Ford Unleashes the Ranger Raptor, But There's a Catch
Word that Ford is bringing forth a Raptor version of the Ranger mid-size pickup truck is not quite a surprise, but it's still exciting. Unfortunately, that news comes with one massive caveat: It won't be coming to the U.S. — at least for now.
But that won't stop us from going over what's coming on the new Ranger Raptor. It has several new features that make it more than just a downsized version of the F-150 Raptor (which we love), and we are also excited that it could portend an eventual third wheel to the current off-road-focused mid-size duo of the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro.
Several of the exterior features do match what we saw in spy photos from last summer, including the dual rear recovery hooks (rated at more than 8,300 pounds) and side steps. The step boards are double finished, first being powder coated then covered again in grit paint, which makes them scuff and scratch resistant. The boards serve the dual purpose of both making entry/egress easier and protecting the rear from rock spray, and they have holes that are designed to drain mud, sand and snow.
Up front, the Ranger Raptor wears a blacked-out grille similar to the F-150 Raptor with "Ford" spelled out prominently in the middle. The front bumper is frame-mounted and sits above two more recovery hooks and a high-strength steel skid plate as well.
Under the hood, Ford specified only one available powertrain (and this might explain why it's not U.S. bound) — a new bi-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The engine employs both a smaller, high-pressure turbo and a larger, low-pressure turbo (water cooled) with bypass valves so the engine can change its operation mode depending on the engine speed. At lower rpm, the two turbos work together, while at higher speeds the smaller turbo is bypassed.
The 10-speed transmission is the same one we loved out of the F-150 Raptor. Ford's Terrain Management System will also come along for the ride; it offers two on-road driving modes (Normal and Sport) and four off-road modes (Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Sand, Rock and Baja).
Ford has also added a new, bespoke coilover rear suspension with an integrated Watt's linkage. The brakes have also been upgraded, with larger calipers and 13-inch ventilated rotors front and rear (though the two have different thicknesses). Finally, there are also "position sensitive damping" shock absorbers from Fox Racing Shox that provide higher damping forces at high rebound to allow the Ranger Raptor to run fast over rugged terrain as well as lower damping at mid-travel for on-road comfort.
Inside, the seats are designed for high-speed off-road performance support and are finished in a technical suede, which offers additional grip. A satellite-based navigation system, 8-inch touchscreen and Sync 3 are also present.
This version of the Ranger Raptor will be built at Ford's Thailand plant. U.S. versions of the Ranger will be built in the retooled Michigan Assembly Plant, so if we are to see a stateside version of the Ranger Raptor, our best hope is that it will be built there as well.
Manufacturer images
Comments
wave "bye-bye" to the Tacoma
BYE-BYE Tacoma !
Good looking truck that looks better than the ZR-2 Colorado. However, although I like the 2 Liter Bi-Turbo Diesel engine, not sure I'd want to get one until the bugs have been worked out of the new configuration diesel engine and 10 speed auto.
Also, what a pity Ford has no spine in bringing it to the US market immediately. Sounds to me like they are afraid it will steal F-150 Raptor sales..
It's good to see Ford staying away from the 2.7 and 3.5 engines in the smaller truck. I was impressed with the use of the 2.3 turbo gasser in the new US Ranger and I'm expecting to see Ford stick to a hot turbo 4 gasser for the Raptor when it comes to the US.
I don't understand what they mean by frame mounted front bumpers. Does Ford not mount their bumpers to the frame before like other makes?
Hopefully when the ranger raptor hits the US shores with the 2.7 ecoboost, hopefully it isn’t called a raptor.... they need a new name for the ranger raptor... it makes sense to slap the raptor name on ranger global versions since the rest of the globe doesn’t get the regular raptor.
This will take too many F150 sales away. Too bad it is as wide as a full size, no real benefit when in tight trails. Should be smaller. Nice truck though.
I would expect it is just a matter of time.
Ford would have to be nuts not to offer the Ranger Raptor here in the US.
With the TRD pro and ZR2 doing very well in the market, I can't imagine Ford not wanting to offer the Ranger Raptor as a competitor in that specialized mid size off road segment.
Ford is really behind the curve where the mid size segment is concerned, and could use something like this Ranger Raptor to really hype up the Ranger in general. I would think this mean Ford would likely be bringing this Ranger Raptor to the US market sooner then later.
