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Ford Adopts a Baby Baja Truck! Meet the Long-Term Ford Ranger Raptor for 2026
We expect to enhance our frequent-flyer status over the next 40,000 miles with Ford’s entry-level Raptor pickup.
Published: April 7, 2026
Verified Reviewed by
Eric Stafford
Managing Editor, News
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2026 Ford Ranger Raptor Supercab Long Term View exterior photos
Marc Urbano|Car and Driver
Introduction
Ford’s formula for the Raptor has remained consistent since the launch of the original F-150 version in 2010—initial press photos of an SVT Raptor in flight looked straight out of a Dukes of Hazzard episode. The Blue Oval’s street-legal desert racer rapidly became a massive success, spawning Raptors across multiple F-150 generations and eventually giving rise to comparably robust variants of both the Bronco and the Ranger.
The F-150 Raptor and the Ranger Raptor share the same core attributes—wider bodywork, long-travel suspensions, and high-horsepower twin-turbo V-6 engines—but the Ranger Raptor is significantly more affordable. Its exceptional value among its rivals helped it earn back-to-back 10Best awards, and our team is eagerly anticipating spending 40,000 miles with the mid-size pickup truck we’ve affectionately nicknamed the Michigan Miata.
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Marc Urbano|Car and Driver
The initial Ranger Raptor was restricted to international markets, but Ford astutely decided to introduce the model to American buyers with its second generation, which debuted for the 2024 model year. Consider this truck a Bronco Raptor without the 37-inch tires, removable roof, and easily detached doors. If you can forgo these admittedly appealing features, you will save approximately $23,000. The 2026 Ranger Raptor’s starting price of $58,965 also undercuts direct competitors such as the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, which starts above $66,000. While you can purchase a new Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 for under $53K, you are then restricted to a 310-hp turbo four-cylinder engine (even in the significantly more expensive ZR2 Bison variant). And let us not forget that the Ranger Raptor has already triumphed over both the TRD Pro and ZR2 Bison in our off-road comparison tests.
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We selected the best available color for this model year: Shelter Green Metallic, a $395 option that offers a sophisticated appearance without being overly ostentatious. We opted against the aggressive rear-body decals ($750), as none of us at the office are devoted energy drink enthusiasts or possess tribal tattoos. We also stayed with the standard 17-inch wheels rather than the $1,495 forged beadlock-capable rollers, as we intend to test a set of aftermarket wheels during the truck’s ownership tenure. After choosing the spray-in bed liner ($525), dealer-installed keyless entry keypad ($230), and a three-year SiriusXM satellite radio subscription ($300), our baby Raptor totaled $60,415. This price remains more than $20,000 lower than the F-150 Raptor’s entry fee.
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Marc Urbano|Car and Driver
Beyond being far more affordable than its larger counterpart, the Ranger Raptor’s compact dimensions make it significantly easier to navigate in crowded parking environments and on narrow trails. Furthermore, it is more likely to fit into garages designed for lower-profile sedans. Although the Raptor shares its 128.7-inch wheelbase and five-foot cargo bed with the standard Ford Ranger, its front and rear tracks are 3.5 inches wider to accommodate the standard 33-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 tires. However, because the Ranger’s broad bodywork does not exceed 80 inches in width, it is not legally required to feature three central amber running lights like its larger, wider siblings.
Do not mistake the Ranger for a substandard Raptor, as it is anything but. Its steel bumpers are mounted to a fully boxed ladder frame, and extensive underbody armor protects critical components such as the electronically locking front and rear differentials. Its heavily fortified suspension is also engineered to withstand rigorous use. The Ranger Raptor’s front wheels are supported by 2.5-inch Fox Live Valve adaptive dampers that work in conjunction with longer forged aluminum control arms. The rear Fox shocks feature piggyback-style reservoirs to provide superior heat dissipation when the solid rear axle is subjected to heavy loads. Ford has also replaced the regular Ranger’s rear leaf springs and Panhard rod with coil springs and a more advanced Watt’s linkage with trailing arms, which improves the truck’s roll stiffness.
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Marc Urbano|Car and Driver
Despite the added stiffness, our initial track testing clearly indicates that the Raptor’s peak performance capabilities are optimized for off-road conditions. The Ranger’s boxy BFG tires achieved a maximum lateral grip of 0.68 g on our skidpad and enabled a lengthy 223-foot stop from a speed of 70 mph. However, these figures do not fully represent the truck’s enjoyable daily-driving characteristics. Its impact-absorbing ride allows us to disregard Michigan’s multitude of potholes. Ford also permits personalization of the Raptor’s driving personality, allowing independent adjustment of damping force, steering effort, powertrain response, and exhaust volume via buttons integrated into the contoured steering wheel. The “R” mode enables rapid access to a saved profile, and the prominent paddle shifters facilitate instantaneous management of the 10-speed automatic transmission—a feature notably absent in the Ranger’s competitors.
This mid-size Raptor is not underpowered; it matches the 450-hp F-150 Raptor in the sprint to 60 mph. During our initial test, the all-wheel-drive Ranger reached 60 mph in a brisk 5.2 seconds, although the 405-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 provided less responsive acceleration with a 5-to-60-mph rolling start (5.8 seconds). The quarter-mile was completed in a respectable 13.9 seconds at 98 mph. Regardless of how gently the throttle is applied, the baby Raptor is thirsty. The EPA estimates combined fuel economy at a low 17 mpg, just one mpg better than the heavier V-6-powered F-150 Raptor. Fortunately, the Ranger Raptor met government expectations during our 75-mph real-world fuel economy test, with a previously tested model achieving a slightly less discouraging 18 mpg on the highway.
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Marc Urbano|Car and Driver
Our long-term 2026 Ford Ranger Raptor arrived at Car and Driver Ann Arbor headquarters just before spring officially began. We have only driven it for a couple of months and have already accumulated over 4,000 miles. Aside from some mixed opinions regarding its raw exhaust note, our staff seems enthusiastic about Ford’s entry-level Raptor pickup truck. The Ranger’s ideal proportions make it a more appealing daily driver than our current long-term Ram 1500, and its cargo bed proves useful for quick and practical tasks.
There is much more planned for our new Raptor beyond its use in school drop-off queues and mulch transportation. Ford’s “Assault School” is on our itinerary, and we intend to purchase the Ford Performance tuner that will boost the baby Raptor’s power output to virtually match that of its larger brother. Furthermore, with the Silver Lake Sand Dunes located just a few hours away, we are eager to take this vehicle off-road.
Months in Fleet: 2 months Current Mileage: 4,398 miles
Average Fuel Economy: 14 mpg
Fuel Tank Size: 20.3 gallons Observed Fuel Range: 280 miles
Service: $0 Normal Wear: $0 Repair: $0
Damage and Destruction: $0
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Specifications
2026 Ford Ranger Raptor
Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear/4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door pickup
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $58,965/$60,415
Options: spray-in bed liner, $525; Shelter Green Metallic paint, $395; SiriusXM with 360L satellite radio 3-year plan, $300; keyless-entry keypad, $230
ENGINE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, iron and aluminum block and aluminum heads, port and direct fuel injection
Displacement: 180 cubic inches, 2956 cm3
Power: 405 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque: 430 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
TRANSMISSION
10-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: control arms/live axle
Brakes, F/R: 12.2-in vented disc/12.1-in vented disc
Tires: BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO