2024 Ford Ranger Raptor Review: The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor Review bakkie lineup in the region is getting better all the time. Like the other models in the Ranger portfolio, the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor Review Platinum and Ranger Tremor will be locally made and soon available in South Africa thanks to the Blue Oval.
The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor Review is the first bakkie to earn the coveted South African Car of the Year title, in case you have been living under a rock. The ferociously strong Raptor, which is currently leading this tough bakkie’s remarkable lineup, has been nominated for an award in the Performance category of the aforementioned honors.
Given that it is currently the fastest bakkie in South Africa and the quickest to complete the 0-100 km sprint, I describe the Raptor as powerful. Taking into account the vast variety of bakkies available in our nation, this is an amazing accomplishment. The Jeep Gladiator and the first-generation Volkswagen Amarok were the most potent vehicles for a long time.
When tested, the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor Review feels every bit as formidable as its stats indicate. For a vehicle of its size, the Raptor moves ahead with remarkable speed when one foot is flat on the accelerator pedal. A set of twin exhaust pipes also give the Raptor a more aggressive appearance. There are four adjustable modes for distinct notes on these electronically controlled exhaust pipes: Quiet, Normal, Sport, and Baja. From the steering wheel, one can choose one of these options.
The Raptor’s 3l twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine, which produces 292kW and 583Nm, is the source of its power. An automated gearbox with ten speeds is mated to this engine.
Its presence on the road equals its strength. The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor Review features big lettering spelling out “Ford” over its grill, spanning from one C-lamp headlight to the other, along with flared-out wheel arches. 17-inch all-terrain tires that allow driving over tiny potholes easily enhance the sporty model’s tough look. These visual signals do a wonderful job of matching the Raptor’s power outputs and help set it apart from its Ranger brethren.
The interior of the Raptor is decorated with red accents against black leather seats surrounding the gear lever, air vents, and steering wheel. Its name is carved into the steering wheel and on the front seats in case drivers and occupants forgot they were in a Raptor. With Ford’s Sync 4A, a 12-inch infotainment screen is centrally located on the dashboard. The titanium shift paddles on the steering wheel and the red center marking are excellent touches on the Raptor.
The driver and front passenger of the Raptor have a good amount of room in the cabin. Taller passengers (over 1.85m) will, nevertheless, experience some head and legroom constraints.
I thought the Raptor had good equipment in terms of drive capability. The most recent Raptor model comes equipped with a front and rear locking differential, an electronically controlled on-demand two-speed transfer case, and four-wheel drive. Additionally, seven drive modes are available: Baja, Normal, Sport, Slippery, Rock Crawl, Sand, and Mud/Ruts.
The Raptor’s suspension consists of a long travel front and rear suspension, a revised Watt’s link rear end, and lightweight aluminum upper and lower control arms. Fox Live Valve dampers are another reason why this car can handle bumps and potholes without any problems.
Regarding fuel efficiency, the Raptor fell short, with up to 17 liters per 100 kilometers under harsh and severe driving conditions. It can drop to as low as 13 liters per 100 km with eco-driving techniques, which is more reasonable. All in all, the Raptor is a very hungry animal.