Let’s discuss necessity. Probably like several of you, I got a heated vest for Christmas. I’m outside a lot, walking the Monon Trail in Indianapolis and shooting auto reviews. Is it necessary? No, but it sure makes cold weather more enjoyable. In that same vein, did Ford really need to make an all-capable Baja-ready Raptor version of the recently updated 2024 Ranger pickup? Nope, but I suspect you’ll enjoy it.
A Tool of Work and Play
It’s a pretty handsome with a black FORD grille, black fender extensions, 17” wheels and meaty all-terrain tires. Given 10.7” of ground clearance, it’s handy to have black step plates. Around back, the truck’s pre-wired for trailers, pre-hitched for pulling them and pre-sprayed with bedliner to protect its insides. Power outlets in the bedside are ready for tools of work and play.
There’s no need for a heated jacket inside because our truck had heated leather front seats, thick heated steering wheel and dual-zone automatic climate control. Raptors glow up with red stitching, sueded dash and door tops and textured plastics to add allure. The deeply-bolstered seats hold you in when barreling across open desert…or just taking the on-ramp a little too fast. Four wide opening doors and wipe-down seats are ready for your, um, activities.
Flatscreen gauges and a 12-inch tablet-style touchscreen illuminate the interior while devices connect easily via wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. B&O audio is full and crisp. After an easy set-up, just toss phones on the charging pad in the console to access your device seamlessly. You can swipe or click through stations on-screen, but I’d prefer a proper tuning knob next to volume. For safety, an in-dash brake controller keeps you flying straight. Automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot warning, and rear cross path detection systems help too.
Like my unnecessary jacket, the Ranger’s off-road kit brings surprising comforts. For one, the active valve Fox shocks that absorb rough trails also provide a pleasingly compliant ride over city potholes and seemingly wafts down the Interstate. The fat tires help too. It’s by far the nicest riding Ranger. Getting into gear is a bit confusing since the manual mode button is where your thumb wants to click the shifter – the release button is actually beneath the top – but once you find it, good times.
Turbo-four Engines Bring Capability
Unlike in the F-150 Raptor, there’s no option of a V8 or twin-turbo V6. Instead, there’s a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 delivering 405 horsepower and 430 lb.-ft. of torque – routed to the full-time four-wheel-drive system through a 10-speed automatic transmission. Feel free to click through gears with paddles behind the steering wheel. Lock in the front/rear differentials if terrain get serious. Fuel economy of 16/18-MPG city/highway is atrocious but expected.
One of the best parts of the Ranger Raptor is its size. I live in the city with tight side streets and a small driveway. The F-150 Raptor is way too big. In fact, if you actually intend to use a Raptor off-road, its tighter dimensions are better. The Ranger offers all of its larger sibling’s style and capability in a more usable package.
Unless you live half-way across a desert or high up a ragged trail, the Ranger Raptor is not about necessity, but it sure is enjoyable to use. It’s not cheap, though. Rangers start at an affordable $32,820, but ours came to a lofty $59,305 all-in. Competitors include the Chevy Colorado ZR2, GMC Canyon AT4, Nissan Frontier PRO-4X, and Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter.
Storm Forward!
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