New Ford Ranger Raptor: 6 Cool Things to Know

The highly-anticipated new Ford Ranger Raptor has arrived in South Africa! Let’s take a look at 6 cool features that set the Raptor apart from other offerings in the double-cab bakkie segment.

As I write this, I’m preparing to travel to Namibia to drive the new Ford Ranger Raptor in the Namib Desert. To say that I’m excited is an understatement!

The new Ranger Raptor is one of the most anticipated new car introductions for South Africa in 2023.

When the first generation Ranger Raptor arrived in South Africa back in 2019, its high-speed off-road performance was its USP (Unique Selling Proposition) and no other bakkie came close to matching its prowess in the toughest terrain.

Now, Ford has upped the ante with the next-generation Ranger Raptor and we are keen to put the newcomer to the test in Namibia as well as on South African roads in the near future.

Let’s take a quick look at 6 Cool Things To Know about the new Ford Ranger Raptor!

New Ford Ranger Raptor: 6 Cool Things To Know

1. Big V6 Power

The new Ford Ranger Raptor offers significantly more power and torque over its predecessor and it’s currently the most powerful double-cab bakkie available in South Africa.

The Ranger Raptor draws power from a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V6 engine that delivers 292 kW and 583 Nm of torque and makes use of a 10-speed automatic transmission. That’s 135 kW and 80 Nm more than the outgoing Ranger Raptor!

2. Hardcore Offroad Suspension

Apart from the Raptor’s enhanced and strengthened chassis, perhaps the most important component in the Ranger Raptors offroad arsenal is indeed its redesigned suspension setup which includes rear Watt’s link coil springs and FOX 2.5-inch Live Valve Internal Bypass shock absorbers with electronic damping that ensures composed and controlled high-speed offroad performance and maximum levels of comfort when driving on tar.

In addition to the suspension, the new Ford Ranger Raptor is, for the first time, equipped with a permanent 4-wheel-drive system with an electronically-controlled 2-speed transfer case as well as a front and rear differential lock. Together with a ground clearance of 272 mm, the Ranger Raptor is ready to tackle any terrain.

3. Driving Modes For All Conditions

The above-mentioned rapid and continuous damper adjustments are linked to the 7 drives modes offered in the Ranger Raptor which include Normal, Sport, Slippery, Rock Crawl, Sand, Mud/Ruts and Baja.

Depending on the drive mode, adjustments are automatically made to the engine, transmission, stability and traction control, exhaust valve actuation, steering and throttle response to achieve the desired result and each mode has its own “theme” shown in the digital displays. Baja mode is the most high-performance mode you can select and this mode primes the Ranger Raptor’s systems for the most hardcore high-speed offroading you can throw at it!

4. Active Exhaust System

If you want to wake up your neighbours early on a Sunday morning, you can with the Ranger Raptor’s new electronically controlled active exhaust system!

The system allows you to adjust the exhaust note to your preference with 4 settings to choose from including Quiet, Normal, Sport and Baja, the latter of which is the loudest and most pronounced. Baja is only intended for off-road use.

5. Performance- and Tech-enhanced Interior

The Ranger Raptor’s interior features fighter jet-inspired leather seats that are heavily bolstered to provide maximum support and comfort to the driver during demanding offroad driving.

A 12-inch, vertically-orientated touchscreen with the latest SYNC4 operating system is fitted with wireless Android Auto / Apple CarPlay and wireless charging. The driver is also treated to a 12.4-inch all-digital instrument cluster that can be configured using the mounted controls on the steering wheel. A powerful 10-speaker 660W Bang & Olufsen sound system is also fitted as standard.

6. Nice Price in South Africa

If you consider how much power and offroad capability the new Ford Ranger Raptor has to offer then its asking price of R1 094 900 seems to be fairly reasonable. However, it must be noted that the price excludes a service plan which can be purchased as an option (up to 8-years / 165 000 km). A 4-year/120 000km warranty (can be optionally extended up to 7-year/200 000km), 4-year/unlimited distance Roadside Assistance and 5-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty is standard.

Even so, the Ranger Raptor is still cheaper than the outgoing 190 kW Volkswagen Amarok Extreme (R1 118 200) and R235 000 cheaper than the Jeep Gladiator (R1 329 900) which is currently the most expensive double-cab bakkie available in South Africa.

Look out for our impressions of the new Ford Ranger Raptor on Cars.co.za soon!

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