The latest Ford Ranger Raptor is nothing like the standard Ranger Pick up truck. It has a wide range of talents, with loads of different driving modes, which help it deliver comfort, performance and off-road ability in an impressive all-round package. However, it does feel big on our UK roads, and you might need a personal oil tanker to follow you about as the running costs are steep, but it’s a refreshing option to other performance SUV's.
When it comes to powertrain, there’s a new Ford 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine mounted in that ladder-frame, that packs a decent 288bhp with 362lb ft of torque through a four-wheel drive system that now features electronic locking differentials fore and aft, a two-speed transfer case, 10-speed auto (paddle-shiftable) gearbox, new suspension and a fresh interior and exterior.
When it comes to street cred, you can’t mistake new for old. The front is dominated by the big FORD grille, there's some ‘C-clamp’ LED headlights that make the front seem much wider than it is, plus a set of standard-fit off-road style wheels fitted with some chunky BF Goodrich all-terrains. The body gets some wide arches and at first glance you could mistake it for the full-fat F-150, which isn't such a bad thing.
Ford’s updated SYNC4-A infotainment system works via a 12in portrait-oriented touchscreen in the centre of the dash. At initial glance, there seems to be a lot of information to decipher, but you soon get to grips with the way the screen is divided up into a few sections. The screen looks great, with some nice sharp graphics and lots of useful camera angles of the car’s immediate surroundings when you’re off-roading (or, indeed, parking). Some of the icons are quite small, though, and the air-conditioning portion positioned at the bottom of the screen is tricky to see and aim for. Thankfully, there are physical rotary knobs below for adjusting the temperature that are much easier to locate.
Wireless smartphone charging and wireless device mirroring are both included as standard features, as is a 10-speaker B&O premium audio system with plenty of power.
The Ford Ranger Raptor is a vehicle you buy with your heart rather than your head – and you should look at it in the same way as a flash sports car. It’s an entertaining toy that you’re unlikely to use to its full potential, but it’s a great laugh to drive at even a tenth of its maximum capability. It might just be the best pick-up on sale right now. There are certainly better value propositions out there, but none can match the Raptor for its breadth of ability. It rides well on the road, it’s fast, it sounds great and it can plough through anything the wilderness can throw at it. What more do you want?
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