Feb 17, 2025 Warwick Robinson Ford SA, Ranger Raptor, Performance
The latest Ford Ranger Raptor arrived as a formidable blend of high performance and rugged practicality late in 2023, and we have eagerly eyed it while waiting for a test unit. Our pristine test vehicle was delivered by Ford South Africa with fewer than 5,000 km on the clock, presented in a striking ice white finish with a contrasting black interior and Raptor specific details like the runner-boards and carbon-look vents.
It perfectly encapsulates Ford’s vision of marrying workhorse functionality with performance panache—a duality that appeals to consumers and the automotive aftermarket professionals responsible for its eventual servicing or tuning upgrades. Aside from the flared wheel arches and the more subtle Raptor badging, there is no denying the presence of this vehicle, and the first impression is great. Honestly, I just wanted to climb in right away, so I hopped in and took it out for lunch!
Performance and Power
At the heart of the Raptor lies a twin-turbo 3.0‑litre petrol V6. Delivering a robust 293 kW, it commands respect, offering exceptional acceleration and overtaking prowess on both highways and challenging off‑road terrain. Flatten the throttle and you can feel the unit’s power being transferred to the tarmac via the tyres. The 10‑speed automatic transmission really benefits from titanium, steering‑mounted gear selection paddles once you switch into “manual” mode. I am not a fan of the centrally mounted gear shift buttons on other Ranger models we have tested, and the paddle shifters feel much more tangible when selecting gears.
Our week‑long testing in urban and light off‑road conditions recorded an average fuel consumption of 19.6 l/100km—a figure that might initially seem steep (okay, perhaps eye‑watering is a better description). However, when investing nearly R1.25 million in a bakkie that effortlessly balances work and play, this higher consumption is a minor trade‑off for the exhilarating performance and handling. Driving around the suburbs is an absolute pleasure, blending performance with comfort. Accelerating down an uneven dirt road instils real confidence. The new model has Fox suspension all round, and it truly smooths out the worst of the bumps, making it feel almost like driving on tar. Unfortunately, we did not manage to get into the really rough stuff, but the Raptor delivers a feeling of sheer confidence in its ability to conquer any terrain. The various drive modes—including 2/4‑wheel drive modes—are electronically selected on a central dial and include a “Baja” mode plus a rock‑crawl setting, among others for ice, mud, and sport.
Suspension and Handling – The Game Changer
Perhaps the most outstanding attribute of the Raptor is its state‑of‑the‑art suspension system. Engineered for the rigours of off‑road driving, this sophisticated setup ensures a composed ride even under duress by effectively dampening impacts on uneven terrain while inspiring confidence during high‑speed manoeuvres. Drivers benefit from a catalogue of easily accessible settings for drive mode, suspension, steering, and even exhaust note. These preferences can be saved under “My Drive” mode—a single press of the prominent “R” logo on the steering wheel recalls your customised setup. In practical terms, concerns over fuel consumption recede as the dynamic suspension and that wonderfully aggressive exhaust note take centre stage. For the aftermarket sector, the Raptor represents both a challenge and an opportunity: servicing this advanced system will require specialised knowledge and genuine parts, and the array of available tuning and upgrade options is set to expand.
Fuel Consumption and Range
While a consumption figure of 19.6 l/100km might raise concerns, context is everything. During our testing, the unit surpassed expectations by achieving an impressive 498 km on a single tank—well above the originally calculated range of 415 km. This performance not only demonstrates the vehicle’s efficiency when pushed to its limits but also reassures buyers that in a machine built for power and durability, fuel consumption is secondary. When spending over a million rand, the emphasis naturally shifts towards performance, capability, and the overall quality of the driving experience.
Design, Aesthetics and Practicality
The design philosophy of the Raptor skilfully blurs the line between utilitarian and performance aesthetics. The ice white exterior is understated yet aggressive, boasting an attractive stance that sets it apart from typical bakkies. The interior, with its contrasting black cabin accented by red touches, distinguishes it from the standard Ranger range. The cabin feels both plush and luxurious—even in the rear—while remaining robust enough for daily use. This careful balance between form and function is crucial; maintaining aesthetic appeal alongside performance credentials is a key selling point in the high‑end bakkie market. Our unit was also equipped with a powered load bin cover, which slightly reduces cargo space but adds real everyday practicality. Driver assist features include Evasive Steer Assist, Reverse Brake Assist, Road Edge Detection, Blind Spot Monitor with Trailer Coverage, Cross Traffic Alert, and Pre-Collision Assist. These systems work seamlessly, enhancing safety without being intrusive. In the event of a collision, front, side, and curtain airbags provide ample protection, and Post-Collision Braking helps mitigate secondary impacts. As with previous new-gen Rangers my only small complaint is the lack of a physical diff lock switch, but perhaps the mode selection includes this. I think for an off-roader this would be an easy fix – or perhaps the Auxillary switches can be programmed for this? A second little missing elements for me was the rear bumper-integrated step. This was a feature we really liked on the Wildtrak and Tremor models, and feel it would be even more useful on the higher stance on the Raptor.
Aftermarket and Long‑Term Servicing Considerations
The Raptor presents an exciting challenge/opportunity for the automotive aftermarket. As these vehicles transition from manufacturer‑covered service plans to independent maintenance, the demand for specialised servicing and genuine parts will only increase. Its advanced suspension, high‑performance engine, and distinctive design require a thorough understanding of its engineering. Aftermarket technicians should familiarise themselves with the latest servicing protocols, upgrade options, and custom modifications to ensure the Raptor continues to perform at its peak. This shift provides workshops with an opportunity to differentiate themselves through expertise in advanced these drivetrain and driver assist systems as well as bespoke tuning solutions tailored for high‑performance bakkies.
Conclusion
In summary, the Raptor is much more than a traditional bakkie—it is a statement. With a 293 kW engine and a suspension system that transforms the driving experience, it delivers performance that justifies every rand of its price tag. Although its fuel consumption may appear high, its ability to extend its range to 498 km on a single tank attests to its efficiency when driven a bit more gently, and I’m certain that as the car reaches 10 000km that efficiency can be further improved.
I was a huge fan of the previous version, save for its performance limitations, but this 3‑litre V6 twin‑turbo petrol Raptor heralds a new era where performance, durability, and design coalesce into a vehicle that is as exhilarating to drive as it is robust and functional in appearance. In a market where longevity and high‑performance servicing are paramount, this bakkie is set to become a benchmark, promising an outstanding driving experience together with practicality. One can’t help but wonder if a Raptor‑spec 3.0‑litre diesel might also prove popular among those less keen on the petrol consumption figures, though I doubt this would ever come to pass. In closing - All I can say is that I really didn’t like handing back the keys…
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