2024 Ranger Raptor Test Vehicle -- "My Shotgun Ride Review"

[Raptor911]

Was just making a comment that some still criticize the FORD logo even though it has been around since 2010.

BTW .. I like it and have no issues with it.

Was it? I remember the original SVT F-150 Raptor being pretty much universally acclaimed, it felt like the grill was the defining feature. The Ranger Raptor grill doesn't look bad but the 'FORD' sticks out like two inches from the surface of the grill, it does look a little bit strange if you're looking at it from a 3/4 view and not straight on from the front.

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[TopRecon]

Since the link is down:

Yesterday I had the privilege of riding shotgun in a 2024 Ranger Raptor test mule my friend has access to through work. For comparison, I drive a 2019 Ranger Lariat with no mods other than the Ford Performance tune. I'm not into off-roading -- other than getting my mountain bike to the trailhead -- so this review is more focused on practical updates in the new model that will hopefully translate down the model line.

Let's get started with the pros:

• It rides so much smoother than the stock suspension of the 5G model -- which is to be expected with the wider wheelbase and beefed up Raptor suspension.
• The 3.0L V6 twin turbo has a nice growl to it. If you look at the engine compartment sticker, it appears they might offer the same engine lineup as the Bronco (2.3L 4-banger or 2.7L V6) in the other trim-levels.
• Steering wheel paddle shifters. Not sure if that is Raptor-exclusive, but hoping they do away with the +/- buttons on the current gear shifter.
• Roomier and updated interior. I'm 6'2" and it feels more spacious than the outgoing model with (mostly) nicer finishes. The interior door handles and window controls are also in a more practical place that don't require T-Rex arms to use.
• 3 memory seating positions! Even the passenger seat has electronic controls.
• Power rear-sliding window!
• Infotainment setup with 13" vertical screen is nice. It even has wireless charging CarPlay and Android Auto. The B&O sound system sounded amazing!
• Automatic 4WD option!
• Hands-free lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree cameras, and self-parking (which we did not try).
• Power adaptors in the bed. Also several mounting locations for tools and accessories.
• And last but certainly not least: TAILGATE DAMPENER!!!

And now for a few nit-picky cons:

• The 3.0L felt surprisingly sluggish. My friend also drives the Bronco Raptor on a regular basis and says that feels much faster. Even compared to my tuned 2.3L, it just seemed to miss that peppy get-up-and-go, even though I'm sure it's actually much faster than my truck. We tested 0-50 but did not go on the freeway to really see what it was capable of.
• The rear cabin is very similar to the outgoing model. I was hoping for a 60/40 split bench and/or better under-seat storage.
• The center console and gear-shift surround looks and feels a little cheaper than the current model. I'm hoping that's just because it's a test vehicle, but the plastic seemed to scratch easily.

Overall, it's a pretty nice ride that should put the competition to shame without encroaching too much on F-150 and Bronco territory. I'm just hoping that most of these options are available in the standard Ranger trim-levels, as that will likely be my next vehicle.

Disclaimer: since this is just a test vehicle, this is all speculation and opinion that I'm not reporting as fact

 

[Rusty Sheckelford]

What color is this Ranger and might we see it on the Bronco in 2024?

It might be my current favorite color since Ford got rid of rapid red.

 

[Squatch]

Thank you @TopRecon for the repost.

I really think the Ranger Raptor needs to at least hit 35s and the Ranger Tremor should be comparable to the Bronco Badlands with 33s. I would seriously consider either of those in lieu of an F150, but.... that's probably why Ford isn't doing it. I remember the nerfed SVT Focus because they couldn't get anywhere near the power of a Mustang or Ford Head Honchos would lose their minds.

 

[TopRecon]

What color is this Ranger and might we see it on the Bronco in 2024?

It might be my current favorite color since Ford got rid of rapid red.

It's Hot Pepper Red according to the OP, glad he clarified because the low lighting does make it look like a different color.

 

[MJJ]

I like the looks of the new GMC Canyon AT4 better.

 

[Slick85]

I like the looks of the new GMC Canyon AT4 better.

It looks nice but the wheel wells on GM trucks are too damn narrow, it always looks like the body and wheels never match

 

[FLSTFI Dave]

Looks good. I would hope they put 35" tires on it.

 

[UM_Ftown]

I like the looks of the new GMC Canyon AT4 better.

The AT4X will probably perform better too, and the ZR2 will likely be $10k cheaper than this Raptor.

 

[Bronc_Bronc]

I like the looks of the new GMC Canyon AT4 better.

I love the 2021 GMC Canyon Denali diesel my mom bought.

I think they def went in the wrong direction with the styling. I think I will probably buy it off her and upgrade it to AT4 specs rather than buy anything Raptor or a new AT4.... Someday, the Bronco is fine for me right now.

 

[AK SNO RIDER]

Aside from that god awful grille, I really really like these.

 

[broncosor]

It’s going to be interesting.

Want decent engine performance and good off-road performance? Go for the new ZR2 at 50K fully loaded.

Want a Toyota, or build the truck yourself with ton of aftermarket? Go with the all new Tacoma TRD offroad

Want the best engine performance of all 3 by far, and arguably the best factory off road performance of all 3? Go with Ranger Raptor, but price is likely to be 60K. Is 10K worth it to get a V6 400HP + live valve fox over the ZR2? This is for you to decide.

Personally there are other details I care about. The ZR2 has the basic adaptive cruise like on the Bronco. The new ranger gets intelligent adaptive cruise that work from 0mph and is a god send in traffic jams. Also has lane centering, which is much better than the crap Lane Keep assist we have on the bronco (and on the ZR2).
I much much prefer the interior of the new ZR2 though. The raptor looks like a toy inside, and that vertical screen no thank you.

Because of those details, I might end up with the all new Tacoma.

 

[Mustang313]

Why is the US ranger coming so much later than all other markets?

 

[FL Trucker]

Why is the US ranger coming so much later than all other markets?

Maybe because Bronco is prioritized in terms of production, so this buys more time to catch up. Can you imagine launching the new Ranger production now into an already maxed out MAP factory.

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