2023 Ford Ranger Raptor

Baby Raptor? Yes, please! For years, Americans have been clamoring for a smaller Raptor model based on the Ford Ranger. While such a model existed in foreign markets, the US was denied the pleasure. But that's all changing as the 2023 Ford Ranger will spawn an off-road-focused high-performance Raptor variant for the global market, America included. Based on the latest adaptation of the T6-platformed Ranger, the Raptor variant will be a hardcore desert-running off-roader to take the fight to the Chevy Colorado ZR2 and Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro with bespoke suspension, bodywork, and of course, powertrains.

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Teased alongside the global reveal of the new Ranger pickup truck, the release date of the Ranger Raptor is a little vague, with Ford CEO Jim Farley only confirming that it will be coming to the US in 2023. We expect it to arrive in the first half of the year. At present, only the global spec has been revealed, so minor changes may be made to the USDM model.

As the final spec for the Ford Ranger Raptor, and even the standard Ranger, has not yet been fully finalized, its cost remains shrouded in mystery. The price of the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor will exceed that of all other Rangers. While several reports have suggested $52,500 as a base MSRP, we wouldn't be surprised to see it reach as high as $60,000 given the price of the Bronco Raptor. While this would place it much, much higher than rivals like the Colorado ZR2, it fits in with the pricing of the Bronco Raptor and is justified by the massive performance increase compared to the competition.

The Colorado ZR2 and Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro are perhaps the closest rivals it has, but in reality, both are vastly underpowered and have nowhere near the levels of tech the Raptor has. For now, the Raptor is really in a class of one.

The Ranger Raptor arrives with aggressive styling to match its enhanced performance. To that end, the Raptor has beefy fender flares, a bespoke front fascia with big, bold FORD lettering, and a raised ride height to accompany the extra width The C-shaped headlight design from the standard Ranger remains, with the headlight clusters pushed out wide. The 17-inch wheels are small, but the tires are chunky beadlock-capable BFGoodrich all-terrain KO2 items. The Raptor will only be available in crew cab form, kitted out with a slew of Raptor decals for those who wish to stand out as if the massive 2.3 mm-thick front bash plate could be ignored. At the rear, dual exhaust pipes and large Raptor badging set this model apart.

No Ranger Raptor would be complete without unique colors, so we're predicting Ford's Velocity Blue and Antimatter Blue paint hues as signature colors, along with other vibrant Ford shades like Code Orange on the palette. The reveal showcased a truck in what appears to be Rapid Red, which will be the model's halo color.

Despite being classified as a midsize truck, the Ranger Raptor will be larger than most. Already based on a wheelbase and track that are two inches longer and wider than the Ranger we currently know and love, the Ranger Raptor's exterior dimensions will swell further. While final measurements have not yet been confirmed, the wheelbase will stay more or less the same at around 129 inches, but we're expecting a wider body by a few inches - likely around 80 inches - to accommodate a track that will further be widened by several inches. The ride height will see the biggest change, with long-travel shocks adding an extra two inches of travel.

The previous Ranger Raptor never reached the USA, in part because it had a diesel engine. But the new Ranger Raptor's engine will be a turbocharged gasoline V6. Using the same motor as the Bronco Raptor, it's a 3.0-liter unit using twin turbos and Ford GT-derived anti-lag technology to produce 392 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. As predicted, a 10-speed automatic transmission is standard, as is full-time four-wheel-drive system with multiple drive modes. An electronic two-speed transfer case can shift on the fly, and front and rear locking differentials help apportion torque to all corners. A turbo-diesel engine will be available in some markets but is unlikely to arrive on American soil.

In typical Raptor fashion, 2.5-inch Fox Live Valve Internal Bypass shocks will give it unrivaled ride quality and maximum Baja-racer potential with their long wheel travel. Up to seven drive modes are available, including the legendary Baja mode, while an active exhaust system has four modes all of its own: Quiet, Normal, Sport, and Baja.

Rumors suggest that Ford wants to develop a Ranger Raptor R at a later date, which could inherit the 5.0-liter Coyote V8 from the Mustang GT. This might be better suited to outright acceleration, but the Raptor nameplate is less about 0-60 mph times and more about overall off-road dominance.

You won't be buying the Ranger Raptor pickup for its exemplary gas mileage figures, but Ford's turbocharged engines are remarkably efficient relative to the competition. The Ranger Raptor will likely achieve similar figures to the Bronco Sasquatch and F-150 Raptor, meaning 17 mpg combined.

Based on an all-new Ranger, expect all-new tech inside the cabin. Exclusively available in Crew Cab format, the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor's interior will seat five, while the front occupants will be held snugly in place by firmly bolstered sport bucket seats and optional Recaro seats for extra support. A leather steering wheel is shaped specifically for the Raptor and comes with a 12 o'clock marker and magnesium paddle shifters, while the rest of the cabin benefits from accents in Code Orange. Ford's SYNC4 infotainment touchscreen will be present, with a 12-inch portrait-orientation touchscreen catering to full smartphone integration. In addition to typical controls, paddle shifters and dedicated drive mode selectors will be present, while instrumentation will be handled by a 12.4-inch digital cluster.

As for cargo space, the five-foot cargo box will be wider than ever before, while towing capacity is expected to be around 8,000 lbs but has not yet been confirmed.