1.5 Days with my Code Orange 2023 Bronco Raptor - First Impressions

[T Copp]

I'm just over 2000 miles and agree with most of your review.

It is very large in person.

I enjoy the non-skid running boards, really helps my kids when they are getting out.

Flares are a non-issue (except when getting in and out of garage, haha).

I have had a few rough shifts with the transmission, but it is very smooth overall.

As far as rear view visibility, I took the third brake light off, it helps a little bit.

I don't mind not having folding mirrors, I haven't had an issue with them being in the way, yet.

I do love those leather seats. I wanted the washout floor though, and the MGV is nice.

I love my non-digital knobs!!!

The wireless charger is terrible, I stopped using it.

My steering wheel gets warm enough for me, there is a way to change the temperature in forscan, but I have not attempted that yet. I did get rid of the double honk and the lights always reverting back to auto headlamps on startup. The forscan codes to get rid of the do do do noise and chimes when turning on the Raptor do not work. They must be different than the other Broncos. The code to turn off auto start/stop also doesn't work.

Seat warmers are also very warm on the MGV.

Also still waiting for my full screen carplay upgrade.

I was very underwhelmed by the B&O, but I didn't have the rattle that many others have. I upgraded all of my speakers. Much better.

I took all of the mudflaps off, I like the look much more.

I had a two stage paint correction and 5 year ceramic coating applied. Makes the code orange pop that much more.

Get the front windows and windshield tinted. I had to take mine all off because of a terrible tint job and I hate not having it. I did 20% fronts and 35% windshield. It matched pretty well with the rear windows.

I have done a few simple other mods. There is definitely wind noise over 50mph. Mainly on passenger side like someone else said. I have had the whole top and doors off. Zero leaks in a heavy rainstorm. I have gotten plenty of stares, but no one has come to talk to me about it. I live in a rich, snobby county in Kansas, so no one cares about a $75k vehicle.

At 2000 miles I average 275-300 miles per tank, which is about what I averaged on my GT350.

I love surprising people who try to overtake me though. Not today, Toretto.

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[Johnny Rebel]

So I picked mine up today and immediately put 700 miles on it. I’ll add a couple of things that I don’t think have been mentioned yet.

The brakes are the first thing I noticed. They are noticeably better than our 2DR Big Bend.

While I don’t really mind the regular instrument cluster, the Raptor’s is a much improved design.

The Raptor’s pretty quick and the 3.0l engine has plenty of power. Here’s a friendly suggestion for those wondering: don’t get into a straight-line open road drag with a TRX. You’ll lose. Try it with a 392 Rubicon instead. You’ll have better luck. (These aren’t scientific results, just my experience on the road today)

Our 2DR has King 2.5’s and 37” KM3’s and I absolutely love them. The Fox 4.0’s on the Raptor are a big step up (no big surprise there).

Adaptive Cruise Control is great in light traffic once you get a feel for the following distance.

Headlights are really good, but odd. Instead of a distinct change between auto high and low, they gently fade between the modes so that you almost don’t notice they’ve changed. It’s pretty cool, but took a minute to get used to it.

Blue seats and carbon fiber package look fantastic in person.

And finally - the flares…. They really do look much better in person, but I’ll be in the changing them once a better looking alternative hits the market.

PS- My son asked me if it has a speed limiter at 100. I can confirm it doesn’t….

 

[widnere12]

So I picked mine up today and immediately put 700 miles on it. I’ll add a couple of things that I don’t think have been mentioned yet.

The brakes are the first thing I noticed. They are noticeably better than our 2DR Big Bend.

While I don’t really mind the regular instrument cluster, the Raptor’s is a much improved design.

The Raptor’s pretty quick and the 3.0l engine has plenty of power. Here’s a friendly suggestion for those wondering: don’t get into a straight-line open road drag with a TRX. You’ll lose. Try it with a 392 Rubicon instead. You’ll have better luck. (These aren’t scientific results, just my experience on the road today)

Our 2DR has King 2.5’s and 37” KM3’s and I absolutely love them. The Fox 4.0’s on the Raptor are a big step up (no big surprise there).

Adaptive Cruise Control is great in light traffic once you get a feel for the following distance.

Headlights are really good, but odd. Instead of a distinct change between auto high and low, they gently fade between the modes so that you almost don’t notice they’ve changed. It’s pretty cool, but took a minute to get used to it.

Blue seats and carbon fiber package look fantastic in person.

And finally - the flares…. They really do look much better in person, but I’ll be in the changing them once a better looking alternative hits the market.

PS- My son asked me if it has a speed limiter at 100. I can confirm it doesn’t….

Great add-on comments. I forgot completely about the auto hi/lo headlights. I do really like the effect that’s used

 

[ironmike]

So I picked mine up today and immediately put 700 miles on it. I’ll add a couple of things that I don’t think have been mentioned yet.

The brakes are the first thing I noticed. They are noticeably better than our 2DR Big Bend.

While I don’t really mind the regular instrument cluster, the Raptor’s is a much improved design.

The Raptor’s pretty quick and the 3.0l engine has plenty of power. Here’s a friendly suggestion for those wondering: don’t get into a straight-line open road drag with a TRX. You’ll lose. Try it with a 392 Rubicon instead. You’ll have better luck. (These aren’t scientific results, just my experience on the road today)

Our 2DR has King 2.5’s and 37” KM3’s and I absolutely love them. The Fox 4.0’s on the Raptor are a big step up (no big surprise there).

Adaptive Cruise Control is great in light traffic once you get a feel for the following distance.

Headlights are really good, but odd. Instead of a distinct change between auto high and low, they gently fade between the modes so that you almost don’t notice they’ve changed. It’s pretty cool, but took a minute to get used to it.

