2025 Ford Ranger Raptor Review: No Truck Should Be This Enjoyable—But Here We Are | Carscoops

      The Ranger Raptor encapsulates all the admirable features of the larger F-150 but in a smaller package.

      by Brad Anderson

      PROS ›› Addictive power, superb suspension, strong presence, impressive technology CONS ›› Frequent gear shifts, high fuel consumption, potentially loud for some

      In 2017, I recall discussing with friends the upcoming debut of the first Ranger Raptor. For years, Ford had been successfully marketing the powerful F-150 Raptor in the US, yet it had never offered a similar variant for its smaller trucks, even in its home country or in Australia.

      When the initial Ranger Raptor was launched, it received a positive reception, although it seemed somewhat underdeveloped and maintained the ordinary turbo diesel engine found in the standard model. It was not the Raptor that many had anticipated. While it featured some commendable chassis and suspension upgrades, it didn’t quite fit the Raptor title.

      Fast forward a few years, and the second-generation Ranger Raptor was introduced. This new version significantly enhances the initial model, boasting a greatly improved engine that isn't available across the rest of the lineup. Is this the Raptor we've been eagerly awaiting? We recently had one for a week to find out.

      QUICK FACTS

      Photo Credits: Brad Anderson/Carscoops

      The Australian Ranger Raptor is mostly the same as the version sold in the US. However, while the US model’s 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 produces 405 hp (297 kW) and 430 lb-ft (583 Nm) of torque, the Australian variant generates 391 hp (282 kW) but has the same torque figure. This difference is negligible, as the loss of 14 horsepower is unlikely to be noticeable. Additionally, the Ranger Raptor in Europe is limited to just 292 hp (215 kW) and 362 lb-ft (490 Nm).

      Local pricing for the 2025 Ranger Raptor starts at AU$96,965 (~$60,200), including all applicable on-road fees. This price is significantly higher than any other variant currently available and makes it the most expensive pickup of its size in Australia. However, for that cost, you receive performance previously unseen in a truck, potentially positioning it as the ultimate all-terrain lifestyle vehicle.

      The Enhancements

      There’s no denying that the Ranger Raptor presents a bold and robust appearance on the road. Ford’s designers worked diligently on its exterior, crafting off-road bumpers, adding new wheels fitted with mud-terrain tires, blacking out key components, and installing a unique grille.

      Photo Credits: Brad Anderson/Carscoops

      The interior of the Raptor shares many features with other Ranger models, which is a positive aspect. It has a spacious SUV-like feel with plenty of premium materials, including extensive black leather and soft-touch suede on the seats. Unique elements for the Raptor include several orange highlights on the seats, air vents, red contrast stitching, and an orange marker at the 12 o’clock position on the steering wheel.

      The technology offerings in the Raptor and other Ranger models far surpass competitors like the Toyota Hilux, Nissan Navara, Mitsubishi Triton, and Isuzu D-Max. It only takes a short time to grasp why the Ranger has been Australia’s best-selling car for the past two years.

      For starters, it features a fully digital 12-inch instrument cluster that offers a considerable degree of customization and multiple displays for different drive modes. Taking center stage in the cabin is a 12.4-inch portrait-oriented infotainment system. This screen outshines those from competitors and supports both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Its responsiveness is particularly impressive compared to many other legacy automakers’ systems.

      The remaining interior displays a rugged feel appropriate for a truck while still incorporating modern conveniences. For instance, there are heated seats and a wireless charging pad. Similar to other Ranger models, there are two hidden cupholders that pop out from the dashboard. The rear seat area is spacious, making the Ford pickup suitable for families.

      While the Raptor maintains much of the practical functionality of other models, its performance focus comes at the expense of payload and towing capacity. The Raptor has a maximum payload of 717 kg (1,580 lbs), compared to the 913–1,011 kg (2,012-2,228 lbs) of other Ranger variants, and is rated to tow only 2,500 kg (5,511 lbs) versus 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs) for the more standard versions. This is mainly due to the powerful petrol V6 engine and the fact that the Raptor uses advanced Fox 2.5-inch Live Valve internal bypass shocks instead of traditional rear leaf springs.

      Photo Credits: Brad Anderson/Carscoops

      A Serious Performer

      When driving the Ranger Raptor, two elements stand out: its sophisticated suspension system and the powerful twin-turbocharged V