No longer just for other markets, the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor is here in the U.S., and it doesn’t disappoint.
The Ranger Raptor — you know, the one fans boys have been fawning over from Australia and elsewhere — has arrived, and I was one of the lucky few to get a some time playing in the Utah high-plains desert with it.
What is the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor?
Before I get into how it drives, let’s first cover the basics on the Ranger Raptor.
It is basically a smaller version of the F-150 Raptor with its oversized fenders, 33-inch BFGoodrich K03 tires, long-travel rear suspension including the Fox 2.5-inch Live Valve Internal Bypass shocks, a variety of skid plates, orange accents and the F-O-R-D spelled out on the grille. The Raptor is the apex predator of the F-150 lineup.
Now, you can get all that goodness into a smaller truck that arguably is better for off-road driving thanks to its slimmer proportions.
The differences between the two trucks include the watts-link rear suspension, meant to keep the rear axle centered while the suspension adjusts to the terrain, for the Ranger. The larger F-150 Raptor has a five-link rear suspension.
Also, the Ranger Raptor has a 3.0-liter V-6 twin-turbo EcoBoost engine producing 405 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque with premium fuel.
Oh, and the price difference of about $20k between the two trucks might get your attention as well.
How does it drive?
Ok, enough already, how does it drive?!
Well, it is, quite simply, very easy to describe how it drives. It is freaking awesome.
During my day at the new Ranger Raptor Assault school in Tooele, Utah (free entry with purchase of Ranger Raptor), I joined several other journalists like Managing Editor Jill Ciminillo.
We did some climbing up in the hills and used Ford’s Trail Control allowing you to set a speed between 1 to 4 MPH allowing you to focus on steering.
That’s a nice feature, but really this truck is about speed and Baja mode.
After putting on helmets and a Hans device for extra protection, we took turns on a course with plenty of turns and a few open stretches. Ford had us do three laps with each lap setting the truck in a different driving mode finishing up with Baja mode.
This Baja mode basically turns off all the traction control and safety features as well as changes the throttle response and transmission shift points to maximize performance. In other words, it makes the smile on your face wider.
Doing my best impersonation of a Baja driver, I pushed the truck as hard as I could and it didn’t leave me wanting except, well, to be able to do a dozen more laps. It is just fun as hell to drive.
In Baja mode, it feels like a completely different truck and the suspension absorbs the bumps so smoothly, your back will thank you for buying this truck.
Oh and the cherry on top? Yeah, we jumped the truck as well!
Now this jump wasn’t a trophy truck kind of jump, and we hit it well under 50 MPH, but it did show how much Ford thinks the Ranger Raptor will hold up to more seasoned owners beating it around the desert. Plus, jumping a truck is just plain fun.
The best part of this truck, besides the amazing Shelter Green exterior color, is it starts at $57,065, which includes a $1,595 destination fee. That’s before any dealer markups I suspect are coming.
The bottom line
The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor is exactly what you think it is — a smaller version of the F-150 Raptor. And that is perfect for many people who live in areas with tighter trails or for those who don’t want a big truck. Plus, you get a lot of capability and cool styling for your money.
Ford nailed this one. Period.
Editor’s note: Driving impressions in this “First Drive” review are from an invitation-only automaker launch event that allowed special access to the vehicle and executives. Ford Motor Co. covered our accommodations, meals and transportation costs.
