Ford teases new Ranger Raptor with a different engine

Thursday, 25 November 2021

Ford wouldn't even confirm a Raptor version of the new Ranger, but this sounds rather like an angry petrol V6. Guess we'll find out in February next year!

Ford has revealed the next generation of Ranger, and it looks pretty damn good. With new styling that bring it in line with the larger F-150 and smaller Maverick, along with heavy revisions on the mechanical side of things and a healthy tech update, the new Ranger shows Ford wants nothing less than the top spot on the best-seller list.

We don’t have exact details on the new engine line-up – that information will come in the next few weeks ahead of the Ranger’s early 2022 launch – but we know that globally Ford will offer single-turbo and twin-turbo variants of its 2.0-litre diesel, as well as a new 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6 that is a revised and updated version of an engine from the F-150.

An electrified version has been confirmed, but there aren’t any official details on it just yet.

The new Ranger has been revealed, and there will be another Raptor.

But what about the range-topping Raptor? Ford has kept somewhat quiet on that front, until now. A quick QR code towards the end of the Ranger reveal video takes you to a shadowy video with an engine revving and the date of February 2022. It doesn’t take a genius to link it to the Raptor.

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By the sounds of it, Ford is indeed using a petrol V6, likely either the 2.7-litre twin-turbo unit from the Bronco or the 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 from the Explorer ST.

Power from the Bronco engine would be around 242kW/542Nm, while the larger unit makes closer to 300kW and 560Nm. A ten-speed automatic will probably be the only transmission option.

Expect the usual slew of high-performance off-road bits like Fox suspension, four-wheel drive, and chunky all-terrain tyres, as well as external styling updates.

The rest of the Raptor will largely mirror the vanilla Ranger with either a 10.1-inch or 12-inch touchscreen in the centre console, a fully digital instrument panel behind the wheel, a new stubby gear selector, and sports seats.

The new Ranger will launch in New Zealand in the middle of next year, while we will almost certainly get more details about the Raptor in February.