After waiting nearly two years for it, we finally have had the reveal of the US version of the 2024 Ford Ranger. That reveal also brought in a two-for-one deal as we saw the 2024 Ranger Raptor. With its 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine, the Ranger Raptor joins the F-150 Raptor and Bronco Raptor as off-roading, performance-oriented vehicles in the Ford range. At a price tag under $60,000 as well, the Ranger Raptor looks like a bargain at the nearly $20,000 more expensive F-150 Raptor.
The pickup truck will also pose a serious rival to the upcoming 2024 Toyota Tacoma, due to get its reveal later this month. The Ranger as a whole is just as capable as its bigger Ford stablemate, making the Ranger Raptor a very attractive proposition.
The 2024 Ranger Raptor Costs Less Than $60,000
As we touched upon, the 2024 Ranger Raptor has a very lucrative MSRP. The truck will start at $58,555. This is a large gap in price compared to the $76,775 of the F-150 Raptor. And it is an excellent deal compared to the now $73,780 Bronco Raptor. An SUV that has gone through yet another price increase recently. Compared to its larger truck stablemate then, the Ranger Raptor costs $18,220 less and while the F-150 Raptor is bigger, the Ranger Raptor is no less capable.
An advanced four-wheel drive system and electronic two-speed transfer case are standout features of the Ranger Raptor. The latter featuring locking front and rear differentials. Under the hood is the aforementioned 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, with 405 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. To handle all that power, the pickup features Fox 2.5-inch Live Valve Internal Bypass chocks, giving the Ranger Raptor very purposeful suspension. The upper and lower control arms are now made of lightweight aluminum. There are six drive modes as well for your $58,000. These are Normal, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Off-Road, Rock Crawl and Baja. The last mode a hint at the truck’s true capabilities.
The Ranger Raptor Is A Proven Baja 1000 Competitor
The Ranger Raptor has already proven its off-roading capabilities competing in the Baja 1000. The truck in its 2023 pre-production form took a class win in the event. The Ranger Raptor becoming the top vehicle in the stock midclass category. Ford says the Ranger Raptor completed the course in 26 hours and 21 minutes. The truck was then driven home, some 200 miles from the finish line to California. Showing the truck is just as capable as the F-150 Raptor.
Staying with the Baja theme, the truck features a race-bred anti turbo-lag system in the engine. This enables boost on demand when the truck is in Baja mode. The turbochargers spin for up to three seconds after the driver comes off the gas, creating acceleration as you exit the corners. The racing credentials playing a big part in the ethos of the truck. The Ranger Raptor has come at the perfect time for Ford, with the impending launch of its biggest rival, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma, also just around the corner.
The Ranger Raptor Is A Perfect Rival To The Toyota Tacoma
The 2024 Tacoma is also a mid-size pickup truck, with its reveal on May 19th although a recent leak revealed the exterior of the new Tacoma early. Ford has got the jump on the Tacoma by revealing the Ranger first, so Toyota’s truck will have to live up to its own hype. We know a TRD Pro version of the new Tacoma is on the way, likely the biggest rival to the Ranger Raptor. A recent teaser from Toyota revealed that the TRD Pro version will sport I-Force Max hybrid power. This is likely the 3.5-liter hybrid 6 found in the current Tundra and Sequoia. This engine produces 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque in the Tundra, but will likely get detuned for the smaller Tacoma.
Like its Ford rival the 2024 Tacoma TRD Pro will also sport Fox shocks, providing another direct comparison between the two pickups. How the hybrid and non-hybrid powered vehicles stack up will be a huge talking point.
When Can You Order The 2024 Ranger Raptor
Ford has stated that order books for the 2024 Ranger Raptor open later in May. Availability for the truck should commence late this summer, so consumers do not have to wait much longer to experience the new truck. With the massive gap in price, compared to the F-150 and Bronco Raptors, the 2024 Ranger Raptor comes across as a very good bargain. It looks to back that up with its performance. The Baja credentials are a useful selling point for Ford as it gets ready to face off against the new Tacoma.
Source: Ford