Ford Ranger Raptor 2023 Europe

Overseas, the Ford Ranger Raptor has been on sale for a while as a slightly enhanced version of the regular Ranger, but with a measly 4-cylinder that took over 10 seconds to get from 0-60 and virtually no off-road prowess, the Raptor badge was more of a gimmick than anything else. However, along with the completely redesigned Ranger, Ford has also unveiled the all-new Ranger Raptor, and it’s miles better than before.

This time around, the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor will boast plenty of power and an array of off-road capable hardware, essentially making it a younger brother to the upcoming 700+ hp Ford F-150 Raptor. In fact, it borrows a few bones from the highly-competent Bronco Raptor, which should be enough to prove that truly means business.

Unlike the previous Ranger Raptor, Ford has officially confirmed that the all-new model will arrive in the U.S. in 2023. With an expected starting price of around $50,000, it will compete against the likes of the Chevy Colorado ZR2, the GMC Canyon AT4X, and the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro. Here’s why the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor is worth the wait.

The 2023 Ranger Raptor Has Plenty Of Power

via Ford

The Ford Ranger Raptor will come with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6, which is the exact same engine found in the Ford Bronco Raptor. While the Raptorized Ranger - or the regular one for that matter, hasn’t yet arrived at U.S. dealerships, the pickup is already available in Europe. However, due to emission regulations, the European Ranger Raptor’s power bottlenecks to just 288 horsepower, which is still good, but not great. Fortunately, U.S. buyers will be glad to hear that the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor will arrive with 392 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. Ford hasn’t revealed any official 0-60 mph time as of now, but test drives suggest that it's capable of making the run in less than 6 seconds, which should be more than enough for most. The twin-turbo V6 pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and each gear has its own individual turboboost profile, which maximizes torque at any given point.

The 2023 Ranger Raptor draws plenty of inspiration from Baja competitive truck desert racing, which is why it’s designed to provide similar capabilities of its own. With that in mind, Ford has graced the Ranger Raptor with a new anti-lag system that can only engage in Baja Mode. The system is able to keep the engine’s turbos spinning up to three seconds after lifting off the gas, which allows boost to resume instantly after receiving any sort of throttle input. Furthermore, the Ranger Raptor will also allow drivers to choose from 4 different exhaust notes, which vary from extremely quiet to ear-bleedingly loud.

In terms of towing and payload capabilities, Ford has once again kept numbers to itself for now. The regular 2023 Ford Ranger will likely be able to tow a maximum of around 7,700 pounds while also being able to carry a payload of up to 1,500 pounds. We expect the Ford Ranger Raptor to achieve less in both departments due to its off-road-tuned suspension, which greatly prioritizes performance over utility.

The 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor Is A True Off-Roader

Ford

In addition to a healthy power plant, the all-new Ford Ranger Raptor also receives plenty of off-road-capable hardware that make it ready to tackle any terrain. It’s still based on the Regular Ranger, but it boasts permanent 4-wheel-drive with locking differentials on both axles and an electronically-controlled two-speed transfer case, as well as a taller stance for increased ground clearance. The Raptor also showcases lightweight aluminum control arms with long-travel suspension, and 2.5-inch Fox shock absorbers - which are able to readjust in real time for optimal settings at all times. In order to help the Ranger Raptor sustain increased off-road stress, Ford has reinforced its C-pillar, jounce bumper, shock tower, and rear shock bracket.

The performance pickup offers seven different driving modes, each one preparing it for different types of off-road conditions, and there’s an extreme Baja Mode that maximizes the Ranger Raptor’s capabilities for trail running or dune jumping.

An Updated Design And Cabin Completes The 2023 Ranger Raptor

via Ford

Ford has also built upon the regular Ranger’s updated exterior, making the Raptor look like its evil brother. Up front, it sports ‘FORD’ lettering across the grille in typical Raptor-like fashion, LED wrap-around headlights, and a high-grade skidplate. From the side, it showcases flared fenders with plastic cladding, all-terrain tires, aluminum-protected side steps, and tasteful air outlets behind the front fenders. Lastly, the Ranger Raptor’s rear end features LED taillights, dual exhaust tips, and a heavy-duty bumper.

Within, the Ranger provides ample passenger space thanks to its four-door crew-cab configuration, as well as a few design cues exclusive to the Raptor trim. Upholstery comes in the form of leather and microsuede materials, though expect to find hard plastics and rubbers in less-visible parts of the cabin. Standard features include new jet-fighter sports seats with heated and adjustable functions, orange trimming, a 12-inch center touchscreen alongside a 12.4-inch digital driver’s display, as well as a Bang & Olufsen sound system.

All in all, the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor will surely hit the ground running once it reaches U.S. soil, and we fully expect it to be one of the most competitive performance trucks in the market.