Ford is really behind the curve where the mid size segment is concerned, and could use something like this Ranger Raptor to really hype up the Ranger in general. I would think this mean Ford would likely be bringing this Ranger Raptor to the US market sooner then later...Posted by: Fleetguy | Feb 8, 2018
@Fleetguy
You nailed it. Just like when I was a kid back in the mid 1960s the Shelby Mustangs sold the mom/pop siz cylinder 3 speed Mustangs just as much as they sold the Mustang GT and the Boss Mustangs. The Raptor will do the same for the Ranger.
Ford should reconsider not bringing the Ranger Raptor to NA. Ford would likely sell all of these they could produce and it would provide a halo effect to the other Rangers just as papa jim stated above. Not everyone will buy a Raptor but it will provide excitement to customers and get them in the showrooms to look at the Ranger and other Ford products. I think Ford would be knocking at Tacoma's door with this.
Nice copy of the ZR2 Ford, to back it looks like cheap crap. Ford always following the real leader GM!
Nice copy of the ZR2 Ford, to back it looks like cheap crap. Ford always following the real leader GM!
Posted by: johnny doe | Feb 8, 2018 4:19:11 PM
Ummm....mmmmmmmmmmmmmmkay.
People will buy the Ranger Raptor, nobody cares for ZR2. We already see this reflecting Sales. You can go back to shleeep.
Ford has been selling the current Ranger overseas for several years now. Looks like the Raptor version will be successful but when I was in Thailand a couple months ago I see about 10 Toyota Hilux to 1 Ford Ranger in the streets. With that said I don’t think it will take the mid size sales crown in the US either. People who has own the Tacoma knows it’s a solid pickup with the best resale value and excellent reliability.
BETTER WACTH OUT GARBAGE MOTOR CAUSE FORD RANGER IS COMING AND IS GONNA TEAR YOU A PART.
People will buy the Ranger Raptor, nobody cares for ZR2. We already see this reflecting Sales. You can go back to shleeep.
Posted by: Frank | Feb 8, 2018 4:26:36 PM
Go back to sleep it aint even for sell in the US dip sh!1!!. LMBO!!!
The Ranger has real bumpers, mounted to the frame like a real truck. The GM twins have a plastic shell in place of a bumper, like most cars and SUVs.
People will buy the Ranger Raptor, nobody cares for ZR2. We already see this reflecting Sales. You can go back to shleeep.
Posted by: Frank | Feb 8, 2018 4:26:36 PM
Go back to sleep it aint even for sell in the US dip sh!1!!. LMBO!!!
Posted by: johnny doe | Feb 8, 2018 5:11:43 PM
Go back to school...i said "WILL."
HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAH, THANK YOU COME AGAIN!!!
Interesting how someone on here knows the future and what people will buy?? Can u give me the lotto numbers? I'll buy u this not sold in North America truck yet!!! Lol
Very nice looking truck...but totally agree on width...should have kept it midsize width. No better than raptor really
That's where the zr2 shines....not as wide and hefty as raptor. Easier on trails.
A cross between a brick and a lego.
Oversized Tonka.
Nice copy of the ZR2 Ford, to back it looks like cheap crap. Ford always following the real leader GM!
Posted by: johnny doe | Feb 8, 2018 4:19:11 PM
@johnny dum dum; this truck will run rings around ZR2 & you know it.
Fyi - we've had for many years now many after market wanna-be Raptor kits you can slap on your global Ranger & they actually look great. So I guess it was just a matter of time before Ford decided to cash in & build the real thing....
@ Lio
Are u serious...it isn't even out yet? And your saying it will run Circles around ZR2. Come man..
It's a nice looking truck but THINK first!!!!
That's where the zr2 shines....not as wide and hefty as raptor. Easier on trails.
Posted by: TNTGMC | Feb 8, 2018 5:34:50 PM
This is because the Raptor is a desert runner, it shows you know nothing about off-road. Please, stick to your payment pounding princess truck.
Ford builds, people buy, Chevy builds, people think twice nowadays.
Are u serious...it isn't even out yet? And your saying it will run Circles around ZR2. Come man..
It's a nice looking truck but THINK first!!!!
Posted by: TNTGMC | Feb 8, 2018 5:55:25 PM
I can say that the Ranger Raptor will have more wheel travel then the ZR2, and the Ranger Fox shocks will embarrass the shocks they have used from a Car on the ZR2.
Just wait.......and when it arrives....your pie hole will be shut.
