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In the early days, station wagons were considered a proper family car with enough space for kids, luggage and a dog. Then the car industry moved to minivans, which had even more room and third-row seating. Today, we are amid the SUV craze, which transformed once rugged off-roaders into family crossovers. This emphasised the irrational need to buy bigger and more complicated models for ordinary family duty. But is there a new breed of fun family-work car on the horizon? One that is the perfect blend of driving enjoyment and all-terrain capability with a massive tub and powerful engine. We feel there is and a brand-new Ford Ranger Raptor might just be it. Let us talk you through 10 features that make the next-gen Ford Ranger Raptor a great work-play-family car.
The 2024 Ranger Raptor is slightly bigger than its predecessor - with an overall length of 5360 mm, a width of 2208 mm and a height of 1926 mm. It is significantly broader and taller than the regular Ranger due to a wider track and 17-inch wheels with massive BF Goodrich K02 High-Performance tyres. The next-gen Raptor has been substantially redesigned with characteristic fascia, headlights, and a graphics package. All of that means it has a bit more space for occupants and a more comfortable ride than the predecessor.
The infotainment system is one of the critical aspects of any new car, and the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor excels in that department. With a big, bright, and vertically positioned 12-inch display mounted on the central console, this vehicle comes equipped with Ford's SYNC4 infotainment system, which is standard. The wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto are part of the package, but Raptor gets a premium 10-speaker audio system as standard. To add to the unique characteristics of the Next-Gen Ranger Raptor - the interior has red-coloured inserts on the dash to make things more dynamic and remind you that you are in a high-performance vehicle.
The last-gen Ranger Raptor had a 2.0-litre diesel, but the next-gen model has a proper, fire-breathing performance engine under the bonnet. The mighty 3.0-litre, twin-turbo petrol V6 delivers 292 kW and 583 Nm of torque. With such firepower and a full-time 4x4 drivetrain, the 2024 Ranger Raptor is capable on and off-road. The next-gen Ranger Raptor might not be a Mustang GT, but it is not far off. Strong acceleration (0 to 100 km/h in 6 seconds, flat) is an excellent feature for a family car. Just hit the accelerator pedal and watch your kids along with yourself giggle with excitement.
Ford's 360-Camera View system is standard on the next-gen Ranger Raptor and is a very cool feature that helps improve safety and usability. Select from various camera perspectives on the expansive centre display to gain unprecedented visibility. Options include a bird' s-eye top-down view, a 180-degree split view of the front and rear, a front off-road view, and a rear trailer hitch view.
The 2024 Ranger Raptor comes standard with three normal and four off-road driving modes, totalling 6 specific driving settings that you can choose. Modes are Normal, Slippery, Sand, Mud/Ruts, Rock Crawl, Baja and Sport. The last three are unique to Ranger Raptor. All seven have very specific settings for the drivetrain, different engine and transmission calibrations - which can change the vehicle's character in seconds. You can go from a full off-road monster to a docile everyday vehicle with just a press of a button. It is ideal if you want to take the kids to school first and tackle some off-road courses later.
Although the next-gen Ranger Raptor is a competent, potent, and quick vehicle with a thoroughbred and vocal engine under the bonnet, Ford was responsible for equipping it with four selectable exhaust modes. The Quiet Mode is the most discrete, followed by Normal, Sport and Baja. The Baja mode is suggested to be used only in off-road driving since it is loud which allows that 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 to roar with all its might. Once again, it shows that Ranger Raptor can be restrained to be a quiet family car or a dune-jumping and screaming off-road monster.
The FOX 2.5-inch suspension system for the Ford Ranger Raptor is a high-performance suspension upgrade designed to enhance off-road capabilities and overall handling. These shock absorbers are equipped with reservoirs that provide additional oil volume and help to dissipate further heat. This improves shock performance and reduces the chances of fading during aggressive off-road driving. It is one of the most remarkable features of the next-gen Ranger Raptor due to its advanced construction, adjustability and ability to provide ideal road holding in any condition while soaking up the speed bumps in the city as well as going on a rock-crawl trail.
The mighty engine, clever driving modes and advanced shock absorbers wouldn't be so effective if it weren't for front and rear locking differentials to complete the picture. The next-gen Ranger Raptor comes standard with this feature which ranks it amongst the most capable off-road vehicles you can buy today. You can control it through the central screen - the rear locking differential can be activated at speeds up to 32 km/h and automatically disengage at speeds above 41 km/h.
Ford didn't forget the seating aspect when designing the 2024 Ranger Raptor, and occupants have front and rear performance seats with red inserts and side bolstering to keep you supported in all driving conditions. The roomy and leather / alcantara upholstered interior with performance-oriented detail will be hit with the family for its comfort along with dynamic design, and upscale feel.
With the new generation Ranger came the complete restyle of the line up with cool-looking fascia and C-shaped headlamps. However, in the Next Gen Ranger Raptor - there is an upgrade in the form of Matrix LED headlamps that work exceptionally well in all conditions and rear LED taillights that provide additional visibility and safety. The look is finished with a bold iconic raptor grille with “FORD” script which will distinguish the next-gen Ranger Raptor from lesser models.
Life-long car enthusiast, an experienced car journalist, blogger, classic car expert, and avid collector of all things automotive. Always on the lookout for innovative automotive tech, exciting barn finds, and twisty scenic route for that perfect early-morning drive.
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