Most pickup manufacturers offer off-road packages for their trucks that include greater ground clearances, beefier suspensions, bigger wheels and tires, and skid plates to protect the undersides from large rocks. But there are only a handful of high-performance off-road trucks that throw in more powerful engines. They include the full-size Ford F-150 Raptor and Ram 1500 TRX – and new for 2024, the midsize Ford Ranger Raptor that comes standard with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 rated at 405 horsepower.
That’s a 29% increase over the twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 available with the FX4 package. And while the conventional Ranger FX4 is a very capable off-road truck, the Raptor’s additional power and even stronger suspension allows bigger jumps on the right trails and dunes, for drivers so inclined. The upgrades also nudge the Ranger Raptor closer to collectability status, provided they aren’t damaged by the aforementioned showboating.
The 2024 Ford Raptor is only available as a four-door SuperCrew model with fender flares and a five-foot bed. The result looks exactly like a smaller version of the F-150 Raptor, which Ford clearly intends, with a unique broad grill, fender flares, special trim and more. And although the Ranger version cannot match the 450-horsepower produced by its big brother’s twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, it is just about as fast because it weighs so much less.
Such power needs to come with a warning, however. The Ranger Raptor is very fast in a straight line, with Car and Driver clocking from zero to 60 in just 5.3 seconds. But it does not corner well at high speeds because of the raised center of gravity and 33-inch BFGoodrich KO3 all-terrain tires, which are not designed for great traction on pavement. In-town high-speed driving needs to be tempered, despite the active exhaust system that encourages aggressive motoring.
Perhaps surprisingly, the performance upgrades compromise the Raptor’s towing capacity. It is rated at 5,510 pounds compared to the 7,500 pounds on all other versions. That’s still more than enough for weekend adventures. The standard 5-foot bed looks small, but is big enough for most chores and make the Raptor easier to drive downtown.
The interiors of all Rangers are impressive, and the Raptor is no exception. There is a lot of front and rear seat room, and most materials are above the competitors. The available 12.4-inch vertical touchscreen is easy to read and use, and the 12.4-inch digital gauge cluster in front of the driver provides all essential information without having to look away from the road. The Raptor package includes full black leather and tasteful red trim.
With all the modifications, the Ranger Ranger feels much bigger than a midsize on the road. In fact, it is only 0.1 narrower than a regular F-150 at the fenders because its long-travel suspension sets the tires 3.5 inches farther apart. The increase comes primarily from longer forged aluminum upper and lower control arms. Damping comes from 2.5-inch Fox Live-valve shocks with variable compression damping. Although designed to improve off-road performance, the combination also smooths out poorly maintained city streets.
During a week of test driving, I appreciated the running board that made it easier to get in and out of the elevated 2024 Ford Raptor Ranger. The cabin was very roomy and the well-bolstered sport seats were both comfortable and supportive. The 12.4-inch digital gauge package provided a wide range of early-to-read information, while the 12.4-inch vertical touchscreen was among the most intuitive infotainment displays I have ever used. The power was during a few quick passes on empty straightaways. Although I did not have chance for any severe off-road driving, the suspension and four-wheel-drive system easily handed the poorly maintained moderately hilly roads in my neighborhood.
The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor SuperCrew 4X4 Raptor is the most affordable genuine high-performance off-road truck on the market. But just because it is not as large and powerful as its big brother F-150 Raptor, don’t think it is not as capable or fun.
2024 Ford Ranger SuperCrew 4X4 Raptor
Base price: $57,215
Price as tested: $58,405 (est.)
Type: Midsize off-road -performance pickup
Engine: Twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 (405 hp, 430 lbs-ft)
Transmission: 10-speed automatic w/paddle shifters
Drive modes: 2 High, 2 Low, 4 High, 4 Low
EPA estimated mileage: 16/18
Overall length: 210.9 inches
Curb weight: 5372 pounds
Final assembly: Wayne, Michigan
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