When Ford introduced the Raptor trim to its off-road vehicles, it became the brand to beat, and the line of competitors hasn’t stopped since. However, the company may have set up an internal competition with the Ford Bronco Raptor: Can a truck or SUV outperform it?
The Ultimate Bronco:
Priced from $90,035, the Bronco Raptor is the pinnacle of the Bronco lineup. While it’s the most masterful of the lineup for off-roading, it’s filled with comforts and tuned for comfortable street driving. Wherever your day takes you, the Bronco Raptor can handle it.
The Bronco Raptor is designed to conquer the toughest roads, the longest desert rallies, and the sheerest rock faces. It includes all of the off-road capabilities the Bronco offers, with additional enhancements:
- GOAT Drive Modes: Normal, Eco, Off-road, Baja, Rock Crawl, Tow/Haul, and Slippery.
- Increased Ground Clearance: Raised to 13 inches from 8.8 inches.
- Wider Build: Thanks to wider wheels and protective fenders, it is 8.5 inches wider than the standard Bronco.
- 37-inch All-Terrain Tires: Capable on all types of surfaces.
To ensure it can lead the pack across the desert, the Bronco Raptor carries the most powerful engine in the lineup, a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 with a 10-speed automatic transmission that generates 418 hp. This is over a 100 hp increase from the 2.7L V6 engine in other Bronco models.
Baja Mode: The Raptor’s Sweet Spot:
While the Ford Bronco Raptor excels in rock crawling and traversing creeks (thanks to Rock Crawl and Slippery GOAT modes), this SUV was born for desert racing. Rally racing involves elevation changes and terrain challenges, demanding fast driving. On a desert course, speeds can hit 50 mph or higher.
Baja mode maximizes engine speed, suspension, and steering for precision on sand, gravel, and loose terrain. The Bronco Raptor’s suspension, tires, and engine are designed to accommodate the higher speeds, heat, dust, and rough terrain of desert racing.
Additional Off-Road Features:
- One-Pedal Driving Mode: Low-speed cruise control is available when slow and steady is necessary.
- Paddle Shifters: These regulate engine speed and momentum when needed.
With these features, the Ford Bronco Raptor stands out as the ultimate off-road SUV, ready to tackle any adventure you throw at it.
