ford Bronco raptor : All you need to know

Introduction to the new Ford Bronco Raptor

• Overview of the Ford Bronco Raptor as a newcomer to the off-road SUV market

The Ford Bronco Raptor is a new off-road SUV that has been engineered to tackle even the toughest of terrains, and with ease. It is a high-performance version of the popular Ford Bronco SUV, which has been updated with a range of features and upgrades to make it an even more capable and exciting off-road vehicle aimed squarely at the off-road obsessed enthusiast. 

The base model Ford Bronco is powered by a 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine with 270bhp and 420Nm of torque, while the flagship variant features a 2.7-litre six-cylinder powertrain with 310bhp and 542Nm of torque. The Bronco Raptor takes things up a notch, boasting a powerful twin turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine that delivers an impressive 450 horsepower, 510 lb-ft of torque and 0-60 in less than six seconds. Mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, this allows for smooth and responsive shifting on the road or off. The Bronco Raptor is also equipped with a range of advanced suspension and drivetrain features, including high-performance shocks, wider heavy-duty axles, 37 inch tyres, and a unique front sway bar disconnect system that helps improve off-road capability.

One of the most impressive features of the Bronco Raptor is its advanced off-road technology. It comes with a Terrain Management System, which allows drivers to easily adjust settings for different types of terrain, such as sand, mud, or rocks. It also includes Trail Control, which is essentially cruise control for off-road driving. This feature maintains a set speed while traversing difficult terrain, allowing drivers to focus on steering and maneuvering the vehicle.

The Bronco Raptor’s exterior design is also unique, with a bold, brash and aggressive look that sets it well apart from other SUVs on the market. It features a wider stance, flared fenders, and a hood scoop, all of which give it a distinctive and muscular appearance. Inside, the Ford Bronco Raptor is equally impressive, with a range of advanced technology features, including a large touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

History of the Ford Bronco and how it has evolved into the Raptor

The Ford Bronco has a rich history dating back to 1965 when it was first introduced as a competitor to the Jeep CJ-5 and International Harvester Scout. The first-generation Bronco was a compact SUV with a removable hardtop and a simple, utilitarian design. It was an instant success with off-road enthusiasts and was the first auto to acquire the stamp of “Sports-Utility Vehicle”, a term that is widely used across the world today. 

Over the years, the Ford Bronco has grown in popularity and evolved to meet the changing needs and demands of its customers. The second-generation classic Ford Bronco was introduced in 1978 and was larger than its predecessor with more creature comforts, such as air conditioning and power windows. The third-generation Bronco, introduced in 1980, continued to grow in size and featured improved suspension and drivetrain components.

After three generations, the Bronco was discontinued in 1996, but it remained a beloved icon of American off-road culture. In 2020, and almost twenty five years later, Ford announced the return of the Bronco and it was understandably met with great anticipation and excitement and much like when it first hit the production line in 1965, the Bronco squares up against Jeep once more, this time the Jeep Wrangler. 

The new Bronco lineup includes the standard Bronco, the Bronco Sport, and the Bronco Raptor, the latter being the most off-road capable of the lineup and is designed to take on the toughest terrain. It features a more aggressive design with larger deep-tread tires, higher ground clearance, extra skid plates, and a suspension tuned for off-road performance.

Overall, the evolution of the Ford Bronco from its early days as a compact SUV to the high-performance off-road machine that is the Bronco Raptor is a testament to Ford’s commitment to meeting the needs and demands of its customers. With each new generation, the Bronco has continued to push the boundaries of what an SUV can do, and the Bronco Raptor is the latest and most impressive chapter in this storied history.

ford bronco configurations

• In-depth look at the design of the Ford Bronco Raptor

The Ford Bronco Raptor features a design that is both rugged and refined, with a focus on off-road performance and capability. The exterior of the vehicle is characterized by its bold and aggressive styling, with a distinctive grille, flared fenders, and a brawny stance.

One notable feature of the Bronco Raptor’s design is its high ground clearance and larger tires. The vehicle sits higher off the ground than the standard Bronco, allowing it to tackle even the most challenging off-road terrain. The Bronco Raptor also features specialized off-road tires that are designed to provide maximum traction in mud, sand, and other challenging conditions.

Furthermore the suspension of the Bronco Raptor is tuned for off-road performance, with high-performance shock absorbers and a heavy-duty sway bar that provide exceptional stability and control. The vehicle’s four-wheel drive system is also designed for off-road use, with a Terrain Management System that allows the driver to adjust the vehicle’s performance to match the terrain they are driving on.

