Presentation and road test Ford Ranger Raptor: a gifted performer off the tarmac

We live in a world where constant complaints about SUVs and their lack of off-road ability have prompted brands such as Ford to take a stand. The oval-badged firm has wanted to satisfy those who demand a genuine 4×4 on the old continent, and the solution has a name: Ford Ranger Raptor. We have already tried the most capable pick-up in the brand’s range -with due respect to the F-150, which is not sold in Europe- on asphalt and on broken terrain designed to push the Raptor to give its best.

With a striking, almost outrageous look that fits its personality and character perfectly, and with off-road capability that is far ahead of the competition, we are faced with a vehicle for which it is hard to find a direct rival. With this premise, we are going to discover what the Ford Ranger Raptor is capable of both off the road and on the road, will you join us?

Pure American style

One thing the Ford Ranger Raptor has made clear to me is that, whichever way you look at it, it will not leave you indifferent. This effect is achieved thanks to a robust design, enhanced by hard, aggressive lines that aim to anticipate the capabilities of the American pick-up when the toughest tracks are the terrain to be conquered.

The front, now dominated by a black grille, captivates us with the Ford emblem finished in the same colour. A rugged, oversized bumper continues to convey the strong character of the Ranger Raptor, but a steel-finished sump guard not only creates an attractive contrast, it also reveals the clear raison d’être of this very special vehicle.

The side, besides showing wider wheel arches that give an even more imposing look, is softened by 17-inch alloy wheels and BF Goodrich tyres developed specifically for the Ranger Raptor. The magnesium running board also catches the eye while making it easier to get into the cabin. Finally, the rear is led by a large load bay, two vertical LED tail lights and a bumper -also black- that will not go unnoticed.

A sporty, comfortable cabin with good solutions

Climbing into the Ford Ranger Raptor is an adventure, especially the first time, since it greets us with a height of 1.87 metres, a length of 5.40 metres and a width of 2.03 metres; however, once you have got past the entry that the Ford pick-up offers, you will find it very easy to find the right driving position inside.

This Raptor variant offers changes not only mechanically and aesthetically, but also in the cabin. The first thing that will catch our attention is the sporty-cut seats which, although they hold the body quite well, are very comfortable and well padded, ideal for covering long distances or tackling broken tracks without a care.

A large leather-wrapped steering wheel takes care of steering duties. It is accompanied by a generous array of buttons -which can seem a little confusing at first- and a red stripe marking twelve o’clock. Two large grey metallic paddle shifters are mounted on the steering wheel itself, giving a sportier, more spirited look. Matching this, there are several trims in the same colour and, to create an attractive contrast, blue stitching. The instrument cluster, meanwhile, remains analogue, and a digital screen between both dials takes care of providing us with all kinds of information.

The dashboard features a central screen which, as is usual in the oval-badged firm’s models, is intuitive and quick. However, the presence of hard plastics in several areas means the interior of the Ranger Raptor loses some of its exclusivity, although in its defence I will say that the fit is good and that if they get dirty during an off-road outing they will be easier to clean and to replace if damaged.

The rear seats are genuinely comfortable, allowing four adults to travel without suffering. As is customary, the middle seat is somewhat compromised, but the truth is that its rather soft backrest, angled forward, and a transmission tunnel that is not very pronounced, mean that a fifth occupant can also fit in the Ranger Raptor with relative ease. Another advantage when getting around in the Ford pick-up is its generous storage compartments, both in the doors and in the centre console, which will let us stow countless items.

No terrain is a match for the Ford Ranger Raptor

Well, the time has come to tell you what it feels like behind the wheel of the Ford Ranger Raptor, both when driving on asphalt and when facing more demanding terrain. On this occasion, Ford has decided to increase power considerably, a fundamental complement in off-road driving and to move the more than 2,500 kilos it claims on the scales.

Under the bonnet we find a four-cylinder, 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine that produces 213 CV at 3,750 rpm and 500 Nm of torque, which arrives forcefully between 1,750 and 2,000 rpm. The truth is that with this powertrain we can handle the Ranger Raptor without great difficulty and reach high speeds with ease, but the weight is noticeable and, despite the firm response across virtually the entire rev range, there is a slightly sluggish feeling in the first stretch of the rev counter, which is why I believe a power increase would be ideal for moving with more fluidity.

