The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor isn’t just a pickup truck; it’s an off-road performance machine engineered to conquer any terrain. After rigorously testing this beast on Ford’s challenging Utah off-road course, it’s clear that the Raptor lives up to its name, delivering an exhilarating experience that redefines what a mid-size truck can do. Forget “haha mode,” Baja mode is the real deal, turning sand, snow, and mud into your personal playground. This isn’t merely a Ranger with added accessories; it’s a meticulously crafted, road-legal desert rally vehicle that stands in a league of its own.
While the standard 2024 Ranger XLT and Lariat models presented some minor interior shortcomings, the Raptor variant compensates exponentially with its groundbreaking technology and performance enhancements. This truck isn’t just about raw power; it’s about cohesive engineering, promising to be a future icon in the off-road world. Sharing the cab and basic platform with the regular Ranger, the Raptor distinguishes itself as a completely different animal under the skin.
This review dives into the key mechanical innovations, developmental insights, and firsthand experiences from the Ford Raptor Assault School’s Baja-style course. Ford offers this exclusive school to every Ranger Raptor buyer, an opportunity I strongly recommend embracing to truly unlock your truck’s potential and hone your off-road driving skills.
Attending the Ford Performance Driving School, often referred to as the Raptor Assault School, is more than just a fun day out; it’s crucial for understanding the capabilities and limits of your new vehicle. While Raptors are incredibly robust, they are not indestructible. Professional instruction helps prevent mishaps and ensures you can enjoy your truck to its full potential for years to come, avoiding costly mistakes and potential damage. Remember the viral video of the first-generation Raptor attempting and failing a jump? Proper training is the key to responsible and exhilarating off-road adventures.
The Raptor formula remains potent in 2024, enhanced by cutting-edge technology. It’s not just an aesthetic upgrade or a basic suspension tweak; it’s a synergy of precisely engineered components working in harmony. This integrated approach creates a machine optimized for high-speed driving across challenging, loose terrains.
For me, the Ranger Raptor stands out within the Raptor family due to its ideal size and exceptional maneuverability. While the F-150 Raptor R is undeniably powerful, its sheer size and 720 horsepower can feel overwhelming, even in vast off-road environments.
The Ranger Raptor, however, provided an equally thrilling experience on a more compact course. It felt intuitively controllable, with ample room for skill improvement and pushing boundaries. This balance of accessibility and challenge is the hallmark of a truly exceptional performance vehicle: easy to enjoy immediately, yet rewarding to master over time.
Starting the engine, even amidst strong winds, the 3.0-liter V6’s impressive sound immediately caught my attention. More on that later—briefing from Ford driving coach Jen took precedence. “Traction is minimal out there,” she chuckled, underscoring the day’s exceptionally muddy conditions. The previous night’s snowfall had transformed the course into a true test of off-road capability.
The conditions were indeed challenging. In my personal truck, I might have opted to stay on the sidelines. The mud was thick and clinging. The adventurous side urged, “More weight on the gas pedal!” But caution whispered, “Remember Wyoming,” recalling a past off-road accident in similar conditions.
Despite the reminiscent conditions of a previous off-road mishap in 2018, my passion for sand driving prevailed. Engaging Baja mode, designed for maximum attack, any hesitation vanished as I synchronized with the Ranger Raptor.
Baja mode is intelligently designed, not just disabling driver aids for uncontrolled wheelspin. It fine-tunes the vehicle’s responsiveness to driver inputs, optimizing performance in soft, high-speed conditions. Entering the first corner, captured in the opening photo of this review, a slight gas pedal input, counter-steering, and throttle modulation initiated a controlled slide that felt spectacular. The anti-lag system kept the turbo spooled, providing instant power as I straightened out, catapulting the truck forward.
One corner was all it took – “haha mode” perfectly described the sheer joy.
A few laps around the stadium-sized course were incredibly enjoyable. Imagine driving this from the US-Mexico border to Baja California – a truly epic adventure.
The previous evening, dinner with Ford Performance Chief Engineer Carl Widmann and Ranger Raptor Programme Supervisor Justin Capicchiano offered deeper insights. Capicchiano, based in Melbourne, Australia, highlighted the Ranger Raptor’s Australian roots.
Australia, with its vast, sparsely populated landscapes and extensive deserts like the Simpson Desert, is the perfect birthplace for such a vehicle. The grueling Finke Desert Race, a high-speed sprint across demanding terrain, further underscores the Australian connection.
A near-stock Ranger Raptor, with minimal safety modifications, successfully completed the Finke Desert Race with Brad Lovell driving. Capicchiano shared his satisfaction with the Raptor’s performance, adding an impressive detail: “We used my personal truck for pre-running. Its times were competitive with some race cars.”
Widmann recounted Australian testing, replacing cones with eucalyptus trees to emphasize steering precision. Capicchiano summarized the Raptor’s essence perfectly: “Flattering to the novice and rewarding to the expert.” Having driven it, this description resonates deeply.
So, what makes it tick? Beyond shared frame rails with the regular Ranger, the Raptor is a technological marvel.
The 3.0-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine, with its iron block and aluminum heads, delivers 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque on 91 octane fuel. Acceleration is robust, maintaining momentum effectively.
An electromechanical transfer case ensures seamless 4×4 transitions, and the 10-speed automatic transmission offers both Drive mode and manual paddle shifting. Forged aluminum control arms reduce weight, while a Watt’s link rear suspension enhances axle control compared to traditional leaf springs.
Fox Live Valve shocks, a Raptor staple, adapt damping in real-time based on drive mode. These advanced shocks enhance ride quality and handling in extreme conditions.
These computer-controlled shocks adjust damping hundreds of times per second, reacting to changing conditions. While replacement costs might be higher, the performance benefits are undeniable.
Visibility from the driver’s seat is excellent, and the digital display provides ample information. However, some interior plastic joint finishing could be improved.
The Ranger Raptor’s wide track and intelligent shocks minimized body roll during high-speed slides, inspiring confidence even at extreme angles.
The exhaust note was another pleasant surprise. Ford engineers invested significant effort in tuning the V6 to emulate the sound of high-performance six-cylinder engines like the Nissan GT-R and Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The result is a unique, energetic shriek, controllable via a quiet mode for noise-sensitive environments. This isn’t artificial cabin noise; it’s genuine exhaust tuning through an electronic valve.
Other appreciated details include integrated auxiliary switches, comfortable seats, functional hood and fender vents, and the geometric hood graphic option. While the short-bed configuration might not suit all work needs, it’s ideal for adventure gear.
Despite minor interior fit and finish concerns, the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor, starting around $55,000, represents exceptional value in the performance vehicle market. It’s a compelling proposition, even tempting me to consider acquiring one.
If you’re considering a Ranger Raptor, take it to the desert. Whether you’re in California or elsewhere, the Raptor is built for off-road thrills. Gradually explore its limits, ideally with professional training, to fully appreciate its capabilities.
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2024 Ford Ranger Raptor Image Gallery
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