2024 Ford Ranger Raptor: Pros And Cons Analyzed

The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor is a rugged off-road pickup truck built for unrivaled performance and adventure.

However, like any vehicle, the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. This analysis dives deeper into the pros and cons of the Ranger Raptor, giving enthusiasts an insightful overview of this impressive mid-size pickup truck.

The 2024 Ford Ranger is a highly capable mid-size pickup truck with a new redesign for the 2024 model year. As standard, the 2024 Ford Ranger uses a turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine with 270 hp. The higher trims get a new twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 with 315 hp. In addition, Ford also offers a better trim of the 2024 Ford Ranger, known as the Raptor.

0-60 MPH

5.6 seconds (est)

Top Speed

114 mph (est)

Curb Weight

5,325 lbs

Horsepower

405 hp

Torque

430 lb-ft

Layout

Front engine, four-wheel drive

The main upgrade of the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor is its high-performance engine. Ford Performance fits a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine with class-leading 405 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. This makes the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor the most powerful Ranger ever built. It also makes it a great performer on gravel, mud, dirt, and sand.

For the base 2024 Ford Ranger, Ford retains the same turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine as the predecessor. This engine had great fuel EPA rating of 21 mpg in the city, 26 on the highway, and 23 combined mpg. While EPA is yet to release the fuel economy numbers for the 2024 Ford Ranger, there won’t be a big change for the base variant.

Fuel Type

Gasoline

EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy (mpg)

21 city / 26 highway / 23 combined

EPA-Estimated Range

414 miles

Annual Fuel Costs

$2,350

Tank Capacity

18.0 gal

On the other hand, the much more powerful 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor will have worse fuel economy ratings than the base Ranger. While its Ford Performance-tuned twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine produces ample power, it will have lower fuel economy. The fuel economy numbers for the 2024 Ranger Raptor aren’t yet available, but looking at the closely related Ford Bronco Raptor, the economy figures will be around 15 mpg city and 16 on the highway.

Related: 10 Ways The 2024 Ford Ranger Could Outshine The Jeep Gladiator

Like with every other Raptor model, the 2024 Ford Bronco Raptor gets a serious suspension setup. It gets a purpose-built suspension which includes a long travel rear suspension with a Watts linkage, lightweight aluminum upper and lower control arms, and trailing arms for control and confidence in off-road conditions.

The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor also gets next-generation FOX 2.5-inch Live Valve Internal Bypass shocks and coil-overs at the front. At the rear sits some piggyback reservoirs, helping reduce heat buildup for uninterrupted performance all day long.

For the 2024 model year, Ford will offer four Ranger pickup truck trims, including XL, XLT, Lariat, and Raptor. The base variant will be the cheapest of the bunch, with a starting MSRP of $32,565. For this, buyers should expect a mid-size pickup truck with a potent base engine, 10-speed automatic transmission, LED headlights, and rear-wheel drive.

Trims

Original MSRP

XL

$32,565

XLT

$36,005

Lariat

$43,525

Raptor

$55,365

At the top of the lineup will be the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor, a capable high-performance pickup truck. However, for this much performance, buyers will have to part with a steeper starting MSRP of $55,365. This will allow owners of the 2024 Ranger Raptor to enjoy a comfortable and convenient pickup truck with a higher dose of performance.

Related: Why The 2024 Ford Ranger Will Be The Redesigned Toyota Tacoma's Greatest Rival

The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor has a beefy foundation that takes up the base Ranger’s fully boxed-up frame up a notch. Ford reinforces the front frame rails, rear shock brackets, front shock towers, suspension mounting points, and other key areas to guarantee that the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor can easily handle all off-road conditions.

The FOX suspension system also helps enhance the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor’s off-road capability by changing damping performance depending on the Ranger Raptor’s drive modes. These modes include Normal, Tow/Haul, Sport, Slippery, Off-Road, Rock Crawl, and Baja. They help provide better capability, off-road control, on-road comfort, and ride quality at low and high speeds.

Manufacturer

Ford

Production Years

2019-present

Configuration

Turbo I4, V6

Displacement

2,3, 2.7, 3.0 liters

Power

270-405 hp

Torque

310-430 lb-ft

Fuel

Gasoline

Noteworthy Applications Ford Ranger, Ford Ranger Raptor, Ford Bronco, Ford Bronco Raptor

For the 2024 model year, Ford only offers one engine option in the Ranger Raptor trim. While the available engine delivers much performance, enthusiasts would do with having a decent selection of powertrains. The only engine option is a Ford Performance tuned twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 motor with an impressive 405 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque.

Despite putting out great performance figures, Ford misses out on offering a more potent V8 option that would help take the 2024 Ranger Raptor to the next level. Having a supercharged V8 motor would help the 2024 Ranger Raptor produce over 700 ponies, making it a great super off-road pickup truck.

Related: Why You Should Wait Before You Pre-Order The 2024 Ford Ranger

The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor gets an updated bed with more configuration options. It offers a flexible cargo dividing system and a side step integrated into the rear bumper. The step helps with easy access wheel loading the bed, something that has been an aftermarket option for most trucks.

In addition, the Ranger offers 400 watts of in-bed power, making it easier to power your equipment from the bed. Additional improvements include LED bed lighting that makes it easier to load in the dark. Despite appearing like an off-road vehicle, the 2024 Ranger Raptor is a practical pickup truck that enables owners to get the most out of the bed.

The 2024 Ford Ranger is a great adventure pickup truck featuring a decent selection of smart features that make towing a breeze. Ford fits a Trailer Brake Controller in the latest Ford Ranger pickup truck, giving drivers on-demand assistance to slow the trailer down. The 2024 Ford Ranger also gets additional features, including the Pro Trailer Backup Assist that comes standard on the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor.

The base 2024 Ford Ranger boasts an impressive towing capacity of up to 7,500 lbs. It also gets a maximum payload rating of 1,805 lbs, but opting for the four-wheel drive system drops this to 1,711 lbs. The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor, on the other hand, gets a lower maximum towing capacity of 5,510 lbs and a lower payload rating of 1,411 lbs.

Related: 2024 Ford Ranger May 10th American Debut: Here's What We Know

The 2024 Ford Range Raptor is a purpose-built, high-performance mid-size pickup truck. It boasts confident modern styling, starting with its LED projector headlights to easily light trails. The headlights are flanked by Ford’s signature C-clamp lighting. In addition, the 2024 Ford Range Raptor gets bold F-O-R-D lettering on the grille that sits above an all-steel front bumper.

Ford also fits the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor with flared fenders that feature functional fender vents. These fenders easily accommodate the aggressive 33-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires and 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels. The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor also gets serious underbody protection, making it a capable off-road pickup truck.

The aggressive stance of the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor also works against it, making it challenging to maneuver in tight spaces, especially parking slots. Unlike the base Ranger, the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor is a larger mid-size pickup truck, boasting larger 33-inch tires and flared fenders.

Its higher driving position also makes it harder to park in tight spaces. Ford, however, tries to make all this easier by offering a generous selection of technology features, including a 360-degree camera and front view camera. Drivers can access all this information easily through the high-resolution 12-inch center touchscreen display.

Brian is a husband, father and freelance writer. He's also a tech and automotive junkie passionate about cars and motorcycles. Brian is also an F1 fan - team Mercedes (LH). When he's not writing, Brian goes for impromptu drives and walks.