Inside the Bronco Raptor, the design is focused on functionality and convenience. The vehicle features a spacious and comfortable interior that can accommodate up to five passengers, with ample cargo space for all of their gear. The interior also features a variety of technology features, including a large touchscreen display, wifi hotspot, Bluetooth connectivity, and for the upgraders, a premium sound system from B&O.

The design of the Ford Bronco Raptor is a testament to its off-road performance, high-spec features and driver capability. With a bold and aggressive exterior, specialized off-road tires, and a tuned suspension, this vehicle is ready to take on even the toughest challenges. And with a spacious and comfortable interior, it’s the perfect vehicle for adventurers who demand both performance and convenience from their off-road vehicles. Or the school run; whichever box you fall into. Don’t worry, we won’t judge. 

• Highlighting the unique features that set it apart from other off-road vehicles

The Ford Bronco Raptor is a unique off-road vehicle that sets itself apart from other SUVs in several key ways. Here are some of the standout features that make the Bronco Raptor a one-of-a-kind vehicle:

1. Trail Control – The Bronco Raptor’s Trail Control system is a standout feature that sets it apart from other off-road vehicles. This system acts like cruise control for off-road driving, allowing the driver to set a low speed and focus on steering while the vehicle takes care of the throttle and braking.
2. High-Performance Suspension – The Bronco Raptor’s suspension is specially tuned for off-road performance, with high-performance shock absorbers and a heavy-duty sway bar that provide exceptional stability and control on challenging terrain.
3. Advanced 4×4 System – The Bronco Raptor’s four-wheel drive system is designed for off-road use, with a Terrain Management System that allows the driver to adjust the vehicle’s performance to match the terrain they are driving on. This system offers seven different modes, including Sand, Slippery, Sport, and Rock Crawl.
4. Electronic Locking Front and Rear Differentials – The Bronco Raptor’s electronic locking front and rear differentials provide maximum traction and control on challenging terrain, ensuring that all four wheels are working together to power the vehicle forward.
5. Beadlock-Capable Wheels – The Bronco Raptor’s wheels are specially designed to be beadlock-capable, which means they can be locked to the tire bead to prevent the tire from slipping off the wheel during low-pressure off-road driving.
6. Skid Plates – The Bronco Raptor comes equipped with heavy-duty skid plates that protect the vehicle’s undercarriage from rocks, stumps, and other obstacles on the trail.
7. Removable Panels, Hardtop and Doors – Like the standard Bronco, the Bronco Raptor features a removable hardtop and doors, allowing drivers to customize their driving experience and enjoy the open air and sunshine.

The Ford Bronco Raptor is a unique and highly capable off-road vehicle that offers a range of features that set it apart from other SUVs. From its advanced suspension and drivetrain to its removable hardtop and doors, the Bronco Raptor is the perfect vehicle for adventurers who demand the best in off-road performance and capability.

bronco raptor interior and technology features

The interior of the Ford Bronco Raptor is designed with both functionality and comfort in mind, but also happens to share the same design and dimensions as the rest of the Bronco range. The cabin offers plenty of space for up to five passengers and ample cargo space for all their gear. The seats are upholstered in a durable and easy-to-clean marine-grade vinyl (upgradeable leather trim), and the interior features rubberized flooring with removable drainage plugs allowing you to hose down the interior floor should your muddy off-road adventure find its way into the cabin.

In terms of technology features, the Bronco Raptor offers a range of advanced systems that make off-road driving easier and more enjoyable. There is definitely a focus upon physical controls, so various buttons and controls adorn the cabin. The vehicle also comes equipped with a large 12” touchscreen display that not only provides access to a range of infotainment and connectivity features, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth but is also fully customisable to give you instant oversight as to what optimizations are switched on for your driving mode. The system also features a built-in navigation system that can help drivers find their way on the trail.

One key feature of the Bronco Raptor’s technology package is its advanced off-road driving aids. The vehicle comes equipped with a range of sensors and cameras that can help drivers navigate difficult terrain, including a front-facing camera that provides a clear view of the trail ahead. The system also offers Trail Turn Assist, which can help the vehicle navigate tight turns at low speeds by applying the brakes to just the wheels on the inside of the turn.

Other notable technology features on the Bronco Raptor include a premium sound system, wireless smartphone charging, and a range of advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane keeping system.

