2026 Ford Ranger Raptor evaluate: I’ve by no means pushed a automotive extra enjoyable than this

The definition of efficiency autos has gone by means of huge modifications in current instances.

From beforehand being unique to sizzling hatches, coupes and even the odd convertible, the components for enjoyable was low-slung, analogue and perhaps an engine which outpaces the remainder of the automotive.

So what enterprise does a Ford Ranger Raptor have with ‘Ford Performance’ badging all through? As it seems, rather a lot.

Ford’s first iteration of the Ranger Raptor was an honest exhibiting, although its turbo-diesel engine meant it didn’t have the chew to match the bark of its broad wheel-arches, off-road tyres and lifted suspension.

That modified with the introduction of the ‘next-gen’ Raptor, following the launch of the latest technology of Ford Ranger in 2022.

Deciding to occupy a spot available in the market by itself, Ford shoehorned a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine underneath the bonnet, able to producing 292kW and 583Nm – or just sufficient to out-muscle the famed Falcon XR6 Turbos and XR8s of yesteryear.

The engine is the plain coronary heart of the Ranger Raptor, nevertheless it isn’t alone in doing the heavy lifting as to why the recipe is such a very good one.

Its full-time, selectable four-wheel drive system (carried over from the vast majority of the turbo-diesel Ranger lineup) is stellar, as is the 10-speed automated transmission.

But to earn the Ford Performance badge, there are different components, such because the Fox racing 2.5-inch reside valve suspension, an digital locking entrance differential, a tricky metal bash plate, and naturally broad BF Goodrich K02 all-terrain tyres.

All these elements come collectively to create a car that’s higher than the sum of its components, and one which’s even higher on paper than you’d initially imagine.

Prior to driving the Ranger Raptor, I’d solely heard from former house owners who raved about it, saying simply how enjoyable it’s each on the street and off it. All of them glossed over the decreased braked towing capability, which at 2500kg is 1000kg lower than the turbo-diesel Raptor.

They additionally all regarded previous the circa-720kg payload capability, once more down considerably on the extra workhorse-focused variations of the Ranger. The allegations of the Raptor being the automotive for the development website boss to take his jetski to the coast had been onerous to beat.

But with a dust observe out the again of Queensland Raceway at my disposal, it quickly turned clear why none used the phrase ‘overrated’ to explain the ute.

More akin to a side-by-side racing observe than a rally stage, QR’s dust circuit is slender sufficient for the Raptor to really feel much more like the two.1-metre broad, 2.5-tonne beast it’s, however its gear underneath the pores and skin does rather a lot to cowl up its porky posture.

Even in its customary drive mode it soaks up bumps like a rally automotive, can at all times discover traction and cease on a dime, regardless of protests that the K02s ought to’ve been swapped out for the newer, higher K03s by now.

Wind it up in ‘Baja mode’ – or perhaps Finke mode, correctly referred to as in Australia – and this can be a automotive which comes alive, its exhaust shouting to make room for this behemoth.

Pushing it at pace, you’re conscious of its measurement, however the engineer’s calibrations of the steering, braking system and associated digital nannies attempt to ensure you don’t really feel it. For a automotive which weighs greater than double an MX-5 with two passengers, it’s surprisingly chuckable.

Likewise, these Fox shocks deal with bumps and ruts with ease, holding the physique and suspension composed so the following lot may be rapidly soaked up and handled.

It additionally allowed me – or relatively gave me confidence – to do one thing I’d by no means carried out earlier than: get air in a automotive.

You can get airtime in nearly something, however what determines whether or not it’s a very good expertise or not is a) how good the touchdown is, and b) if it’s put collectively properly sufficient to do it once more.

Thankfully in each cases the Ranger Raptor lives as much as its hype and allows you to go tougher over jumps and bumps than you’d dare in most different automobiles, once more due to its lengthy extension and compression shocks.

It’s a automotive you possibly can fang round – in non-public settings – all day, or not less than till you run out of gas.

That would possibly take very lengthy both, because the EcoBoost V6 is one thirsty engine whenever you apply something aside from a mild foot to the accelerator pedal, being undoubtedly the least economical Raptor to run.

Requiring 95 octane or greater unleaded petrol, you’ll be spending a good bit of money on the service station, one of many handful of drawbacks earlier house owners have typically introduced up.

Another destructive to it’s that it’s onerous to take to its full potential except you may have the mandatory means, and only a few folks have entry to off-road circuits.

It’s a really superb device at driving quick off-road, however 99 per cent of its life – or seemingly extra – gained’t be spent in that state of affairs.

There’s nothing improper with its on-road efficiency, removed from it. Those attributes akin to its snug off-road journey are good for pothole-strewn roads, and the twin-turbo V6 means you’ll by no means wrestle to rise up to hurry on a slip street in time.

But as with each car, there’s a compromise, and the Raptor’s is that it’s a huge, heavy factor that may’t carry or tow as a lot as extra inexpensive Rangers, in addition to different utes available in the market.

Not that this actually issues, because the Raptor – regardless of its $90,690 plus on-roads price ticket – makes up greater than 10 per cent of Ranger gross sales, with almost two-thirds of patrons being ABN holders. Again, the stereotypes can write themselves.

There’s no disgrace in proudly owning a Ford Ranger Raptor and solely utilizing it for freeway vacation drives and the college run, however as with many supercars and even fast sports activities automobiles nowadays, you possibly can’t do what it was made for on the street.

Despite this and all its flaws, it stays the automotive which has put the largest smile on my face that I didn’t anticipate, and that’s the reason it deserves the ‘performance’ badge all through.