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2022 Ford Ranger Raptor Revealed as 400HP ‘Pre-Runner’ for All Terrains


When you see the ‘Raptor’ name plastered across the side of a Ranger you know it’s something special. The flared wheel arches, aggressive stance, and large offroad tires give it a tough look unmatched by anything else in its class. You also expect it to pack an equally large punch in the horsepower department… But while the previous generation Ford Ranger Raptor was a big hit and a great offroad tourer, it left a lot to be desired through the eyes of petrol heads.

Namely in the power department.

Like many, we longed for more power and enough get up and go to give you that fizzy feeling when planting your foot. We’re simple at heart, we want to chop a few hot hatches at the traffic lights (allegedly) and chuck a few rooster tails at the beach on the weekend. We had the pleasure of driving the previous generation Ranger Raptor around for a few days during lockdown last year, and we loved the application of 10-speed Auto and torquey diesel motor, but couldn’t help but think how good this thing would be with a turbo petrol. And for the next-gen Ranger Raptor, it looks like our prayers are being answered.

Wondering what Ford Australia has in the works for EVs? Check out their plan here.

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Image: Ford

The New Ranger Raptors BIG List of Changes

How Much Power Does the New Ranger Raptor Have?

It all starts up front.

Initially teased towards the end of the next-gen Ford Ranger unveiling last year, the new Ranger Raptor is confirmed to benefit from Ford’s mighty Twin-Turbo V6 powerplant. While not quite the V8 edition that the US will receive, this iteration will have class-leading power figures of 292kW (392hp) @ 5650rpm and 583Nm torque @3500rpm paired with the reliable 10-speed automatic box featuring a new boost-by-gear function – where each gear is programmed with its own boost profile.

“The 3.0-litre brings a different dynamic to the Ranger Raptor that will satisfy even the most hardcore performance enthusiast… The acceleration and raw performance of the new powertrain leaves you grinning from ear-to-ear,” said Dave Burn, Ford Performance Chief Program Engineer for Ranger Raptor.

While it’s never been known as the best sounding engine on the market, the Raptor looks to rewrite the history books thanks to a new mode-based exhaust system. Drivers can choose their preferred engine sound by pressing a button on the steering wheel, or by selecting a drive mode that uses one of the following settings:

  • Quiet: Designed to prioritise low-volume over performance. Great for keeping the peace with neighbours.
  • Normal: Intended for everyday use, and applied by default to Normal, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, and Rock Crawl modes.
  • Sport: Offers a louder and more aggressive note, for when you want to shake things up a little.
  • Baja: The most aggressive of the exhaust profiles in both volume and note and is “intended for off-road use only.”

Rounding out the engine changes is a new Anti-Lag system that keeps the turbochargers spinning for up to three seconds after the driver backs off the throttle, allowing for faster resumption of acceleration out of corners or between gears when the driver gets back on the accelerator. If you’ve ever watched the World Rally Championships, you know what we’re talking about here – seriously cool stuff basically.

Suspension travel

Image: Ford

Comprehensive Suspension and Chassis Updates

While the Next-Gen Ranger has dealt with large changes in its own right, the Raptor looks to add more than just a few inches of track-width to its suspension geometry. Reinforcements to the C-Pillar, load box, and spare wheel stiffen up the body to cope with bump absorption, alongside the unique frames added for the jounce bumper, shock tower and rear
shock bracket. If it sounds like a true ‘pre-runner’ style truck, that’s because it basically is… and it doesn’t end there.

All-new lightweight aluminium upper and lower control arms, long-travel front and rear suspension and refined Watt’s link equipped coil-spring rear suspension have been designed to deliver more control across rough terrain. Fox Racing dampers return in their next-gen iteration, with tunable damping settings and Live Valve Internal Bypass to respond quickly to all terrains.

“The new suspension upgrades in the Ranger Raptor make the most of the new FOX Live Valve dampers. The suspension adapts in real-time to enable exceptional on-road body control while absorbing corrugations and bigger ruts off-road ensuring maximum control and performance,” said Burn

Twice-thick bash plates line the underbody to protect components like the This bash plate, combined with the engine under shield and transfer case shield provides protection for key components like the radiator, steering system, front cross member, engine sump and front differential. Twin rated tow hooks at the front and rear round out the package to provide flexible recovery options while driving off-road. We’re yet to even talk about the software!

2022 ford ranger raptor 2

Image: Ford

What About the Software, Diffs, and Tyres?

When we say Ford has covered all bases on the Next-Gen Ranger Raptor, we mean it. For the first time in a Ranger, we find an advanced permanent four-wheel-drive system with an all-new electronically controlled on-demand two-speed transfer case. Finally, the “must-have” front and rear locking differentials are included for good measure.

Seven selectable drive modes will have you cruising around the city or desert racing in an instant;

On-road Drive Modes

  • Normal: designed for comfort, fuel efficiency and drivability.
  • Sport: more responsive for spirited on-road driving.
  • Slippery: for more confident driving on slippery or uneven surfaces.

Off-Road Drive Modes

  • Rock Crawl: provides optimal traction and momentum on loose surfaces.
  • Sand: for use in soft sand and deep snow conditions, optimising power delivery and transmission shifts.
  • Mud/Ruts: for maximum grip off-road during launch and maintaining vehicle momentum.
  • Baja: tuned for high-speed off-road performance with all systems set for maximum attack.

Customers of the new Ford Ranger Raptor will have the choice of two 17-inch alloy wheel sizes with factory fitted 32-inch BF Goodrich All-Terrain KO2 tyres. Most of the body lines outside of the obviously flared wheel arches and wider front air intakes, you’ll find most of the same physical highlights shared with the new Ranger, including our favourite C-clamp headlight design.

For a comprehensive look at all the new style changes with Next-Gen Ranger check out our article here.

Price and Availability

We expect the latest Ford Ranger Raptor to arrive in late 2022, or early 2023.

Update: 04/07/2022: Pricing details have today been revealed by Ford Australia and we’re honestly a little surprised just how affordable the new Ranger Raptor is. While we expect a significant price rise over the previous generation Raptor, we are pleased to say that the new Ford Ranger Raptor will cost $85,490 AUD (plus on-road costs). There will only be three options available on the Ranger Raptor from the factory;

  • 17-inch Beadlock capable alloy wheels with matching spare – $2000
  • Prestige paint – $675
  • Raptor decals – $500

We still expect waitlists to be LONG and second-hand market prices to increase over MSRP substantially if the current market is anything to go off. Fingers crossed we don’t see the same added dealer markups as those reported in America.

Check it out

2022 ford ranger raptor interior front screen

Image: Ford

2022 ford ranger raptor interior steering wheel

Image: Ford

2022 ford ranger raptor interior gear selector

Image: Ford

Front seat

Image: Ford

Rear seaet

Image: Ford

2022 ford ranger raptor interior

Image: Ford

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