Just remember Johnny Dip. Chevy is Mall Terrain, not All Terrain , lol!
https://youtu.be/qAP6ZNsLCc8
Just wait.......and when it arrives....your pie hole will be shut
@ Frank
Yep ok....fortune teller...what are the lotto numbers again??
Geez.....and u insult people...look in the mirror!!
@ Jeff S and @ Papajim
This Ranger Raptor was only designed as having a diesel not a gas engine.
Many are critizing it on Australian Forums for it's poor payload , tiny Diesel engine and poor towing.
This was a US Ford inspiration that hopefully will inspire Asian audiences
they hope.
@ Mark Williams @ Jeff S and @Papajim
https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/ford-rejects-ranger-raptor-20-litre-engine-backlash-67260
@Robert Ryan--Maybe it was designed for a diesel engine for the Asian market but it could easily be adapted to the NA market with an EcoBoost gas engine. The looks would sell along with it being a viable competitor to Tacoma and Colorado off road packages. Wouldn't surprise me if Ford changed their minds and eventually offered a Ranger Raptor in the USA. Maybe a Ranger Raptor might not sell as well in Australia but it could be a hit in the USA.
Sure you can't find a ZR2 or a Ranger on any dealer lots. The difference is that the ZR2 is sold out. HAHAHA!......LOL.....HAHAHA!
@Jeff S
Doubt it will be a hit in the Asia Pacific. Yes in the US with either the 2.7 or the turbo 3 .5
Why the 2 litre Diesel has been chosen is a real head scratcher .
When I first opened the images, my first thoughts were it looked very similar to my 2016 Tacoma!
I have dark satin wheels with 265/75 KO2's, stock suspension!
@ Ecoboost Rules,
Yeah right!
I am already planning to get my 2020 Tacoma 4x4!
Looks like this one cannot race down in Baja, no turbo's allowed!
@Oxi
Interesting ,one reason VW did not take on Bqja with their turbo 2.5 diesel Dakar winning car
I think Ford would be knocking at Tacoma's door with this.
Posted by: Jeff S | Feb 8, 2018 4:08:08 PM
Ford would be lucky to get within 80k of the 3rd gen Tacoma's annual sales numbers. And the Ranger Raptor would either be a neutered truck or a grossly overpriced truck in order to protect the F150 Raptor's sales. There's no way Ford would sacrifice the big margins on the F150 Raptor (they have very little added cost in a Raptor outside of the Fox Shocks, Torsen diff, wider frame).
Uh, huh,
Contrary to what many think, ENCAP (anything with CAP) vehicles have steel bumper bars.
They are affixed to the front of the chassis horn inside the front spoiler. This is for pedestrian safety.
You will see some who state "at least US pickups have steel bumper bars and the global midsizers don't". This is incorrect.
Robert Ryan, Jeff S and papajim,
I have to agree with the sentiment display by the forums regarding the engine choice for the global Raptor.
I do believe Ford lost the plot in engine choices here (remember I'm an avid diesel fan). A large diesel in this type of vehicle would be too heavy.
My logic is this. Ford needed to find a powerful Falcon ute replacement. Raptor or not Ford should of offered at least a 2.7 EcoThirst powered Ranger in all Ranger configurations. The Ranger Raptor should of received a Coyote or the 3.5 EcoThirst.
Because of the poor engine choice for the Ranger Raptor, which the decision to use the 2 litre diesel to appease the Thai rice farmer and EU markets has and will hit Australia negatively.
The 2.3 EcoThirst will not suffice, I do believe the 2 litre diesel is a good enough replacement for this engine.
This new Ford twin turbo 2 litre is only up a few horse power and ftlb's of torque on the 3.2, which is a stump puller of an engine.
Ford has to realise, as technically superior the Ranger Raptor is over it's rivals, it needs horse power to appease the performance image of the vehicle.
Ford has screwed up on this one. The V8 Falcon car is replaced with the Mustang, the Falcon ute is replaced with a 2 litre diesel, what are you thinking Ford!
Oh, the estimated $75 000 retail price is just ridiculous, for a 2 litre under powered ute.
Ford is considering this as it's competitor,
https://www.motoring.com.au/holden-colorado-sports-cat-by-hsv-2018-review-110125/
When this is what Ford real competitor will be,
https://www.4x4australia.com.au/news/1712/walkinshaw-colorado-wildfire-in-the-works
This would work well in the US Colorado/Canyon.