The interior and technology features of the Ford Bronco Raptor are purely designed to make off-road driving easier and more enjoyable. With a spacious and comfortable cabin and a range of advanced technology systems, this vehicle is the perfect choice for adventurers who demand both performance and convenience from their off-road vehicles.

As with the regular Bronco, the Raptor also features removable body panels and specifically frameless doors that Ford claims are easy to unbolt. While it’s only available in a four-door configuration, the Raptor still enjoys all the innovative features found on other Bronco models, including exterior mirrors mounted on the base of the windshield that are still usable when the doors are taken off. Likewise, there’s a rack built into the top of its dashboard for smartphones and GoPros, which can be plugged into nearby 12-volt outlets, to be mounted there.

bronco raptor Performance, Engine Specs and mpg

• Analysis of the engine specs and performance capabilities of the Ford Bronco Raptor

The Ford Bronco Raptor is powered by a high-performance engine that delivers exceptional power and torque, making it one of the most capable off-road vehicles on the market. Ford have also opted for a V6 as opposed to V8, might bother some of you purist 4×4 drivers that have become hooked on the sound and torque of a big engine. However, the V6 they have used is far from inadequate. It actually seems like it might better fit their production line strategy and the possible introduction of several other engine capacities.

Here is a closer look at the engine specs and performance capabilities of the Bronco Raptor:

Engine Specs:

• 3.0 liter EcoBoost V6 engine
• 418 horsepower
• 440 lb-ft of torque
• 10-speed automatic transmission

Performance Capabilities:

• 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds
• Top speed of 114 mph
• Maximum towing capacity of 4,500 lbs.
• Maximum payload capacity of 1,100 lbs.
• Ground clearance of 13.1 inches
• Water-fording depth of up to 37 inches

The Bronco Raptor’s 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine is an incredibly powerful engine, but thirsty too. Delivering an impressive 418 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque, its fuel consumption is a mere 16mpg. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that provides smooth and precise shifting, the Raptor is easy to navigate difficult terrain but possibly not best suited for exclusively urban use.

Mind you, it’s quick thanks to its powerful engine and advanced drivetrain, the Bronco Raptor is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds, which is punchy and sees it up there with some of the fastest off-road vehicles on the market although it should be noted that the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 is a lot quicker shaving 2 seconds off of a 0-60. 

In addition to its impressive speed and power, the Bronco Raptor is also an incredibly capable towing and hauling vehicle. The vehicle has a maximum towing capacity of 4,500 lbs. and a maximum payload capacity of 1,100 lbs., making it perfect for hauling gear, equipment, or other heavy bulk carry or tow loads.

Overall, the engine specs and performance capabilities of the Ford Bronco Raptor make it one of the most capable and versatile off-road vehicles on the market. Whether you’re navigating rocky trails or towing a heavy load, the Bronco Raptor is up to the task, delivering exceptional performance and capability in any situation.

• Comparison to other SUV’s on the market

The Ford Bronco Raptor is a top-performing off-road vehicle that offers exceptional performance, capability, and versatility. When compared to other off-road vehicles in its class, such as the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Bronco Raptor stands out for its advanced off-road features, rugged design, and impressive performance capabilities.

In terms of off-road capability, the Bronco Raptor is in a league of its own. Its advanced suspension system, 4×4 drivetrain, and trail control system make it an ideal choice for off-road enthusiasts who demand the highest level of performance and capability. By contrast, the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade are both designed primarily for on-road driving, and while they offer some off-road features, they are not as capable as the Bronco Raptor.

In terms of design, the Bronco Raptor is rugged, durable, and built to withstand the rigors of off-road driving. Its exterior design features aggressive styling cues, including a unique grille, LED lighting, and skid plates, all of which contribute to its overall off-road aesthetic. Again, the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade are designed primarily for on-road driving and feature more refined and stylish designs less suited to the Raptors favoured hunting ground.

In terms of performance, the Bronco Raptor is powered by a high-output 3.0-liter V6 engine that delivers exceptional acceleration, top speed, and towing capacity, making it an ideal choice for off-road enthusiasts who demand the highest level of performance, and whilst the Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a range of engines, including a high-performance V8, and the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 punching well above its weight on speed, neither offer the same level of off-road performance as the Bronco Raptor.

Overall, when compared to other off-road vehicles in its class, the Ford Bronco Raptor stands out for its advanced off-road features, rugged design, and impressive performance capabilities. It is an ideal choice for off-road enthusiasts who demand the highest level of performance and capability, and it is sure to impress even the most seasoned off-road drivers.

