DUBAI: Built to conquer the desert, master rugged terrain, and handle any challenge in between, the second-generation Ford Ranger Raptor redefines what a high-performance off-road pickup can do.
Engineered by Ford Performance, this beast is designed for adventure-seekers who demand power, precision, and durability.
Here are five essential things you need to know about the Ranger Raptor—plus a bonus fact that proves it’s more than just talk.
A powerhouse beneath the hood
The heart of the Ranger Raptor is its formidable 3.0-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering an impressive 292kW of power and 583Nm of torque. Built with a compacted graphite-iron block – a material so robust it’s used in racing cars – this engine is designed to take a beating without compromising performance.
Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, each gear has its own boost profile, ensuring seamless power delivery. The electronically controlled active valve exhaust system offers multiple sound profiles, allowing drivers to switch between Quiet, Normal, Sport, and Baja modes – going from a restrained purr to an unfiltered roar at the touch of a button.
Suspension that adapts to anything
The Ranger Raptor’s suspension is a technological masterpiece, designed to handle extreme off-road conditions with ease. Its lightweight aluminium upper and lower control arms provide structural strength without excessive weight, while long-travel front and rear suspension ensure a smooth ride over rough terrain.
A Watt’s link setup stabilises the rear axle, delivering precise handling even on unpredictable surfaces. But the real star of the show is the FOX 2.5-inch Live Valve Internal Bypass shock absorbers. These state-of-the-art dampers continuously adjust to terrain and driving input, reading data from sensors 500 times per second to optimise control and comfort. The result? Superior grip, reduced body roll, and an uncanny ability to absorb impacts without unsettling the driver.
Drive modes for every challenge
Whether it’s sand dunes, rocky trails, or slick mud, the Ranger Raptor is ready with seven selectable drive modes, each fine-tuned for different terrains. These modes dynamically adjust the engine response, transmission, ABS calibration, traction control, and even the digital displays to provide optimal performance.
For low-speed technical driving, Trail Control™ acts like off-road cruise control, managing acceleration and braking so drivers can focus solely on steering. Whether crawling over obstacles or descending steep slopes, this system ensures smooth and controlled movement with minimal driver input.
Built tough inside and out
The Ranger Raptor’s aggressive stance isn’t just for show – it’s built to take punishment. The bold F-O-R-D grille and flared wheel arches house massive 33-inch BFGoodrich® all-terrain KO3® tyres wrapped around 17-inch wheels, giving it a commanding presence.
Underneath, a high-strength steel bash plate shields critical components, including the engine, transfer case, and fuel tank, ensuring the Raptor can power through the harshest environments without hesitation. The interior mirrors its rugged nature, with sport-contoured seats, magnesium paddle shifters, and a driver-centric cockpit designed for high-performance control.
A proven off-road champion
The Ranger Raptor isn’t just designed for adventure – it’s built to win. In 2022, a near-stock version of the truck entered the grueling Baja 1000, one of the world’s toughest off-road races. With only minimal modifications for safety and endurance, it emerged victorious in its production class.
Its success didn’t stop there. In 2023, the same Ranger Raptor competed in Australia’s Finke Desert Race and took another class win. By 2024, it had repeated the feat at both the Finke Desert Race and the Baja 1000, cementing its status as a dominant force in off-road motorsport.