To manage all that power, Ford has opted for a torque-converter automatic gearbox with 10 speeds, the same one used in the Mustang. When driving gently and without demanding too much from either the engine or the gearbox, we find a smooth, quick response that makes gear changes virtually imperceptible. However, when we want to explore the sportier side of the Ranger Raptor and resort to sequential mode, the transitions are somewhat slow and having 10 speeds can feel rather tedious when playing with them, which is why it is more comfortable to let the car change gears by itself. In its favour, I must say it manages gear changes perfectly in off-road driving, and the presence of the low-range transfer case makes things even easier.

But what is it like to drive this combination on asphalt? Well, to my surprise, the Ford Ranger Raptor has an ideal ride for long motorway journeys. One of its most striking aspects is its excellent sound insulation, which means that neither wind noise nor the roar of its engine intrudes into the cabin. Its suspension -designed for off-road use and competition- is comfortable, and at no point will we notice harsh bounces or pronounced body roll. In town the feeling is very similar, but the Ranger Raptor’s large dimensions mean it is not where it feels most at home.

In sporty driving over broken tracks we can appreciate one of the most fun sides of the Ford Ranger Raptor. Despite its weight and size, the truth is that it feels agile when changing its footing and when taking corners. With 4×4 mode engaged, grip on the asphalt is constant, allowing us to drive very fast over adverse terrain. In very tight bends, the Raptor’s rear can be coaxed to step out slightly, letting us round the line even more and increase the fun.

Its steering is quick, but the lack of feedback and low steering ratio mean we are not very aware of what is happening at the ground, something the suspension system will let us know more than once. And the preparation the Ranger Raptor has undergone to tackle adverse situations and low grip with astonishing comfort and precision is impressive. To achieve this, the engineers at Ford have used dampers signed by Fox, which offer a travel that is 32% greater at the front axle and 18% greater at the rear compared with the conventional Ranger.

At the same time, it has aluminium control arms with damper towers at the front and a new coil-spring rear suspension system with an integrated Watt’s linkage that allows the axle to move up and down with very little lateral movement. In practice this translates into a damping and suspension system that allows a very high angle of inclination and lets it cross bridges, descend slopes and traverse any terrain regardless of how broken it is, without the Raptor offering the slightest complaint. Stability is also faultless despite the dimensions of our protagonist, and the long suspension travel and its surprising smoothness mean both dirt tracks and tarmac can be tackled with great diligence and without fuss.

Its angles also help make the off-road experience far more rewarding. With an approach angle of 32.5 degrees and ramp-over and departure angles of 24 degrees, the Ranger Raptor is capable of overcoming virtually any obstacle. With this impressive display, the Ford pick-up can go very fast when there is no tarmac, but it also needs to stop, which is why the firm has fitted two-piston callipers and 32 mm ventilated discs at the front axle, and a 54 mm calliper and 24 mm ventilated discs at the rear. They offer a pleasant feel and optimal braking force that is nevertheless easy to modulate.

Conclusion

Without a doubt, the segment of pure, hard-core 4x4s is being absorbed by that of SUVs, a class of vehicles that, as a general rule, does not have off-road ability as capable as that of vehicles of the calibre of the Ford Ranger Raptor. If we really need a car that can overcome virtually any terrain and at the same time take us from A to B with astonishing comfort, the American pick-up is your car.

Its aggressive, imposing design fits its personality perfectly, while also anticipating what it is capable of when the situation gets tough. Its cabin is comfortable and features the latest technology, although it is true that the materials used on the dashboard slightly undermine the exclusivity of the whole. The diesel engine is sufficient to move the Ford Ranger Raptor with ease, but a little more power would be ideal to achieve a smoother and more immediate response.

With a starting price of 56,250 euros, the American pick-up occupies a position that is hard to beat, since very few vehicles are capable of offering a comparable value for money. With this premise, the Ranger Raptor arrives in Europe with considerable momentum, something backed by the more than 200 units already reserved in Spain.