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Volvo: Safety Beyond the Star RatingsFord Bronco Raptor: Ford’s Answer to Off-Roading
Distinct features, off-roading ability, and lots of power! Join us for a look at Ford’s off-roading beast: the Ford Bronco Raptor.
Jeep Has Some Competition
Whoa! No, that’s not a Jeep. That’s a Ford Bronco Raptor. It’s certainly not going to be confused with the Ford F-150 Raptor pickup. Once it gets out on the road, it’s likely not going to be confused with any Jeep, either. We already know that Ford is dipping into the EV market with the Ford F-150 Lightning, but now we also have a better idea as to how they plan to level up their off-roading game with a Baja-worthy offering.
This 4-door behemoth is a high-speed, broad-shouldered off-roader. Ford’s goal with the Bronco Raptor is to conquer the toughest terrain. Judging by some of the videos, photos, and specs released, it looks like they may have accomplished that goal! The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 is the Ford Bronco Raptor’s closest competitor with a 6.4-liter V8 engine that makes 470 hp, but it’s not built for the high-speed off-road treks that the Bronco raptor is.
Power, Size, and Off-Roading! Oh My!
The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and Ford F-150 Raptor both have a V8, so many assumed the Ford Bronco Raptor would follow suit. That’s not the case. The Ford Bronco Raptor will be the most powerful street-legal Bronco ever with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. Though a total horsepower hasn’t been released, the goal is to deliver more than 400 hp. Putting that into perspective, Ford’s current top Bronco engine is a 2.7-liter twin-turbo that makes 330 hp. A 10-speed automatic transmission will send power to all four wheels. The Bronco Raptor sits on 37” BFGoodrich K02 all-terrain tires and is 9.8″ wider than a base Bronco. There’s 8.6″ of added track width there. Huge fender flares are in place to help cover it up. This vehicle will definitely fill a lane!
To make it more off-roading capable, Ford is using a terrain management system with what they call G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) modes. Those modes will automatically adapt and optimize steering, handling, and powertrain performance. Some of them will deliver maximum fuel efficiency, increase accelerator pedal response, and optimize suspension. Seven modes include: Eco, Sport, Normal, Mud/Ruts, Slippery, Sand/snow, Rock Crawl, and Baja. Mud/ruts, Rock Crawl, and Baja are available modes, but the rest are included.
Of course, Ford needed to increase the suspension for true off-road ability. For that, they’re using a High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension (Ford is calling it HOSS) with internal bypass semi-active dampers. HOSS uses sensors that independently monitor terrain conditions hundreds of times every second. They’ll adjust suspension tuning as needed. Bracing was added to this linebacker-like off-roader. Sway bars can disengage or be reengaged with the touch of a button.
Not only does the Bronco Raptor go off-road, but it also tows. In fact, the Bronco Raptor can out-tow the standard Bronco. The Bronco tows 3,340 to 3,500 lbs. The Ford Bronco Raptor can tow 4,500 lbs. So far, it doesn’t seem like there’s much weakness when it comes to Ford’s latest effort.
Distinct Features
Beyond the huge fender flares that are sure to be noticed on the Ford Bronco Raptor, other elements went through a redesign process. The spare tire carrier in the back was also redesigned in order to handle the heavier duty spare tire. Originally, the tire was so thick that it blocked the light fixtures at certain angles. The unique taillights were redesigned to keep them legal. There are model-specific LED headlights with daytime running lights that glow in amber.
An upscale interior includes a new 12″ driver instrument cluster and 12″ touchscreen. The word ‘Bronco’ is spelled out in big, orange lettering on the dash panel. The word ‘Raptor’ is seen on the seat and at the bottom of the steering wheel. The steering wheel is wrapped in thick leather. Accents on the shifter, doors, seat belts, and vents are bright orange. A 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and adaptive cruise control are part of a luxury package.
When Will It Hit the Roads?
The Ford Bronco Raptor will go on sale later in 2022, starting at $65,3750, but that price tag could increase by the time it’s released. Even when it is released, it’ll take a while before anyone can walk into a dealership and purchase a Bronco Raptor. That’s because Ford already said that a majority of the 2022 Bronco Raptor models will go to existing reservation holders. They’ll also be asked if they want to upgrade before dealers can sell new Bronco Raptor reservations.
In the meantime, if you’re in the mood for some adventure, we have several articles you can use to guide you down the right path: The Best Used Off-Road Pickups, The Best Off-Roading Trails, The Best Off-Road Vehicles of 2021, and Must-Have Overlanding Gear. Read up on those and then you’ll be ready to go when the Ford Bronco Raptor is available to purchase.
