What We Know So Far

Overview

The 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor is basically a downsized version of the high-flying, velocity-defying F-150 Raptor. As with its big brother, the off-road-ready Ranger will also feature flared fenders, rugged tires, extra ground clearance, and an unmistakable grille. While it will ride on the same fully boxed ladder frame as the regular Ranger, the Raptor variant will receive a long-travel suspension for soaring over jumps and a more powerful engine for quicker desert runs. The Ford will probably only be offered in one body style—a crew cab connected to a five-foot cargo box. The interior should have distinct flourishes and a feature-laden infotainment system. Although many details about the forthcoming Ranger Raptor are still pending, here’s what we know so far.

What’s New for 2023?

It is all but official that Ford will eventually bring the Ranger Raptor to the U.S. We have no idea when that will actually happen or when the company will make an official announcement, but now we’ve seen spy photos of testing. Combine that with the photos we’ve seen of a camouflaged prototype of the next-generation Ranger, and we think the Raptor variant will reach showrooms on our shores at the end of 2022.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The Ranger Raptor will presumably go on sale as a 2023 model, but Ford hasn’t said how much it will cost. We expect its starting price to exceed the top-of-the-line Ranger Lariat (currently priced at around $40,000). It’ll also likely align with competitors such as the Chevy Colorado ZR2 and the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

One of the biggest questions surrounding the U.S.-spec Ranger Raptor is what engine will be under the hood. We suspect it’ll inherit a version of the twin-turbo 2.7-liter V-6 that’s going to be offered on the full-size Ford Bronco SUV. In that model, it makes 310 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. That power should be shuttled to all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission. Compared to that pedestrian pickup, the Raptor will have a sturdier suspension and beefier off-road equipment. Along with a higher ride height and increased ground clearance, it should have up to 33-inch all-terrain tires that bookend wider front and rear tracks.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Ford hasn’t released fuel-economy ratings for the 2023 Ranger Raptor. Once they do, we’ll update this report. We will also provide its real-world mpg once we have the opportunity to test one on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen. For more information about the Raptor’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Inside, the Raptorized Ranger will be mildly different from its regular counterpart. While we still expect an abundance of hard plastics and some rubberized materials, Ford will likely spruce up the cabin with exclusive content. The overseas version boasts leather and microsuede upholstery and heavily bolstered front seats. In addition to a pair of aluminum paddle shifters, the steering wheel should wear a red band at the 12 o’clock mark, denoting its performance edge. We anticipate it’ll offer a similar set of standard and optional features as the standard truck, including dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, remote start, and more. The Ranger Raptor will probably come in only one configuration: a crew-cab body style with a five-foot cargo box.

Infotainment and Connectivity

We expect every Ranger Raptor to have an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Ford’s latest Sync infotainment software. That would mean Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot are standard features. Along with various charging ports, the widebody Ranger will likely offer options such as built-in navigation and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Ranger Raptor hasn’t been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The mid-size pickup truck is also expected to come with a slew of driver-assistance technology. Key safety features should include:

• Available forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Ford provides competitive limited and powertrain warranties in this segment. The Ranger Raptor also doesn’t receive complimentary maintenance like rivals such as the Chevy and Toyota.

• Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance