TO SAY the Ford Ranger Raptor is not a vehicle for shrinking violets would be something of an understatement.
This in-your-face pick-up truck will certainly get you noticed – on or off-road. And its big and bold looks exude the performance fun that awaits those lucky enough to get behind the wheel.
Priced from £49,325 (including VAT), it’s been created by the specialist Ford Performance division and really is a unique offering with design cues that make it look as if it would be at home on the Dakar Rally.
These include an imposing black grille, large front aluminium skid plate and chunky 17in alloys shod with special all-terrain tyres that are housed in massive wheel arches.
Towards the rear, you can’t miss the aerodynamic sports hoop, loadbox carry bars, large tail light clusters and big towbar. And to help you clamber aboard the beast, there are specially strengthened alloy side steps sporting the Raptor logo.
The robust yet sporty theme continues inside, with leather/suede seats (powered and heated up front), a leather dashboard and a perforated leather sports steering wheel with a Raptor logo. Blue stitching across the dash and on the steering wheel on the tested model was a cool finishing touch.
There is ample room for four adults to enjoy long journeys in comfort while the sizeable loadbox comes with a roller shutter as standard, so luggage doesn’t have to be exposed to the elements
The Raptor is powered by a bi-turbo 2.0-litre diesel engine that, mated to a pretty seamless, 10-speed, automatic gearbox, develops 213PS. Factor in race-bred suspension that soaks up the bumps and a strengthened chassis, and this big Ford is capable of serious off-road performance.
The driver can also easily switch between two, four and four-wheel-low drive capabilities, while a steering wheel control gives access to six Terrain Management System modes.
These are normal; sport; grass, gravel and snow; mud and sand; rock; and Baja – inspired by the Baja desert rally – which allows the Raptor to tackle rough ground at speed.
Back on the Tarmac, the sprint to 62mph takes 10 seconds, which is not at all bad for a vehicle with a kerb weight of 2.5 tonnes, and it has a top speed of 106mph.
Average fuel consumption is given as 31.7mpg, with CO2 emissions at 233g/km. What surprised me was how refined and quiet the Raptor was once up to motorway cruising speed.
The steering was also nicely weighted and the likes of manoeuvring into a parking space was a lot easier than I had expected. The size of the vehicle also means the driver has a towering view of the road ahead, inspiring confidence on the hoof.
And while it may be ready for a bit of rough and tumble, the Raptor comes with plenty of creature comforts.
These include the excellent Ford SYNC 3 infotainment and navigation system, operated through an eight-inch touchscreen and voice commands, and the FordPass Connect modem that can give wi-fi access for up to 10 devices.
Other goodies include keyless entry and start, auto lights and wipers, a rear view camera, dual-zone air con and cruise control with intelligent speed limiter.
A raft of electronic braking and stability systems are included for safety, which is further enhanced by a collision mitigation system with automatic braking, lane keeping aid and emergency services call system.
If you like to stand out from the crowd and want a vehicle that is both a capable but fun off-roader, you’ll want to check out the Raptor.
Factfile:
- Model: Ford Ranger Raptor
- Engine: 2.0-litre diesel
- Power: 213PS
- Top speed: 106mph
- 0-62mph: 10.0 seconds
- Average mpg: 31.7
- CO2 emissions: 233g/km
- Warranty: Three years/60,000 miles
- Price: £49,325
