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Ford’s Raptor philosophy remains consistent, echoing the iconic F-150 version that launched over a decade ago, but the Ranger Raptor offers a more accessible gateway to off-road performance. With a starting price well under $60,000 and class-leading value, the Ranger Raptor earned a spot on our 10Best Trucks list for its first two years on the market. For this road test, we selected the Shelter Green Metallic finish and skipped the optional graphics and performance wheels. Adding spray-in bed liner, a keyless entry keypad, and a satellite radio subscription brought our total to just over $60,000, a significant discount compared to the F-150 Raptor.
Dimensions and Capability
Despite its 128.7-inch wheelbase and five-foot cargo bed shared with the standard Ranger, the Raptor’s widened 3.5-inch track supports 33-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 tires without requiring amber running lights. This model serves as a Bronco Raptor minus the 37-inch tires, removable doors, and convertible top—a trade-off that saves nearly $23,000.
The Ranger Raptor’s design integrates a robust, fully boxed ladder frame and steel bumpers that protect vital components, including electronically locking front and rear differentials. Its suspension system features 2.5-inch Fox Live Valve adaptive dampers up front, paired with longer forged aluminum control arms. At the rear, Fox piggyback-style shocks improve heat dissipation during demanding use, while coil springs and a Watt’s linkage replace the traditional leaf springs for superior roll stiffness.
Performance Testing
While the Raptor excels off-road, its on-road behavior is also highly satisfying. In track testing, the BFGoodrich tires delivered 0.68 g of lateral grip and a 223-foot stop from 70 mph. Ford allows drivers to customize damping, steering, powertrain response, and exhaust note via the steering wheel controls, with the dedicated “R” button for instant profile recall. This intuitive interface is a notable advantage over competitors.
The Ranger Raptor matches the F-150 Raptor in 0-60 mph acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. Its 405-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 delivered a slightly slower 5.8-second 5-60 mph time in rolling-start tests, finishing the quarter-mile in a respectable 13.9 seconds at 98 mph. Fuel economy remains a challenge, with EPA estimates of 17 mpg combined, although our 75-mph highway test yielded a slightly better 18 mpg.
Ownership Experience
After two months and over 4,000 miles, the 2026 Ford Ranger Raptor has impressed our staff, with only minor critiques regarding its exhaust note. The truck’s proportions make it suitable for daily driving and chores, offering a compelling alternative to full-size pickups.
Looking Ahead
We plan to test the Raptor’s full capabilities with Ford’s “Assault School” program and explore performance upgrades. Additionally, with the Silver Lake Sand Dunes only a few hours away, we look forward to pushing the Raptor off-road in the coming months.
Months in Fleet: 2 months Current Mileage: 4398 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
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 in3, 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 KO3
LT285/70R-17 116/113S M+S 3PMSF
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 128.7 in
Length: 210.9 in
Width: 79.8 in
Height: 75.9 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 55/43 ft3
Curb Weight: 5358 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS: NEW
60 mph: 5.2 sec
1/4-Mile: 13.9 sec @ 98 mph
100 mph: 14.6 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.8 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.1 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.1 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 105 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 223 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.68 g
Interior Sound
Idle: 42 dBA/3 sone
Full Throttle: 77 dBA
70-mph Cruising: 67 dBA/23 sone
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 14 mpg
Unscheduled Oil Additions: 0 qt
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 17/16/18 mpg
WARRANTY
3 years/36,000 miles bumper to bumper
5 years/60,000 miles powertrain
5 years/unlimited miles corrosion protection
5 years/60,000 miles roadside assistance
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
Headshot of Eric Stafford
Reviewed byEric Stafford
Managing Editor, News
Eric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si.”
