Pickup trucks are an important part of the Ford lineup. We all know that the F-150, and the rest of the F-Series, are some of the best-selling pickup trucks in North America. But Ford doesn’t just build trucks for us to cruise around in and conduct day to day tasks. That's far from it, as the company loves to create pickup trucks with high performance prowess, and awesome off-road capabilities. An example of such a truck is the F-150 Raptor, as it is arguably the ultimate off-roading and performance truck currently available in the market. And now, Ford has taken the covers off its new 2023 Ranger Raptor, and this is the version which will soon make its way to the United States and Canada.

While it will initially be made available only in Australia, it will however be coming to 100+ global markets in total. Also, Ford CEO Jim Farley has already confirmed via Twitter that the truck is landing in the USA and Canada in 2023. These are certainly exciting times for fans of Ford and its pickup trucks. But what exactly do we know about the new Ranger Raptor? Well, in this article, we'll tell you everything you need to know about the latest off-roading pickup truck to come from Ford.

The Nitty Gritty Of The New Ranger Raptor

2023 Ford Ranger Raptor Front Quarter View
via Ford

First off, let's take a look at what’s under the hood, as this is one of the biggest areas of focus for any new vehicle. Under the hood of the new Ranger Raptor is a twin-turbo 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. And in big news for performance enthusiasts, this is an all-new 3.0-liter Ecoboost V6 engine that is specially tuned by Ford Performance. In total, this fantastic sounding new engine will give the Ranger Raptor 288 hp, which is plenty of punch for some epic off-road action.

2023 Ford Ranger Raptor Front Rear Quarter View At Night
via Ford

There are four driving audio modes for the truck. Quiet mode prioritizes more civilized, urban, and neighborhood running, particularly in the mornings. Normal is more of an everyday-use mode, providing an exhaust note with a more subtle presence. Sport offers a louder and more dynamic note, while Baja gives you the most vibrant and loud sound setup, intended only for off-road use. In total, there are seven outright driving modes for the new truck. These are Normal, Sport, Slippery, Rock Crawl, Sand, Mud/Ruts, and Baja. Ford also stated that the current 2.0-liter EcoBlue bi-turbo diesel engine will be available in the new Raptor from 2023 onwards.

RELATED: The Ford Bronco Everglades Is A Monster GOAT For The Swamp

More Details On The Sensational New Raptor

2023 Ford Ranger Raptor Rear Quarter View
via Ford

There is plenty more to sink our teeth into with the all new Ranger Raptor. For starters, there is the completely redesigned suspension system, as well. Notably, tough, all-new lightweight aluminum upper and lower control arms, long-travel front and rear suspension, and a refined Watt’s link rear end are all designed to give much more control across rough terrain at speed. Exactly where the Ranger Raptor should excel. Next-generation FOX 2.5-inch Live Valve internal bypass shock absorbers are also a key feature of the truck's off-road performance. These are the most sophisticated ever fitted to a Ranger Raptor, according to Ford.

2023 Ford Ranger Raptor Front Quarter View Close Up
via Ford

This year model of the brand is also filled with Teflon-infused oil that should reduce friction by around 50% compared to that seen on the outgoing Ranger Raptor. And now, an advanced full-time four-wheel drive system will be on the Ranger Raptor for the first time. This has an all-new electronically controlled on-demand two-speed transfer case, as well as front and rear locking differentials. Cycling back to the engine briefly, and there is a new anti-lag system in Baja mode. This keeps the turbochargers spinning for up to three seconds after you have come off the gas. Ford says will allow for faster acceleration out of corners, or through the gears, you are back on the gas pedal.

2023 Ford Ranger Raptor: The Exterior And Interior

2023 Ford Ranger Raptor Interior
via Ford

An all-new look comes with the all-new Ranger Raptor. It's what Ford says is a tough look, with flared wheel arches, and a C-clamp headlight design, which help to emphasize the width of the pickup truck. And those fenders cover up some rather bulky looking 17-inch alloy wheels. The FORD lettering on the grille and big front bumper certainly add plenty of muscle to the truck's appearance. Inside the cabin, there are sports seats designed with inspiration from those in jet fighters, while the Code-Orange accents adds a nice touch to the cabin. Exclusive magnesium shift paddles will help manage the power, through the 10-speed automatic transmission, and there is plenty of tech on offer too. Amongst them are the 12.4-inch digital cluster and 12-inch center console with Ford’s new SYNC 4A infotainment system. As standard, the new Ranger Raptor has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, too.

RELATED: Here's Why The Ford Ranger Raptor Is The Best Mid-Size Truck Right Now

A Ranger Raptor For The Next Generation

2023 Ford Ranger Raptor Top Down View
via Ford

The new Ranger Raptor is an exciting addition to the Ford Performance family. It carries on the tradition the company started by launching the first-generation's F-150 SVT Raptor, before the Ranger Raptor joined it on the performance truck scene back in 2018. And of course, Ford has recently wowed us with the exceptional-looking Bronco Raptor, meaning the Ford Raptor family is going very strong at the moment. Production of the new Ranger Raptor should start in May 2023, and it will be available in America and Canada at some point that year.

Source: Ford