The Ford Ranger Raptor conquers and cuts up any terrain

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The Ford Ranger is one of the standout pick-ups on the road today, from both a driving and utility perspective. It’s as close to an SUV a pick-up has ever been on the road, yet it’s clearly, undeniably, a tougher proposition. But it has never been a beast. Until now with the introduction of the Raptor, that is.

For the Raptor, Ford has dumped a 2.0-litre bi-turbo TDCi engine under the bonnet with a meaty 210bhp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with power sent to all four wheels through their latest-generation 10-speed automatic transmission.

The result is muscular shove and push-back-into-your-seat torque when you give it some. The official performance figures are actually unimpressive (0-62mph in 10.5 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of just 106mph) but as is usually the case, these tell half the story. The Raptor is more than just numbers.

Let’s start with the underpinnings. The chassis has been upgraded with reinforced components and the rear leaf springs have been upgraded with coils. There are internal bypass dampers by Fox – with 30% more travel over the standard Ranger’s dampers – with Watts linkage to stabilise suspension movement over rutted surfaces. The rear axle benefits from disc brakes and the front callipers have 20% larger pistons.

Elsewhere, the Raptor has twin front tow hooks rated to 4,635kg, twin rear recovery tow hooks rated to 3,863kg, an integrated rear tow bar rated to 2,500kg, composite front wings to better withstand flying debris and forged aluminium suspension arms which replace the steel arms on standard models, improving strength.

Combine these factors and what you have is the most hardcore production Ranger ever made. And they work – Ford has tuned them to deliver ‘high-speed off-road performance’ and there’s a new ‘Baja’ mode which turns off the stability control and adjusts the traction control to suit quick off-roading. The TCS system can also be turned off completely, allowing you to have some sideways fun.

And that’s what the Raptor is all about – fun. Because despite its massive weight, muscular proportions and beastly presence, it is.

It’s also compliant. Those suspension tweaks have created a genuine off-road weapon, with the Raptor steamrollering over bumps and chunks that would have the standard model jolting around. It positively encourages you to explore and tackle tough routes.

Looks good too, doesn’t it? Looks like its own distinct model and not a parts bin special, which it most certainly isn’t. The track’s wider than standard, so Ford equipped the Raptor with flared arches. The ride height’s higher than standard, so Ford equipped the Raptor with 17” wheels on 33” BF Goodrich tyres.

Everything has been thought of. Everything is functional. And it really does make an impression, standing taller and wider than most other pick-ups with piercing LED headlights and a chunky front bash plate.

This is a pick-up you can take to the most hostile environments on the planet with confidence, and on the school run in comfort. In their desire to create a hardcore speedster, Ford has actually created their best all-rounder yet.