17 MPG, City/Highway/Combined
Seats: 5

Where Built: Michigan, USA

Competes With:
Chevrolet Colorado Bison
GMC Canyon AT4X
Jeep Gladiator Mojave
Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro

Crash Test Safety Ratings: Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has crash tested the 2024 Ford Ranger.

Likes:
Powerful twin-turbocharged V-6 engine
Superb off-road, comfortable on road
Great-looking exterior treatment

Dislikes:
High starting price
Fussy shifter
Dismal fuel economy

— Jim Prueter