2025 Ford Ranger Raptor Review: The Perfectly Sized Raptor

      The 2025 Ford Ranger Raptor is the latest and most compact addition to the Raptor lineup, which also includes the esteemed F-150 pickup and Bronco SUV. While this enhanced midsize truck could have easily been a simple cash grab to exploit the Raptor name, Ford instead produced an incredibly capable vehicle ready for off-road adventures straight from the dealership. It truly may be the standout of the series, which is quite a claim.

      Our team designated the Ranger Raptor as The Drive’s pickup truck of 2024, so I wasn't surprised to find it exceptional. However, unlike my colleague Andrew’s original review, which concentrated on the vehicle's impeccable off-road abilities, my focus here is different. I drove it daily for a week to evaluate how it merges advanced desert capabilities with features that make everyday tasks more enjoyable. Although many Ranger Raptor owners might wish to convey that theirs is used solely for fast sand driving, the reality is that most will use it for daily activities.

      Jerry Perez

      The Fundamentals

      The Ranger Raptor, as its name implies, is the performance-oriented variant of Ford’s midsize pickup, positioned above the Maverick and below the full-size F-150. It shares the same platform and cab layout as the standard Ranger, making it fundamentally similar to its base model. However, Ford made substantial modifications to the Raptor.

      When you see a Ranger and Ranger Raptor on the road, the distinct design of the latter makes it easy to differentiate. The aggressive front features a prominent plastic grille adorned with large “F O R D” lettering that stock F-150 owners often purchase for their trucks. This central element is accompanied by trim-specific LED headlights with “C-Clamp” daytime running light signatures. Beneath, there’s a hefty steel bash plate, fog lights, and a broadened lower fascia that merges into large fenders. My test vehicle boasted Raptor graphics on the sides of the bed and 17-inch wheels fitted with 33-inch BFGoodrich KO3 all-terrain tires. At the back, Raptor-specific taillights and dual exhaust pipes signal the truck's serious performance.

      Jerry Perez

      The interior experience is noticeably enhanced compared to the standard Ranger. The striking Ford Performance front seats feature pronounced bolsters and a stylish black and orange color scheme with Raptor branding. The sporty steering wheel includes a colored center mark, reminiscent of the bigger Raptor models, and features magnesium alloy paddle shifters that provide a satisfying tactile experience. The rear seat maintains the same design as the regular Ranger but is also outfitted in the two-tone scheme of the front seats.

      Now to the exciting specs: A 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, specifically engineered for the Ranger Raptor in Australia, produces 405 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a sophisticated four-wheel-drive system with an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case and locking differentials at both the front and rear.

      Raptors emphasize their suspension, and this smaller model is no exception. It utilizes Fox 2.5-inch Live Valve internal bypass shocks at each corner, with rear shocks featuring piggyback reservoirs for improved cooling—significantly better than the regular Ranger’s leaf springs. Ford crafted the upper and lower control arms from lightweight aluminum while the long-travel rear suspension incorporates a Watts link and trailing arms. You can check out our detailed overview of its Baja-ready setup here.

      The immediate sensation from the 3.0-liter V6 is its spirited response. Acceleration is brisk but not excessive, at least until around 3,500 rpm. If you maintain pressure on the accelerator, that’s when the turbos kick in, providing enough power to break loose the rear tires under certain conditions—especially on slippery surfaces or when turning sharply. Nevertheless, the engine operates smoothly enough to avoid being excessively peaky during regular driving. Similar to the F-150, the accelerator is nicely tuned to provide sufficient give in the pedal range, preventing it from being overly reactive. However, switching to Sport or Baja mode tightens this responsiveness, resulting in quicker throttle response with increased revs and boost.

      In comparison to the standard Ranger, the brakes tend to be slightly grabby, which is expected from a performance-oriented truck. The 12.2-inch rotors at the front and 12.1-inch at the back instill confidence during hard braking and integrate well with the truck's overall handling. If you were to, say, trail brake into a wet roundabout for a bit of fun, the brakes and traction control system will allow for a playful experience without compromising safety. Engaging Baja mode significantly extends that leniency.

      Jerry Perez

      One issue I encountered during my week-long assessment was the steering's heaviness in Normal mode. Like other Raptors, you can customize both performance driving modes and steering feel, as well as exhaust volume. However, I found the