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Ford’s Raptor DNA, Born from the Desert, Tailored for the Street
The 2026 Ford Ranger Raptor has arrived, blending the Baja-inspired ethos of its larger F-150 sibling with an accessible price point. This mid-size off-roader has proven its mettle, earning back-to-back 10Best awards and now joining the Car and Driver long-term fleet. It arrives as a refreshing alternative to high-end SUVs and larger, pricier trucks.
For fans of high-performance pickups, the Ranger Raptor represents a compelling middle ground. It sacrifices the F-150 Raptor’s 37-inch tires and convertible top for a more practical, everyday-friendly package. At a base price around $58,965, it significantly undercuts rivals like the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro (over $66,000) and makes the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 (under $53,000) seem somewhat basic, especially considering the Ranger Raptor previously beat both in head-to-head comparisons.
To optimize our long-term experience, we opted for the Shelter Green Metallic paint—a tasteful $395 addition that balances rugged looks with premium sophistication. We deliberately skipped the flashy decals ($750), preferring a clean, professional aesthetic. Instead of the pricey forged beadlock-capable wheels ($1495), we plan to swap in aftermarket options to sample different styles. Convenience features included a spray-in bed liner ($525), a dealer-installed keyless-entry keypad ($230), and a three-year SiriusXM subscription ($300), bringing the as-tested price to $60,415—still considerably less than the F-150 Raptor.
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Practicality Meets Performance
While it inherits the same 128.7-inch wheelbase and five-foot cargo bed as the standard Ford Ranger, the Raptor stretches its front and rear tracks by 3.5 inches. This wider stance accommodate the aggressive 33-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 tires. Despite the bulging bodywork, it remains under 80 inches wide, exempting it from the amber running light requirements mandated for larger siblings like the F-150 Raptor.
This isn’t a watered-down version of the F-150 Raptor; it’s a precisely engineered vehicle in its own right. A fully boxed ladder frame with steel bumpers provides a solid foundation, while robust underbody armor shields essential components like the electronically locking front and rear differentials. The suspension system is heavy-duty, featuring 2.5-inch Fox Live Valve adaptive dampers up front, paired with longer forged aluminum control arms. At the rear, Fox shocks with piggyback reservoirs dissipate heat during demanding driving. Ford also replaced the traditional leaf springs with a coil-sprung setup and a more sophisticated Watt’s linkage for superior roll stiffness.
view interior photos
Marc Urbano|Car and Driver
Initial Performance Metrics
Our first track tests confirmed the Raptor’s off-road capabilities. The BFGoodrich tires achieved 0.68 g of lateral grip on the skidpad and allowed a 223-foot stopping distance from 70 mph. However, these numbers only tell part of the story. The truck offers an incredibly smooth ride, effectively absorbing the roughest pavement imperfections. Ford allows drivers to personalize the Raptor’s character through independent control of damping force, steering feel, throttle response, and exhaust volume via buttons on the steering wheel. The “R” mode provides quick access to a saved profile, and prominent paddle shifters control the 10-speed automatic—a feature regrettably missing from many competitors.
This mid-size Raptor is surprisingly quick, matching the 450-hp F-150 Raptor to 60 mph. During our first test, the all-wheel-drive Ranger hit 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds. However, the 405-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 felt less responsive on a rolling 5-to-60 mph start (5.8 seconds), covering the quarter-mile in a respectable 13.9 seconds at 98 mph. Light-footed or not, this truck is thirsty. The EPA estimates combined fuel economy at a disappointing 17 mpg, just one better than the heavier F-150 Raptor. At least it met the EPA’s 75-mph highway fuel economy expectations, with a previous test model achieving a slightly better 18 mpg highway.
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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 inÂł, 2956 cmÂł
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 ftÂł
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
Reviewed byEric Stafford
Managing Editor, News
What This Means for You
The 2026 Ford Ranger Raptor offers a tantalizing mix of extreme capability and everyday practicality. Its lower entry price compared to rivals makes this high-end off-road truck more accessible to the average buyer. But you have to ask yourself if that specialized hardware adds real value to your lifestyle, or if it simply leads to higher gas bills and a harsher ride.
Should You Buy, Wait, or Rent/Invest?
For Buyers: If you need a truck for daily driving that can handle serious off-roading on weekends and save you money compared to the F-150 Raptor or Ram 1500, the Ranger Raptor makes a strong case. However, the fuel economy is disappointing (14-17 mpg), which translates to higher fuel costs over time.
For Investors: The Ranger Raptor is a niche vehicle, not a high-return investment. Its resale value will likely follow traditional truck depreciation curves rather than appreciate like classic collector vehicles. Investing in rare trucks typically involves long-term holdings and expertise.
For Waiting: If you’re price-sensitive or need maximum fuel efficiency, waiting might be wise. Ford may introduce hybrid or diesel options in the future, potentially improving gas mileage. For now, if you don’t need extreme off-road performance