A NEW RANGER RAPTOR? EXCELLENT!
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 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.
What’s New for 2023?
Ford has confirmed that the Ranger Raptor will indeed be sold in the U.S., following the reveal of the global version. Before the official news, we had seen spy photos of it testing as well as a camouflaged prototype of the next-generation Ranger. The Raptor variant will reach showrooms on our shores sometime next year.
The Ranger Raptor is on sale as a 2023 model and 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
The 2023 Ranger Raptor will feature a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that’s said to make 392 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. However, those figures could be slightly different than the U.S. version. It’s essentially the same setup found on the Ford Bronco Raptor, which includes a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, complete with locking front and rear differentials. Compared to its pedestrian counterpart, the Raptor will have a sturdier suspension and beefier off-road equipment. Along with a higher ride height and increased ground clearance, it has 33-inch all-terrain tires that bookend wider front and rear tracks.