Brick,
Do you really know what makes a F150 Raptor?
What about control arms? Springs?
There is considerable reworking of the suspension in the F150 Raptor.
@Big Al--Good links. GM appears to be on the right path with these Colorados. Ford is not cashing in on this opportunity with the Raptor Ranger. Ford should offer a V-6 EcoBoost in a high performance version. The Raptor has got the right looks and could sell well but Ford needs to lower the price and offer a performance engine. Ford is missing the opportunity in the US with this Raptor by not offering it and making it lesser performance. It appears that Ford is more interested in protecting F-150 sales than breaking new ground with this Raptor. Bring the Ranger Raptor over and put a performance EcoBoost in it--it would sell well.
I am dissappointed that the American Ranger will not have an aluminum body. The ZR2 is one heavy truck at 5,100lbs, nearly as heavy as the full sized Raptor but with only 1/2 the horsepower. It looks like the Ranger Raptor may not be much of an improvement. And what about wheel travel? Why is it not mentioned in this article.
The coilover rear suspension with an integrated Watt's linkage sounds interesting though it may limit payload. It will be interesting to see where this leads.
Guys, this is not Australia.
Buyers of the Raptor Ranger are investing in looks and a popular marque. Just as with the Corvette. How many Corvette owners actually race their cars?
I'll answer my own question: Surely it's less than five percent.
I'm still betting on Ford to offer a spicey version of the 2.3 Ecoboost or maybe even a 2.5 Ecoboost with special performance features reserved for the Raptor. For every Raptor Ranger they sell, it will help them sell 100 regular Rangers. It's why they do it.
Road and Track has a discussion on how the Ranger 2.3 is more closely aligned with the Focus RS powerplant and not the Mustang EB version. Interesting Engineering comparo if interested.
Sure you can't find a ZR2 or a Ranger on any dealer lots. The difference is that the ZR2 is sold out. HAHAHA!......LOL.....HAHAHA!
Posted by: GMSRGREAT
They can be found at the Mall, hahahah ahahahaha!
@Grnzel1
thanks for the update on the 2.3 info!
Australia first!
"Guys, this is not Australia.
Buyers of the Raptor Ranger are investing in looks and a popular marque. Just as with the Corvette. How many Corvette owners actually race their cars?
I'll answer my own question: Surely it's less than five percent.
Posted by: papajim"
The only guy I personally owned one with a 6.2 in it had it supercharged and the rear suspension modified to better control wheel hop. I have seen quite a few advertised at Ford dealers with extensive modification from Roush. On the other hand, quite a few Camaros and Mustangs have been sold with blah engines and lots of graphics. There are all sorts of customers and some are willing to spend lots of money. To keep it as a halo vehicle it at least has to have the option of real power. Just look at the more recent Ford Thunderbird and the Plymouth Prowler as examples of vehicles that look sporty but really aren't and don't even offer the option. Their sales were pathetic. I think that Ford needs to offer the 2.7 to keep the truck from being percieved as a poser.
They can be found at the Mall, hahahah ahahahaha!
Posted by: GM Blows Chunks | Feb 9, 2018 9:27:59 AM
The Ranger?
Jeff S,
I think has to realise who and what person will be interested in a Ranger Raptor. The vehicle is technically brilliant, I'm impressed by the work done with the vehicle.
Offer the diesel along with a 3.5 EB.
The thing is my BT50, which is really a Ranger is nearly as competent as this off road. It might actually do better in coastal mountain tracks. This cost me less than $5 000 to achieve with ARB and other after market accessories. So, you can go out and buy a Ranger for $45k and spend $5k to give you a competent off road vehicle, with very similar power, torque, ramp over, approach, departure, etc.
Aussies are famous for aftermarket off road performance improvements.
papajim,
Ford has an issue with the Ranger in the US, it always has since it release back in November 2011 when Ford only kept the F150 because of the challenges and sales the Ranger would of taken from the highly expensive F150.
The Ranger is most likely Ford's best pickup. It might not be a full size in dimension or even horsepower. But size isn't everything, contrary to many of the comments I read.
The 2.3EB is a poor choice for the Ranger. I think the 2.7EB is a better choice with the 2.5 inline 4 for entry model Rangers.
Even this 2 litre diesel should be offered in the US as the diesel option.
I would rather see the 3.5L N.A. engine in that thing It puts out over 300HP, a lot of torque and is fairly light and bulletproof.
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