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We Adopted a Baby Baja Truck! Meet Our Long-Term Ford Ranger Raptor
Ford’s Raptor DNA has evolved, but the core ethos remains—a street-legal desert machine built for performance, durability, and pure fun. After 40,000 miles with the Ford Ranger Raptor, we discovered how this mid-size powerhouse punches above its weight, delivering an exhilarating off-road experience without the punishing price tag of its bigger brother. Our initial expectations were modest for a vehicle dubbed the “Michigan Miata,” but this truck exceeded them time and time again.
The Ranger Raptor represents a smart move by Ford to democratize the Raptor experience. Previously exclusive to overseas markets, the second-generation Ranger Raptor finally graced American soil for the 2024 model year. Think of it as a Bronco Raptor minus the 37-inch tires, the open-air experience, and the readily removable doors. If these exclusions are non-negotiable, you save approximately $23,000. Furthermore, the 2026 Ranger Raptor’s $58,965 starting MSRP undercuts rivals like the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, which pushes past $66,000. While a new Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 can be found for under $53,000, you’re limited to a 310-hp turbo-four engine (even on the pricier ZR2 Bison). In fact, the Ranger Raptor already triumphed over both the TRD Pro and ZR2 Bison in our off-road comparison.
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We chose Shelter Green Metallic for our long-term tester—the most refined color in the 2026 lineup. We skipped the racy rear-body decals ($750), as we tend to avoidMonster energy drinks and tribal tattoos. We also stuck with the standard 17-inch wheels instead of the $1,495 forged beadlock-capable rollers, planning to test a set of aftermarket wheels later. After adding 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. Still a substantial sum, but more than $20,000 shy of the F-150 Raptor’s entry fee.
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Marc Urbano|Car and Driver
Beyond its affordability, the Ranger Raptor’s compact size makes it easier to navigate crowded parking lots and tight trails. It fits in garages designed for lower-profile cars. While it shares the standard Ford Ranger’s 128.7-inch wheelbase and 5-foot cargo bed, its front and rear tracks are 3.5 inches wider to accommodate the standard 33-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 tires. But since the bulging bodywork remains under 80 inches wide, it doesn’t require the three amber running lights mandated for its larger siblings.
Don’t mistake the Ranger for a watered-down Raptor; it’s a purpose-built performance machine. Steel bumpers frame a fully boxed ladder frame, and extensive underbody armor protects critical components like the electronically locking front and rear differentials. Its heavily fortified suspension is designed to endure harsh conditions. The front suspension features 2.5-inch Fox Live Valve adaptive dampers and longer forged aluminum control arms. The rear Fox shocks have piggyback-style reservoirs for heat dissipation during hard driving. Ford replaced the standard Ranger’s leaf springs and Panhard rod with coil springs and a more advanced Watt’s linkage, significantly improving roll stiffness.
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Marc Urbano|Car and Driver
Despite the enhanced stiffness, our initial track test confirmed the Raptor’s performance shines off-road. The blocky BFG tires managed 0.68 g of lateral grip on the skidpad and required 223 feet to stop from 70 mph. However, these numbers don’t tell the whole story. The ride absorbs Michigan’s potholes admirably. Ford also allows customization of the Raptor’s personality, offering independent control of damping force, steering effort, powertrain response, and exhaust volume via buttons on the steering wheel. The “R” mode provides instant access to saved settings, and the prominent paddle shifters control the 10-speed automatic transmission—a feature noticeably missing from many competitors.
This mid-size Raptor is no slouch, matching the 450-hp F-150 Raptor in the 0-60 mph sprint. Our 2026 Ranger Raptor reached 60 mph in 5.2 seconds with all-wheel drive. However, the 405-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 felt less responsive during a 5-to-60 mph rolling start (5.8 seconds). The quarter-mile clocked in at a respectable 13.9 seconds at 98 mph. No matter how gentle your touch, the baby Raptor demands fuel. The EPA rates combined fuel economy at a low 17 mpg, just one mpg better than the heavier V-6-powered F-150 Raptor. At least the Ranger met the government’s expectations during our 75-mph real-world test, achieving a slightly more palatable 18 mpg 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 began. Barely two months in, it already logged over 4,000 miles. Aside from some mixed feelings about the gruff exhaust note, our staff has fallen for Ford’s junior Raptor pickup. The Ranger’s ideal proportions make it more desirable for daily use than our current long-term Ram 1500, and its cargo bed proves handy for quick chores.
There’s much more in store for our new Raptor beyond school drop-offs and mulch runs. We plan to attend Ford’s “Assault School” and purchase the Ford Performance tuner to boost the baby Raptor’s power output to match its larger sibling. With the Silver Lake Sand Dunes just a few hours away, we’re eager to get this truck airborne.
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
Specs panel icon
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/