• Suspension, drivetrain, and other performance features

Zooming in on the suspension, drivetrain, and other performance features that make the Bronco Raptor stand out, you can see why The Ford Bronco Raptor scores so highly as an off-road vehicle:

Suspension: The suspension system on the Bronco Raptor is designed to provide maximum stability and control, even on the most challenging off-road terrain. The Raptor HOSS 4.0 (High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension system) has position-sensitive damping, with FOX™ Live Valve technology with its Internal Bypass Semi-Active Dampers uniquely tuned at the front and rear. There are integrated reservoirs in front and remote reservoirs in rear.

Drivetrain: The Bronco Raptor is equipped with a high-performance drivetrain that includes a two-speed transfer case and locking differentials. The vehicle features a standard 4×4 system with selectable drive modes that allow drivers to choose the best setting for their current driving conditions. The Bronco Raptor also comes with a standard Trail Control system, which allows drivers to set and maintain a consistent speed on off-road terrain.

Other Performance Features: In addition to its suspension and drivetrain, the Bronco Raptor comes equipped with a number of other performance features that enhance its off-road capability. These include:

• High-clearance front and rear bumpers for improved ground clearance
• Skid plates to protect the undercarriage on rough terrain
• 37-inch tires for improved traction and stability
• Integrated front and rear tow hooks for easy recovery in difficult situations
• Electronic-locking front and rear axles for maximum traction in challenging terrain

bronco raptor Off-Roading Capability

The Ford Bronco Raptor is an off-road powerhouse that offers exceptional performance and capability on any terrain. Let’s look at some of the off-road capabilities in a bit more detail:

Ground Clearance: The Bronco Raptor has a ground clearance of 13.1 inches, allowing the vehicle to navigate over obstacles such as rocks, logs, and ruts with ease.

Approach, Departure, and Breakover Angles: The Bronco Raptor boasts impressive approach, departure, and breakover angles, which allow it to tackle steep inclines, declines, and obstacles. The approach angle is 47.2 degrees, the departure angle is 40.5 degrees, and the breakover angle is 30.8 degrees.

Water Fording: The Bronco Raptor has a water fording capability of up to 37 inches, which allows it to traverse streams and water crossings with ease.

Crawl Ratio: The Bronco Raptor has a crawl ratio of up to 67.9:1 which is not as high as some of the competition, but because the engine has enough grunt it all works together allowing the vehicle to maintain a slow and steady pace on steep inclines and declines.

G.O.A.T. – Terrain Management System: The Bronco Raptor comes with an advanced Terrain Management System with Ford Bronco™ G.O.A.T. Modes™ (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain). This allows drivers to select from seven different drive modes to optimize performance for different terrains, including mud/ruts, rock crawl, and baja.

Trail Control: The Bronco Raptor also comes with Trail Control, which is a form of cruise control designed for off-road driving. This feature allows the driver to maintain a constant speed while navigating challenging terrain.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

As much as the Bronco Raptor is able to showcase its power and agility as an off-road vehicle, Ford have not scrimped on safety features. Available across Ford’s entire range is Ford CoPilot 360 which is a suite of driver-assistance technology designed to keep you and your passengers as safe as possible. Using an array of sensors and cameras, advanced safety features such as lane-keeping assist, Intelligent Adaptiove Cruise Control, and Evasive Steering Assist are all there to keep you fully in control of your vehicle no matter where you choose to drive. 

To find out more about the Bronco Raptor’s resilience in a crash you can view crash-test results via the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Then for vehicle safety ratings, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) website is pretty informative. 

Future of the Ford Bronco Raptor

The Bronco Raptor carries on mostly unchanged for the 2023 model year, and enters the year with the new Heritage Edition trim offering exclusive colors, white-painted wheel and perhaps a nod back to the days of old, a white top option. 

One possibility for the future of the Bronco Raptor is the development of additional powertrain options. While the current model is powered by a V6 engine, there is potential for the addition of hybrid or electric options as Ford moves towards a more sustainable future although rumour has it that an electric Bronco might not hit till at least 2029. 

Overall, the future of the Ford Bronco Raptor is bright, and it is likely that we will see continued innovation and improvements in this exciting off-road vehicle. As technology and customer needs continue to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Ford adapts the Bronco Raptor to stay at the forefront of the off-road market.

bronco raptor Specifications