The next generation is on the way. It will have a European premiere next week and of course, the North American model will come soon after. The new generation will bring a lot of interesting novelties and one of them will be the Raptor version for the North American market. So far, this version has been reserved for the abroad markets and it was equipped with a diesel engine. This time, it will come with a gasoline engine and it will be available to North American buyers as well. It will come sometime in the next year, as the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor.
At this point, we don’t know too much about the new Raptor but we have no doubt it will stick to the proven recipe. In other words, it will come with a lot of off-road upgrades, as well as a lot of styling details. Also, it will feature a pretty capable powertrain under the hood.
2023 Ford Ranger Raptor Design
When it comes to base design characteristics, this version will be heavily based on the standard Ranger, which will come all-new for the next year. From what we know so far, most of the changes will be evolutionary. The new model will continue to ride on the famous T6 platform, but it will bring improvements regarding rigidity, weight reduction etc. As a result, it should be more capable and more efficient.
Of course, we also count on a new styling. the company still hides the new look but that won’t last for long, as the new model is about to have a premiere next week. Of course, the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor will come with a lot of exclusive details, which will emphasize its off-road character. This refers to familiar aesthetical solutions such as blacked grille, lots of black plastics around the truck, unique wheels and more.
Features
As you may presume, the main difference between the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor and standard models will be in terms of off-road features. This version will come with loads of upgrades, starting from an off-road suspension. Of course, we count on notably higher ground clearance. Furthermore, we count on Fox shocks and large springs, which will provide plenty of suspension travel.
Furthermore, there are things like standard four-wheel drive and locking rear differential, while we may also see things like two-speed transfer case and similar things. Of course, the company will install a couple of skid plates for underbody protection, while massive off-road tires seem like a natural thing.
Interior
The first thing we should mention is that the new generation is about to get a completely new interior. We count on nicer aesthetics and a more car-like dashboard design. Furthermore, the materials should be nicer, while the build quality should be at a higher level. Finally, we expect to see a whole load of new tech features, including a massive infotainment screen and maybe even a digital instrument cluster.
Of course, the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor interior would come equipped with a lot of exclusive features. This doesn’t refer to standard equipment only, but also to things like interior color schemes, upholstery, materials and similar things. Some stitching is expected too, as well as “Raptor” badges on headrests.
2023 Ford Ranger Raptor Engine
So far, the Ranger Raptor was available in Australia and Europe only and in both parts of the world, it was equipped with a diesel engine. On the other hand, the North American version will come with a gasoline engine and from what we know so far, that will probably be a 2.7-liter V6, which puts out around 325 horsepower. Of course, the engine will come in pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission, which will send power to all wheels.
Other versions will come with less powerful engine options. Base models will probably use the same 2.3-liter turbo-four with 270 horses, while the F-150’s turbodiesel is also a possible addition to the lineup.
2023 Ford Ranger Raptor Release Date and Competition
The 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor should arrive sometime in the second half of 2022. The competition is pretty much familiar and it comes in the form of models like Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro etc.