10 Best Features of the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor

2024 Ford Ranger Raptor ・ Photo by Ford

The Ford Ranger is all-new for 2024 with a new Ranger Raptor joining the lineup for the first time. Much like the larger F-150 Raptor, this is the true off-road ready version of this midsize truck. It looks the part with bold, aggressive exterior styling and backs up those looks with genuine capability.

It gets a host of mechanical upgrades along with a more powerful engine that’s not available for the rest of the Ranger lineup. Whether you plan to head out into the desert for some high-speed off-roading or plan to take it slow on more technical terrain, the Ranger Raptor is ready. Here are the 10 best features of the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor.

The engine.

The Ford Ranger Raptor is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. It produces 430 horsepower with 405 lb-ft of torque making it the most powerful Ranger ever. This is paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. That’s a lot of power for a small truck and it gives the Ranger Raptor a downright aggressive acceleration.

It makes highway driving easy, but where it excels and where you’ll want to drive it is off-road. Open stretches of dirt are perfect for some off-road fun where the Ranger Raptor can really show off. It has all the power you need combined with mechanical components that are up to the challenge of more rigorous off-roading.

2024 Ford Ranger Raptor ・ Photo by Ford

Off-road suspension system.

Driving off-road at high speeds demands a robust suspension system that has the capability to manage hard driving. The Ranger Raptor just such a system with lightweight upper and lower arm controls and a long-travel rear suspension.

There are Fox 2.5-inch live valve internal bypass shocks with coil overs at the front with piggyback reservoirs at the rear. This helps reduce heat build-up so you can keep driving all-day without being forced to take a break. The Ranger’s fully boxed frame has reinforced components to further enhance its capability.

2024 Ford Ranger Raptor ・ Photo by Ford

Multiple drive modes.

The Fox live valve internal bypass system changes its damping depending on the drive mode selected. Choose from seven different modes, each tailored to a specific set of driving conditions. There’s normal, tow/haul, sport, and slippery for more everyday driving scenarios.

There’s also off-road, rock crawl, and Baja mode, which are designed for your driving adventures past the end of the pavement. Off-road and rock crawl are more familiar modes to most, but Baja is something truly special. It helps you make the most of high-speed driving in desert terrain.

2024 Ford Ranger Raptor ・ Photo by Ford

Baja mode.

While there are plenty of vehicles from trucks to SUVs that are capable of handling off-road terrain, there are limitations when it comes to driving at high speeds. Those who off-road in the open desert are limited by how well the vehicle can handle high speed driving that might include the occasional jump.

The Ford Ranger Raptor has a unique Baja mode designed for exactly this scenario. It makes driving this truck over desert terrain easy and combined with the impressive suspension components in the Ranger Raptor, lets you hit that jump and land without issue.

2024 Ford Ranger Raptor ・ Photo by Ford

Trail Control.

Trail Control is a feature designed for use specifically during off-roading. It’s not intended for use on paved roads. Instead, it functions as something like cruise control, but at much slower speeds. When engaged, it manages speed and brakes so you can focus on driving.

This is a great feature to have on more technical terrain with narrow paths, tight turns, or loose gravel. Speed can be adjusted up or down as you drive and conditions change making it even easier to use. The more challenging the terrain, the more helpful Trail Control is for the driver.

2024 Ford Ranger Raptor ・ Photo by Ford

360-degree camera.

Seeing where you are is easy on a paved road, but once you venture off-road it’s a far more complicated situation. It’s not just what’s in front of you, but what’s close on either side of you that comes into play, The more easily you can see where rocks, trees, and steep canyon walls are in relation to your vehicle, the more easily you can make your way through that kind of challenge.

The Ranger Raptor has a 360-degree camera as a standard feature. It uses front, rear, and mirror-mounted side cameras to provide a picture of exactly what’s around your vehicle. The bird’s eye view offered by this system helps make off-roading in your Ranger Raptor easier.

2024 Ford Ranger Lariat Sport ・ Photo by Ford

Standard 12-inch infotainment touchscreen.

The Ranger Raptor has a standard high-resolution 12-inch infotainment touchscreen. It includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 10-speaker B&O audio, navigation, USB ports, and Sirius XM satellite radio.

The system features SYNC 4A, which is the latest version of Ford’s infotainment. It’s easy to use with intuitive menus that reduce the frustration of not being able to find what you need. The large screen is crisp and easy to view, even in bright sunlight, and is within reach of both the driver and the front passenger.

2024 Ford Ranger Raptor ・ Photo by Ford

Bold exterior style.

There is nothing timid about the styling of the Ranger Raptor. There are LED projector headlights with C-clamp signature lighting on either side. Instead of the Ford Blue Oval badge on the grille, the company name is emblazoned in huge letters.

A steel bumper sits below the grille and there are front and rear tow hooks for getting out of trouble. The flared front fenders are functional with concealed vents and there are 33-inch all-terrain tires on 17-inch wheels. A front bash plate completes the look with additional shields for the engine, transfer case, and fuel tank.

2024 Ford Ranger Raptor ・ Photo by Ford

An equally bold interior.

It’s not just the exterior of the Ranger Raptor that looks aggressive and ready for anything. The interior is just as striking. There are cast magnesium alloy paddle shifters so you can take control transmission shifts. The steering wheel features a brilliant Code Orange center marking with additional Code Orange accents on the dashboard and seats.

The front seats are heavily bolstered to hold you in place during high-speed off-road sprints yet still have enough room to easily accommodate larger adults. They’re comfortable and supportive whether you’re on -road or off.

2024 Ford Ranger Raptor ・ Photo by Ford

Ranger Raptor Assault School.

Those who purchase the new Ranger Raptor have the opportunity to attend the new Ranger Raptor Assault School where they can learn how to properly take advantage of all the features this truck offers. Located at the Ford Performance Racing School in Tooele Valley, Utah, this one-day course is included for no additional charge when you purchase the Ranger Raptor.

Whether a novice or a veteran, the course offers a variety of challenges from rocky terrain to Baja runs. Owners can learn proper braking, descending, and hill climbing techniques so when they return home, they can confidently drive their new Ranger Raptor.

2024 Ford Ranger Raptor ・ Photo by Ford