Best Off-Road SUV 2021 – Finalist Ford Ranger Raptor


July 1, 2021

Despite being out for a couple of years, the Ford Ranger Raptor is still an impressive and unique offering: race-bred suspension components, all hanging off a bespoke all-coil chassis which makes for a dynamically impressive package off-road. It’ll jump and drift like no other, and the 33-inch BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres – combined with great traction systems – makes the Raptor an competent low-speed crawler as well.  

Much criticism of the Ranger Raptor circles around the 157kW/500Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel powerplant. Unchanged from other Rangers, and an impressive performer through the 10-speed automatic transmission. However, it’s a far cry from the high-performance powerplants used in big-brother F-150 Raptor from America.  

And although payload (748kg) and towing capacity (2500kg) takes a hit compared to garden-variety Rangers, one needs to experience the Raptor’s exquisite suspension – preferably at a good clip off-road – to appreciate it. And for on-road driving, the internal bypassing and big rubber makes for a wonderfully soft, bump-soaking ride.

This article originally featured on drive.com.au and can be viewed here.