Introducing The 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor - Beauty, Brawn, And Brains!

The Ford Raptor is a legendary beast, and when the new models launch, there's always plenty of noise about it. The Bronco Raptor has been eagerly awaited, and its release is just around the corner. And now we also have the Ranger Raptor to look forward to.

Ford has gone all out here - It's bulkier, tougher, much more rugged, and most importantly, it's way more powerful than its Ranger predecessors. In short, it's a mid-sized pickup truck on steroids - Let's take a closer look at the next-gen 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor! But first, some bad news. It is only releasing in Europe and Australia this year. However, the 2023 Ranger Raptor will release in the USA next year!

Engine, Transmission & Suspension

Let's start with a bang, although a growl might describe it better! Ford's twin-turbo 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine is the heart of the new Raptor. It's an absolute powerhouse with a compacted graphite iron cylinder block and an output of 288 PS (284 HP) and 491 Nm (362 lb-ft) of torque. Pardon the metric stats, but these are taken from the Euro/Aus models.

Thanks to Ford Performance, the engine delivers an immediate response to throttle input. In addition, there's an anti-lag system that keeps the turbochargers spinning for up to three seconds after you take your foot off the gas. This allows for the quicker resumption of acceleration out of corners or through the gears when you accelerate again.

The suspension has been significantly upgraded too. All-new aluminum upper and lower control arms, long‑travel front, and rear suspension, and a refined Watt's link rear-end are designed to enable maximum control across rough terrain at high speed.

The new suspension is capable of real-time adaptation. In addition, it provides exceptional on-road body control while absorbing corrugations and bigger ruts off-road with ease, maximizing both control and performance.

As far as the transmission goes, the paddle-shifted 10-speed automatic feeds all four wheels through a standard all-wheel-drive system. Smooth, responsive, and effortless!

Offroad & Modes

Another brand new feature is the full-time 4-Wheel drive system, including an electronically‑controlled 2-speed transfer case combined with front and rear locking differentials. The feature has off-road enthusiasts the most excited!

The all-new Ranger Raptor is now truly an all-terrain vehicle and can handle the smoothest of city roads, the most rugged and challenging outdoor paths, and everything in between. In addition, there are seven, yes, SEVEN selectable drive modes.

On-Road Modes:

• Normal – Comfortable and fuel-efficient.
• Sport – For slightly more adventurous on-road drivers!
• Slippery – Traction and other safety options for dangerous and wet conditions.

Off-road Modes:

• Rock Crawl – Full control during slow driving over highly rugged, rocky, and treacherous terrain.
• Sand - Special gear changes and pinpoints power delivery to handle sand and snow.
• Mud/Ruts - Increases grip and maintains vehicle momentum in muddy conditions.
• Baja - The coolest mode ever, this sets all systems to maximum ruggedness enabling high-speed off-road awesomeness!

Hey There Good-Looking!

The new Raptor is a beauty - Bold, muscular styling with a rugged and handsome design that says everything you need to know about the car without even knowing much about it. Matrix LED headlights, flared wheel arches, and C-lamp headlight designs make the truck seem even broader and more robust than it is. The flared fenders add to this robust feel, and the exclusive Raptor all-terrain tires look incredible with the 17-inch alloy wheels.

At the back, the Precision Gray rear bumper includes an integrated step bar and, of course, the all-important towbar to rescue lesser trucks from hazardous situations that the Raptor can handle with ease!

Interior & Tech

The rugged, functional, and impressive theme continues on the interior. The cabin is exceptionally breathtaking with its all-new jet-fighter-like sports seats in both the rear and front of the vehicle. The seats are extremely comfortable and offer enough cushioning for even the most extreme off-road whoops adventure! Code Orange accents on the panel, trim, and seats are perfectly complemented by the ambient lighting of the Raptor, and the cabin has a gorgeous amber glow to it. The sporty steering wheel is wrapped in premium leather and includes thumb swells and cast-magnesium paddle shifters.

The digital tech is on point too, and the Ranger Raptor is as high-tech as it gets. A 12.4-inch all-digital cluster and a 12-inch touchscreen give you full access to all your digital and entertainment needs. Ford's SYNC 4A connectivity and entertainment system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility at no extra cost. And the sound? How about a 10-speaker B&O® sound system that can belt out whatever soundtrack you choose for your many offroad adventures!

So there you have it - Beauty, brawn, brains, and all-out maximum ruggedness! The all-new 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor has it all. We will be designing off-road bumpers for the 2023 Ranger Raptor, however we all will have to wait a year for it to hit American soil.