Test Ford Ranger Raptor 2.0 EcoBlue 213 CV (with video)

Almost four years ago, Ford launched a very special model that was going to please all those car lovers, and especially 4x4 enthusiasts: the Ford Ranger Raptor. This version is the most radical within the Ranger range.

The main feature of this beast is that it's been prepared by Ford Performance , and with this information alone, we can understand the Ranger Raptor's purpose. The Raptor's aim is to be able to go very fast on unpaved roads with a high level of comfort. The European Raptor is equipped with a 2.0 TDCI engine producing 213 hp and 500 Nm of torque, paired with a 10-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

Very striking and corpulent design, this is the Ford Ranger Raptor

As always, we'll start by talking about its aesthetics. What stands out most about the Ranger Raptor is its striking design, with its high ground clearance , wide and pronounced wheel arches , grille , and decals that add even more attention (as if that weren't enough).

The front end is dominated by the grille with its giant Ford lettering, the matte black bumper with silver skid plates that extend to the lower engine compartment with a protective metal plate, and two tow hooks for towing or being towed, for example. The headlights look quite small and perhaps a bit outdated, as they are not full LED. Finally, the hood features subtle, defined lines to give it a more aggressive look.

Moving towards the side , the prominent and widened wheel arches stand out, revealing 17-inch wheels with 285/75 R17 tires. Also visible are the large side mirrors, metal running boards that improve access to the cabin, and decals with the "Raptor" trim designation.

Moving to the rear, we see two moldings, one with the model name and the other with the trim level. The taillights are very classic and, like those at the front, outdated. They use halogen bulbs, and the headlight design isn't particularly striking. Finally, we find the bumper attached to a metal bar that serves to protect it and secure the tow ball.

No frills interior

Moving on to the interior , we find a design that's perhaps a bit dated. The level of fit and finish is average, neither particularly good nor bad, but what left a bad taste in my mouth was the infotainment screen, as it has a relatively low resolution and the graphics are quite basic.

The dashboard is mostly hard plastic, except for the upper section, which features a lightly padded leather covering. It doesn't creak at all, which is quite good, especially in a car that's likely to see a lot of use, but I was expecting something of higher quality. In any case, this issue will be resolved with the new Ranger , which has already been unveiled.

In terms of technology, there isn't much to highlight. It features an 8-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay (when connected via cable), a small screen in the instrument cluster for accessing essential driving information, and a rearview camera.

We should highlight the buttons located on the center console. The dial you see here is used to switch between rear-wheel drive (2H), four-wheel drive (4H), and four-wheel drive with low range (4L). The three buttons above the dial are used to deactivate traction control, lock the rear differential, and activate hill descent control.

Fair but large interior space

When you see the Ford Ranger Raptor, you expect a huge amount of interior space , but don't be fooled by appearances. The Raptor doesn't have much more room than a typical C-segment model. While the available space is certainly adequate and very comfortable, a little more wouldn't have hurt.

Despite the wide center console , the front seats offer excellent comfort thanks to their leather and Alcantara upholstery , and the electric seat adjustment ensures a perfect driving position. The front seats are also heated.

Moving to the rear seats, we find that legroom is significantly reduced compared to the front. In my case, my knees were bumping against the seat, which was adjusted to my height (1,94 meters). The backrest in the rear is also perhaps too upright; a slightly steeper angle would make it more comfortable. I definitely wouldn't recommend taking a long trip in the middle seat, as the backrest, with its cupholders, becomes too firm. It's fine for a short drive, but I wouldn't find it comfortable for two hours straight.

Something I want to highlight, and which I found particularly amusing, is that it has a standard household outlet on the back. We can charge our laptop, connect a television, or a blender without any problem. There's also a 12-volt cigarette lighter socket.

this is the box

As we might expect, the cargo area is quite spacious . Interestingly, it's not measured in liters like most other vehicles, but in square centimeters or meters.

Its dimensions are as follows: 1,56 meters wide, 1,57 meters long, and 54 centimeters high . The Ranger Raptor's payload capacity is significantly lower than its smaller siblings, which are designed for more industrial use, as it only has a payload capacity of 758 kg.

