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The smaller sibling to the full-size F-150 Raptor is a stylish, capable and rugged mid-size pickup for adventures and more.

Ford was already on a roll with the launch of the F-150 Raptor and since then, the range got expanded with the addition of the recent Ford Bronco Raptor and the Ford Ranger Raptor. It may be a smaller pickup, but the Ranger Raptor shines as both a lifestyle vehicle and a more rugged machine for off-grid adventures and off-road missions.

Although the Ranger's return was pretty recent by automobile standards the Raptor didn't take long to arrive and wow the public. In addition to being an aspirational mini-F150-Raptor, it also offers a proven powertrain and perhaps enough image to entice potential buyers away from other automakers such as General Motors.

Note: While we wait for official word from consumers on the upcoming Ranger Raptor, HotCars' 'Costs, Facts, And Figures' rating defaults to 1 out of 10. Once we start fielding what owners think of this upcoming vehicle, we'll be sure to update the score to reflect what drivers think.

As you might suspect, the unit powering the Ford Ranger Raptor is a turbocharged unit; but that’s not a bad thing. Although the Ranger Raptor is not yet on sale and slated to arrive at some point as a 2023 model, it will likely come with the twin-turbocharged 3-liter V6 that is also shared with the Ford Bronco Raptor, possibly making around 392 hp and 430 lb-ft. This proven unit is punchy and relatively fuel-efficient – leagues ahead of the older, go-to naturally-aspirated V8s that used to be more ubiquitous. Many will disagree – and perhaps they have a point – the smaller turbo engine lacks the sounds and character of a V8 or large-capacity V6, but with a circa-10-second 0-60 mph time and bags of torque it should be capable on and off the road.

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With an updated and beefier chassis and suspension setup, the Ranger Raptor should be better off-road and judging by the F-150 Raptor and Bronco Raptor it will be the real deal.

According to the general Ford press release regarding the European Ranger Raptor: “(The Ranger Raptor will feature) - seven selectable drive modes and re-engineered suspension featuring Ford Performance-developed FOX® 2.5-inch Live Valve internal bypass shock absorbers. (Also an) advanced new full-time four-wheel drive system includes electronically‑controlled on-demand two-speed transfer case and locking front and rear differentials.”

The suspension system features “All-new, tough yet lightweight, aluminum upper and lower control arms, long‑travel front and rear suspension” plus there’s under body protection for when things get real off the beaten track. It’s higher than the standard Ranger too, and boasts extra ground clearance to go with the big 33” off-road tires. As comes as no surprise, the front-engine motor runs through the same 10-speed automatic as the Bronco Raptor and there’s no manual transmission option – AWD is standard though and this drivetrain should be solid and proven.

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Ford knows that one of the major selling points with the Ranger Raptor, like its siblings, will be the design and image just as much as its technical ability. It should look rugged, modern and suit people who are looking for a ‘lifestyle vehicle’ – something which it does while mimicking the flagship look of the F-150 Raptor. Upfront, it’s a departure for the Ranger’s design since the 2019 return of the pickup, gone are the typical headlamps and the F-150’s black, plasticky grill gets borrowed along with the interestingly-shaped headlamp units.

As Ford puts it: “Flared wheel arches and C-clamp headlight designs emphasize the pickup’s width, while bold F-O-R-D lettering on the grille and the tough separate bumper add more visual muscle.

Inside, the theme continues to emphasize Ranger Raptor’s off-road performance and high‑energy nature. The cabin features all-new, jet fighter-inspired sports seats in the front and rear to increase comfort and offer more support during high-speed cornering.

The Code Orange accents on the instrument panel, trim and seats get mirrored by Ranger Raptor’s ambient lighting, which bathes the interior in an amber glow. A premium leather sports heated steering wheel with thumb swells, on-centre marking and cast-magnesium paddle shifters completes the sporty feel”. You also get a 12” center-mounted infotainment screen and a 12.4” digital cluster to ensure that the cabin feels modern, impressive and practical; nowadays, the size of your screen is as important as your ground clearance, even in an off-road-friendly pickup.

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With the top-of the range Ford Ranger Lariat costing almost $38,000, the Raptor is likely to cost a significant premium over the former. On Ford’s website, the Ford Bronco Wildtrak costs around $50,000-51,000 depending on the 2-door or 4-door layout; the flagship Everglades trim level costs a whopping $53,000 and the Ford Bronco Raptor around $68,500 before options. At $15,000 extra, the Raptor in the Ranger range might cost $53,000 if it follows the same pricing trend.

The base Ranger makes do with a 2.3-liter turbocharged engine and 270 hp / 310 lb-ft of torque – as such, the 40% increase in power and torque may well make a big difference to those who require the most from their Ranger in demanding situations. Then there’s the question of style and image, which is subjective; but there’s no denying the charisma of the baby Raptor.

Hailing from Britain, the home of both MG and Aston Martin, Dave is no stranger to sports cars. Or a little rain. When he's not busy working his day-job or writing songs and pretending to be a musician; Dave indulges his obsession with cars by writing and researching diligently, so that he can inform and convert other people to the dark side.