The 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor arrives with aggressive styling to match its enhanced performance. To that end, the Raptor has beefy fender flares, a bespoke front fascia with big, bold FORD lettering, and a raised ride height to accompany the extra width The C-shaped headlight design from the standard Ranger remains, with the headlight clusters pushed out wide.
For years, Americans have been clamoring for a smaller Raptor model based on the Ford Ranger. While such a model existed in foreign markets, the US was denied the pleasure.
But that’s all changing as the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor will spawn an off-road-focused high-performance Raptor variant for the global market, America included.
Based on the latest adaptation of the T6-platformed Ranger, the Raptor variant will be a hardcore desert-running off-roader to take the fight to the Chevy Colorado ZR2 and Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro with bespoke suspension, bodywork, and of course, powertrains.
Ford has confirmed that the 2023 Ford 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.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2023 Ford 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.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Ford hasn’t released fuel-economy ratings for the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor. Once they do, we’ll update this report. We will also provide its real-world mpg once we have the opportunity to test one on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen. For more information about the Raptor’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the Raptorized Ranger will be mildly different from its regular counterpart. While we still expect an abundance of hard plastics and some rubberized materials, Ford spruces up the cabin with exclusive content. The overseas version boasts a leather and microsuede upholstery and heavily bolstered front seats.
In addition to a pair of aluminum paddle shifters, the steering wheel should wear a red band at the 12 o’clock mark, denoting its performance edge.
We anticipate it’ll offer a similar set of standard and optional features as the standard truck, including dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, remote start, and more. The Ranger Raptor will probably come in only one configuration: a crew-cab body style with a five-foot cargo box.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor hasn’t been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The mid-size pickup truck is also expected to come with a slew of driver-assistance technology.
Photos