Diesel engine with 213 hp and 500 Nm of torque

The Raptor's only available engine is surprising. It's a 2000-liter, 4-cylinder diesel engine producing 213 hp and 500 Nm of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission with a torque converter. It features two turbochargers, one for low-end torque and one for high-end torque.

Its power isn't particularly impressive considering the car's weight of 2515 kg , but in reality, it handles relatively well. It's not a fast car, nor is it particularly agile, but it's not excessively slow either. The 0-100 km/h time is 10,5 seconds . What matters in this model is its power, and frankly, it's sufficient.

The torque converter automatic transmission is quick , though not as fast as a dual-clutch, but it's also smooth. However, in manual mode, the shifts become quite abrupt.

At the wheel of the Ford Ranger Raptor

The initial impression you get when you get into a Raptor is strange if you're used to driving "normal" cars. You're in a very high driving position, you see all the other cars as small, you practically take up the entire lane, and maneuvering it is somewhat complicated. But the great advantage is that you can quickly adjust to its size, and thanks to the rearview camera, parking maneuvers become easy.

The engine performs well ; you can tell it has to move its nearly 2,6 tons of weight when starting off, but if you press the accelerator harder, you'll get a quick and sufficient response for everyday driving. What's most noticeable, especially on unpaved roads, is its power and torque. Even in 2H mode (rear-wheel drive), I climbed 24% inclines on dirt tracks, and the car had no problem getting going and, moreover, without losing traction.

How is it going off the asphalt?

But let's talk about what matters most: How does it perform off-road? This Ranger Raptor makes you feel like a kid again the moment you engage low range and rear-wheel drive. You feel the rear end slide out as you take corners, the brakes respond well, the steering provides excellent feedback, and the engine never leaves you wanting more.

It's true that this car isn't designed for serious off-roading, as its dimensions and mechanical components don't allow it to navigate certain terrains like deep mud. However, it does offer different driving modes, including Mud, Rocks, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Baja, Normal, and Sport . Depending on the selected mode, you'll need to engage four-wheel drive or four-wheel drive with low range. Rear-wheel drive is only available in Normal, Sport, and Baja modes.

But this beast is built for incredible speed on dirt roads with an impressive level of comfort. That's where the Raptor's real strength comes in: the Fox suspension. This marvel of a suspension can make you equally comfortable on unpaved roads as on the highway; it's truly impressive. It absorbs road imperfections spectacularly. You can be cruising at 80 km/h on dirt roads (on a private property) and be surprised by how comfortable you feel while driving. It's undoubtedly a car that Ford Performance has meticulously prepared for this purpose.

How much do you consume?

Well, you see, considering its size and weight, aerodynamics, and tires, fuel consumption can actually be quite low. During the entire week we tested it, over nearly 2.000 km, we averaged 10,8 l/100 km , which is surprisingly low. I honestly thought it wouldn't get below 15 l/100 km.

Conclusions

To finish with the test of the Ford Ranger Raptor I am going to comment on the conclusions that I have drawn. It is a toy, I see it as a Buggy capable of making long journeys in a very comfortable way and when you arrive at your destination you can enjoy the roads. It is a comfortable, large, fun car... It has practically everything to have a great time without the need for a lot of power or brutal acceleration.

The only thing that leaves me with a bitter taste in my mouth is the technological section and the design of the dashboard. It's a bit old-fashioned and plain, but it really is the last thing you should care about when you have a Raptor parked on your doorstep.

Equipment Ford Ranger Raptor

• Tailgate (with easy raise/lower mechanism)
• Off-road pack: Under-engine protection and lockable rear differential
• Full cargo area protection
• Exclusive Raptor front bumper
• Gray exterior door handles
• Power folding thermoelectric mirrors with puddle light
• Front LED fog lights
• self-ignition of lights
• rain sensor and lights
• Radio CD Sync 3 with 8″ touch screen, navigation and fordpass connect
• Dual-zone climate control
• Lane Keeping Assistant
• Electrochromic interior mirror
• Chrome interior door handles
• Leather upholstery
• Leather-wrapped shift knob
• Driver and passenger seats heated and electrically adjustable

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Editor's opinion

Gallery Ford Ranger Raptor