Put the Pedal to the Metal with the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor

Photo Source: Ford

While consumers in the United States market are still playing the waiting game, the Ford Ranger Raptor was redesigned in February 2022 for the 2023 model year. The vehicle will eventually make it to North America, but that does not mean that driving enthusiasts will be left wondering about the pickup truck’s potential. Courtesy of a new video, all of the 2023 mid-size Raptor’s potency can be viewed right away. The PDrive TV channel on YouTube recently had the advantage to test drive the new Ranger Raptor. The automobile presented in the clip is from the Australian specification, which means it has the more robust variant of the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6. For those who are unaware, due to emissions stipulations in Europe, the truck has 288 horsepower and 362 pound-feet of torque. 

However, the case for the Australian market is entirely different. For the Aussies, the swift automobile reaches 392 ponies and possesses almost the same amount of torque as its European counterpart. That is a critical boost over the European specification, and it can be interpreted into very striking acceleration figures. The team that performed the test drive demonstrated how the pickup went from 0 to 62 miles per hour. In its most successful run, the Ranger Raptor data recorded 62 miles within 5.79 seconds with a simulated launch control function. Without holding the brakes and pushing the throttle pedal, the automobile did the run in 6.43 seconds, which is still remarkable when considering that it is a 5,340-pound pickup truck with an off-road-tuned transmission and beefy tires. It is not meant to be a street truck, yet it still performs well as a capable off-roader, which the video showcases.

Built for Any Terrain

As a reminder, the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor is more or less a smaller version of the velocity-defying Ford F-150 Raptor. As such, it is an off-road-ready machine characterized by 33-inch BFGoodrich KO2 off-road tires encased in 17-inch wheels with optional Beadlock rims, a well-known grille, extra ground clearance, and flared fenders. Indeed, from what is seen in the video, the team has an exciting time letting the vehicle do its thing on slick and muddy terrain. Even though the Ford Bronco Raptor essentially has a very similar setup in terms of what is under the hood, with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6, a 10-speed automatic transmission, standard four-wheel drive, and locking front and rear differentials, the baby Raptor has the upperhand, complete with brawny off-road equipment and a sturdier suspension. 

Ford Performance worked with FOX to create not just any off-roader but one fully prepared for rivalry. The 2023 Ranger Raptor is equipped with competition-level off-road suspension. It consists of FOX’s live valve integrated controllers on all four shocks and semi-active dampers. Suspension tuning is superb, as terrain conditions are kept track of by suspension height sensors at each corner. The fact that the four-wheel-drive system comes with several drive modes also makes the mid-size pickup truck a more dynamic ride across challenging situations. 

The Interior

It is expected that the 2023 Ranger Raptor will come equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system integrated with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The styling for the dash will be recognizable from the Bronco Raptor, not to mention the smattering of Raptor badges inside. Moreover, the overseas iteration boasts heavily bolstered front seats and leather and suede upholstery. The Ranger Raptor will probably arrive in only one configuration: a crew-cab body style with a five-foot cargo box. Understandably, there is much speculation surrounding the United States premiere of the Ranger Raptor. Still, it is possible that the unveiling could be pushed to late 2023, thus making the vehicle a 2024 trim.

While the much-anticipated 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor has us on the edge of our seats, there are a number of vehicles to admire at Sunrise Ford. We have a new vehicle inventory that our sales team would be glad to look over with you until you find the automobile that suits your needs. We are, after all, here for you. Allow us the pleasure of helping you today.