Ford Ranger Raptor - giving Godzilla a run for its money
Last year in the USA, one particular style of car stood head and shoulders above the rest - the pick-up.
Pick-ups not only took the overall top-selling title, but they completed the entire podium.
The Ford F-Series sold almost a quarter of a million units more than the second-placed Chrysler Silverado and over 300,000 more than the RAM Pick-up. The fact that the F-Series has been the top selling vehicle overall in the USA for 42 consecutive years is a staggering achievement.
Meanwhile, on this side of the ‘pond’ Ford is also top of the pick-up charts in the UK with the Ford Ranger. It pocketed close to 50 per cent of pick-up sales in the UK last year. The Toyota Hilux and Volkswagen Amarok (which is largely based on the Ford Ranger) complete the 1-2-3 sales chart.
Pick-up trucks are a bit like a Swiss army knife and they can do loads of things which a car or SUV would struggle with. In the case of the Ford Ranger, as long as you go for the 4-door model, it’s surprisingly roomy, well equipped and, once you’ve got used to the external dimensions and extra twiddling of the steering wheel, it’s remarkably civilised to punt around in. The big advantage of course is the amount of stuff you can carry in the back. You can get various attachments like a hard top for the load area.
But there are some downsides. A pick-up truck is big and many won’t fit into the average kerbside parking space. Height can be a problem for some car parks. And don’t forget that a pick-up truck is classed as a commercial vehicle. If you use a ferry, for example, you’ll pay more. You’ll also find (like I did) that you can’t just roll-up at most local rubbish tips. You need to register first and, in some cases, you’ll have to pay.
Back to the plus points though, if you go for certain pick-ups (SsangYong Musso and Isuzu D-Max, I’m looking at you) there is a definite leaning towards being a commercial vehicle that’s built to do a job. They’re an obvious choice for farmers, builders, breakdown firms etc.
However, something like the Ford Ranger is more car-based in how it drives and handles. In other words, if you were thinking of buying another SUV, sizeable hatchback or estate car, and are getting a bit bored with the choice, something like the Ford Ranger would be worth considering as an alternative.
Oh, and kids love them. Who doesn’t want to rock up at school in a funky truck? Especially if it’s something like the one you see here - the Raptor version.
£55,560 (including VAT - March ’24) gets you into the double-cab Ford Raptor. If you’re more interested in using the Ford Ranger as a workhorse, then consider either of the entry-level single or double-cab versions. Prices start at £28,275 (ex VAT as they qualify as a commercial vehicle in the eyes of the tax authorities, though unfortunately, the Raptor doesn’t have the same carrying capacity so it needs to be bought for the full price). The single-cabin Ranger is only available with a 168bhp diesel engine while the double cab also adds the choice of either a 202bhp diesel or a hunky 243bhp V6 3.0-litre diesel engine. The more powerful engines get a 10-speed automatic gearbox. The smaller engine manages with 6 cogs.
However, if you really want to stand out from the crowd, you’ll need to go for the Raptor. The V6 engine is now petrol fuelled and develops 288bhp. The more powerful diesel is also available and both get 4x4 transmission. In terms of economy, both return a similar figure in the region of 20.5 mpg. Pick-ups aren’t the most economical of machines! The V6 engine also adds three grand to the price which pushes the Raptor close to £60,000.
Flared wheel arches, knobbly all-terrain tyres and large Ford letters which stretch across the entire black grille are the first obvious signs that this is a rather special Ford Ranger. You’d probably call it mildly aggressive. Performance suspension, front and rear parking sensors, 360-degree camera, side steps, air con, sat nav, smart 12-inch multifunction display, powered front seats which are also heated; excellent LED headlights, powered windows and mirrors and a heated steering wheel, all add-up to a seriously comprehensive list of kit.
The interior is seriously smart. It looks good and has a premium feel to it. There are times when it’s hard to believe that you’re in a pickup truck. The leather trimmed seats are terrific and really comfy.
Out on the road, there is a slightly choppy ride, but it’s not uncomfortable and once you’ve got passengers and/or something in the load area, the ride is perfectly acceptable. 0-60mph takes 10.5 seconds but, as with all diesels, it feels quick off the mark. The auto ‘box is a smooth operator and, thanks to the various driving modes, the Raptor will hold its own across rough and soggy ground. It’ll tow 2.5 tonnes as well.
You also get a couple of domestic power sockets in the boot, so anyone who goes camping and needs to charge their powered bike or plug in a drill will find those really useful.
I’ve yet to try the V6 Raptor but both versions get the same trim. The only difference is the suspension setup. And of course, you’ll need to find a further £3000.
If you don’t intend to do a lot of miles and regularly haul a heavy load, I’d probably go for the V6 model. If you’re looking for more of a luxurious workhorse and plaything, plus better economy, the diesel Raptor will do just fine.
As I mentioned earlier, pick-up manufacturers are looking to provide a vehicle that ticks a lot of boxes as a workhorse, family runabout and, yup, a style statement. I reckon the Ford Raptor is the best around at the moment at achieving all of those aims. Chuck in a decent dollop of fun, and you can see why it’s been such a success for Ford in the UK and why the bigger F-Series conquers the entire car market in the USA.
It’ll give Kong and Godzilla a run for their money too.
words: Graham Courtney
pictures: Ford
