Ford Ranger Raptor 2023 Review

Is the latest Ford Ranger Raptor any good

Ranger Raptor – The new Ranger Raptor is unique amongst normal sized Utes in Australia Ford Ranger Raptor 2023 front quarterIt’s built for one specific purpose and that is to drive very fast over sand and dirt roads. It does that extremely well.

That’s in part due to the Performance FOX racing suspension. Also the 3.0L V6 twin turbo performance petrol engine mated to the 10 Sp AT.

There is a heap of adjustability available. You can select the suspension and steering settings, and for the audiophiles the exhaust can be tuned for an awesome crisp note.

You can also customise the drivers instruments.

In terms of performance it matches the larger RAM 1500 5.7L V8 Hemi but in a smaller and lighter body.

Do you really need to go that fast in a 4WD Ute – Not really? Is it fun – Hell Yeah?

In terms of performance amongst normal Utes its Game, Set and Match. Nothing matches for performance, ride or handling.

However it has reduced payload and towing capability.

Priced from $85,490 plus the usual costs, but there is more than a 12 month wait on orders currently

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THE RAPTOR RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Ford Ranger Raptor 2023 profile

Ranger Raptor Motoring Minute Video

Specific Ranger Raptor Features

Engine & Transmission

  • 3.0-litre V6 Twin-Turbo EcoBoost with 10-Speed Automatic
  • Active exhaust
  • Performance Fox racing 2.5-inch live valve suspension & Watts Link coil suspension
  • Electronic locking front differential

Ford Ranger Raptor 2023 front grill

Grille & Lighting

  • Unique ‘F-O-R-D’ block letter Grille
  • Matrix LED headlamps auto dynamic levelling with LED DTRLs
  • Full LED taillamps
  • LED front fog lamps

Exterior

  • Front Bash Plate (2.3mm-thick steel)
  • Unique Raptor dual tow hooks
  • Spray-in bedliner

Ford Ranger Raptor 2023 wheel and tyre

Wheels

  • Standard: 17in Alloy & spare, T285/70 R17 BF Goodrich K02 High Performance All Terrain tyres
  • Optional: 17in Beadlock capable wheels

Ford Ranger Raptor 2023 seating 4 pic

Interior

  • 4-inch Customisable Digital Cluster
  • Paddle Shifters
  • Selectable Drive Modes

Ford Ranger Raptor 2023 selection 4 pick

Selectable Modes

DRIVE:       STEERING:     DAMPERS:    EXHAUST:

Normal        Normal             Normal           Quiet

Sport           Comfort            Off-Road        Normal

Slippery       Sport                Sport              Sport

Mud/Ruts    Off-Road                                 Baja

Sand

Baja

Rock Crawl

Seats

  • Ford Performance Seats embossed with “Raptor” logo & “Code Orange” accented stitching

Note: Ranger Raptor does not come with these standard Wildtrak features: Sports Hoop, Power Roller Shutter, Cargo Management System, Roof Rails, Load Box Tie Down Rails, Integrated Rear Load Box Access Step.

Ford Ranger Raptor 2023 controls 4 pic

Quick Ranger Raptor Thoughts

  • Raptor looks great
  • Its in a class of its own for performance, adaptability and driver functionality
  • You can select suspension settings, steering, exhaust sound, drive mode etc.
  • Ride and handling both on and off road is surprisingly good. Better than most SUVs
  • Its FUN to drive
  • Driver engagement is priority number one.
  • Its like driving a highly specked sports SUV.
  • But its thirsty, as expected with all that performance
  • I was stopped by someone that had ordered one sight unseen, yet he knew everything about it. He even ordered it in the same colour as the test Ute. He was in heaven just looking at it and talking about it. His wife not so much
  • The central touchscreen which is zoned has a minor niggle in that it cut off the lower section of the CarPlay contacts.
  • Otherwise its practical and functional.

Ford Ranger Raptor 2023 dash 4 pic

What is good?

  • Power and torque
  • Value for money
  • Ride and handling

What is not so good?

  • Thirsty
  • Lower towing capacity
  • Rear leg room a little tight

Also Look At

The dual cab 4WD Ute segment is crowded and extremely competitive. However the Raptor now sits almost in its own niche.

Perhaps you could look at RAM 1500 WarlockFord F150Navara PRO 4X Warrior,  Toyota HiLux GR Sport, or the upcoming VW Amarok.

Ford Ranger Raptor 2023 engine

Ford Ranger 

Model

Ranger Raptor

Model Price$85,490 MLP*
Engine3.0L V6 Twin Turbo Petrol
Drivetrain10 Sp Sports AT Dual Range 4WD
Power292kW @ 5,650rpm
Torque583Nm @ 3,500rpm
SafetyN/A
0-100kmh / Top Speed5.5 secs Est / TBA
CO2 Emissions262 g/km Euro 5
Economy ADR11.5L/100km / 80L capacity
Economy on test12.6L/100k
Servicing4 Yrs. / 60,000km service plan
Warranty5yr/ Unlimited km
Road side Assist5Yr. conditional roadside assist

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)

Ford Ranger Raptor 2023 front interior

Overall Rating    

88/100

Behind the Wheel9
Comfort9
Equipment9
Performance10
Ride and Handling9
Practicality8
Fit for Purpose9
Towing / 4WD8 – 3 Towing / 5 4WD
Technology/connectivity9
Value for Money8

Ford Ranger Raptor 2023 tub

Dimensions

 
Overall Length5381mm
Wheelbase3270mm
Width2028mm
Height1922mm
Wheels17×8.5 Alloy
Tyres285/70 R17
Max ground clearanceUp to 272mm
Wading Depth850mm
ApproachTBC
RampoverTBC
Departure angleTBC
Turning Circle KTKTBC
Boot Capacity MinN/A
Boot capacity Max1280L
Tub length1540mm
Tub Height540mm
Tub width1540mm
Distance between arches1200mm
Kerb Weight2431kg
Payload (kg)753kg*
GVM (kg)3130kg
GCM5370kg
Towing Capacity2500kg
Tow Ball rating250kg

* Ford supplied

Ford Ranger Raptor 2023 rear quarter

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About Rob Fraser 320 Articles
Rob first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, many years ago. He has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then.Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive.