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With the huge surge in popularity of the midsize pickup segment, manufacturers from Toyota and GM to Dodge are making extra efforts to offer trim levels with enhanced off-road capabilities, or at the very least, an appearance package that looks capable of a push through a Baja landscape.
The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor delivers a bold mix of off-road prowess and aggressive design for midsize truck enthusiasts. Ford is committed to making the Raptor the Ranger’s ultimate performance variant – and after a week of testing one, it doesn’t disappoint.
Exterior style
The initial impact of the Ranger Raptor comes from its muscular stance, flared fenders and distinctive Ford grille. I think designers found a perfect blend of off-road confidence without taking away from the truck’s likely primary job — driving on paved roads.
The Ranger Raptor is wider and taller than the standard Ranger, giving it a commanding view of the road and a notable presence standing still. The big 17-inch wheels wrapped in 33-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires signal its off-road capability.
Cabin
My tester’s cabin blended rugged functionality with modern tech. Bolstered sport seats provide comfort and support, whether you’re commuting or crawling over rocky terrain. The 12.4-inch digital gauge cluster and 12-inch center touchscreen, powered by Ford’s SYNC 4A system, offer easy controls I found to be quite intuitive.
While the interior feels far more functional than luxurious, details like the Code Orange accents and premium materials on my tester pushed a steady attitude of aggressiveness. Power adjustments were appreciated and the rear seat room is more than adequate for two adults.
Performance
The heart of the Ranger Raptor is its twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, generating 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, it delivers impressive power both on the pavement and off.
Ford’s advanced off-road engineering is in the spotlight. Features like the Fox Live Valve dampers, 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks, and selectable drive modes (including Baja and Rock Crawl) make this truck a true off-road beast. On rough surfaces, the suspension soaks up bumps effortlessly, and the locking front and rear differentials provide extra grip when you need it most.
Most of my time in the Ranger Raptor was on the pavement and I must admit I was shocked at how composed it behaved for a truck of its size and capabilities. Steering is precise, and while the ride is firm, it’s not punishing. Fuel economy is an unimpressive 16 city and 18 highway.
Price and value
The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor has a base price of $55,365, and the model reviewed here came to $59,045 after options and destination charges. That’s a steep price for a midsize truck, even one as capable as the Raptor. By comparison, other performance pickups in the segment offer similar features at a lower cost, but not the high watermark of Raptor.
If you’re someone who values serious off-road performance, this truck is hard to beat. For others, the price might make more sense only if you plan to take full advantage of its capabilities. While the appearance alone is cool, there are several distinct competitors out there doing it well, too.
Final thoughts
The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor is an impressive machine, combining rugged performance with modern tech and design. It excels in off-road scenarios and handles daily driving duties with surprising refinement. If you’re in the market for a midsize truck that can tackle extreme trails and turn heads in the process, the Ranger Raptor is worth a test drive. Just make sure your budget aligns with its ambitions.
• John Stein is a freelance journalist based in Chicago. He has more than 25 years of experience driving, testing, and writing about the automotive industry, its latest innovations, and new vehicles.