Blue seats and carbon fiber package look fantastic in person.

And finally - the flares…. They really do look much better in person, but I’ll be in the changing them once a better looking alternative hits the market.

PS- My son asked me if it has a speed limiter at 100. I can confirm it doesn’t….

Speed limiting cuts in at around 112 IIRC. It’s documented in the User Manual.

 

[FLSTFI Dave]

Speed limiting cuts in at around 112 IIRC. It’s documented in the User Manual.

Most likely that is the speed rating of the tires. The manufacture can not sell a vehicle that goes faster than the tires are rated for.

 

['18 M2]

I'm just over 2000 miles and agree with most of your review.

It is very large in person.

I enjoy the non-skid running boards, really helps my kids when they are getting out.

Flares are a non-issue (except when getting in and out of garage, haha).

I have had a few rough shifts with the transmission, but it is very smooth overall.

As far as rear view visibility, I took the third brake light off, it helps a little bit.

I don't mind not having folding mirrors, I haven't had an issue with them being in the way, yet.

I do love those leather seats. I wanted the washout floor though, and the MGV is nice.

I love my non-digital knobs!!!

The wireless charger is terrible, I stopped using it.

My steering wheel gets warm enough for me, there is a way to change the temperature in forscan, but I have not attempted that yet. I did get rid of the double honk and the lights always reverting back to auto headlamps on startup. The forscan codes to get rid of the do do do noise and chimes when turning on the Raptor do not work. They must be different than the other Broncos. The code to turn off auto start/stop also doesn't work.

Seat warmers are also very warm on the MGV.

Also still waiting for my full screen carplay upgrade.

I was very underwhelmed by the B&O, but I didn't have the rattle that many others have. I upgraded all of my speakers. Much better.

I took all of the mudflaps off, I like the look much more.

I had a two stage paint correction and 5 year ceramic coating applied. Makes the code orange pop that much more.

Get the front windows and windshield tinted. I had to take mine all off because of a terrible tint job and I hate not having it. I did 20% fronts and 35% windshield. It matched pretty well with the rear windows.

I have done a few simple other mods. There is definitely wind noise over 50mph. Mainly on passenger side like someone else said. I have had the whole top and doors off. Zero leaks in a heavy rainstorm. I have gotten plenty of stares, but no one has come to talk to me about it. I live in a rich, snobby county in Kansas, so no one cares about a $75k vehicle.

At 2000 miles I average 275-300 miles per tank, which is about what I averaged on my GT350.

I love surprising people who try to overtake me though. Not today, Toretto.

who did your paint correction/ceramic, and tint? midwest?

 

[T Copp]

who did your paint correction/ceramic, and tint? midwest?

Watkins Detailing. Tint was done by a random dude that was recommended to me, Prime Time Wraps. Watkins also does tinting, but I am going to use All Out Tint and Wraps, the dude that works there is really good.

 

[Johnny Rebel]

Great add-on comments. I forgot completely about the auto hi/lo headlights. I do really like the effect that’s used

I really like them as well. More than once, I thought to myself how bright the low beams were, only to find they had faded to high beam

 

[Johnny Rebel]

Speed limiting cuts in at around 112 IIRC. It’s documented in the User Manual.

You are correct. Drove another 700 miles today and had a chance to open it up. This thing is a blast to drive!

I’ll also add another observation - the blue seats are really, really comfortable. I’ve driven it over 1400 miles in the last 30 hours and the old back isn’t sore, legs aren’t numb, and I’m ready to hop back in it and drive 1400 more!

Haven't had a chance to look at the manual yet. Literally walked into the dealership, took a pic next to it for the sales rep, then headed back south to Texas. Hell, I haven’t even had a chance to stand back and just stare at it or find all of the hidden Easter eggs on it. Life got in the way immediately after I left the dealership…..

 

[Raptor911]

Warthog uses F150 Raptor brakes which are much bigger than the base bronco

The brakes are the first thing I noticed. They are noticeably better than our 2DR Big Bend.

 

[Johnny Rebel]

Warthog uses F150 Raptor brakes which are much bigger than the base bronco

Thanks. Didn’t realize that. They are really good.

 

[JohnGalt]

Thanks. Didn’t realize that. They are really good.

Are they really good? or do they just feel like they have more bite because the Raptor nose dives so much under heavy braking?

The standard Bronco brakes are pretty appalling (compared to average car/SUV) and the Raptor moving up to F150 brakes would appear to be an improvement. But the Raptor adds a lot of weight that I’m surprised there’s any improvement. I’m guessing they’re as poor or worse at freeway speed braking.

However the videos I’ve watched (still waiting for my 2022 to get delivered for actual impression) the Raptor nose dives under heavy braking due to the suspension set up. I imagine it feels like the brakes biting like mad, while the wheels just keep rolling down the road. I hope I’m wrong.

All that said, I didn’t buy the Raptor for braking distance stats, 0-60 times or Nurburgring lap records but I’m skeptical if theres any improvement at all over a standard bronco. I’m going to try to leave a lot more distance between car in front.

But I’m really glad you’re loving your new truck!!

 

[Novi]

That color is so sick

 

[Alfa]

My Raptor build got pushed back to early January. I still need to sit down with the dealership since they still want $15k over MSRP, after waiting 2 1/2 years to get my Bronco, and only sprung that after my order converted to a Raptor. Ford said to talk to the "owner" of the dealership then call Ford back if they still want to charge me the ADM on my 2020 reservation.

 

[FLSTFI Dave]

The Bronco Raptors brakes are not all that good. The Bronco Raptor takes 160 feet to go from 60 mph to 0 mph. That is 40 feet longer than it took my 2017 F-150 Pick-up truck to stop.

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