2024 Ford Ranger gets turbo V6, new off-road Raptor trim

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To absolutely no one’s surprise, Ford has just announced its all-new Ranger midsized pickup will be landing in dealerships very soon. And not only is the base model completely revised, even boasting a new engine, but there’s also a range-topping Raptor version with tonnes of horsepower, a suspension worthy of the Baja 1000, and a price tag to match that of a luxury sports car.

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Let’s start with the high-volume standard Ranger. Although it was only released in North America four short years ago — short, at least, in truck lifetimes — the current Ranger has been on sale elsewhere for almost a decade. So it was indeed in need of a refresh.

If you’re looking for the Ranger’s inspiration, look no further than the company’s sister ship, the Bronco. The new Ranger is built on an updated version of Ford’s T6 body-on-frame, but widened and stretched — by about 50 millimetres in both dimensions — for more roominess and stability. The former is also why the shocks and shock mounts have been moved outboard of the frame rails. Ford now also boasts superior ground clearance and better approach and departure angles for the entire Ranger lineup.

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More dramatic changes await in the engine compartment. Yes, the EcoBoost 2.3-litre inline-four soldiers on pretty much unchanged, but now on offer is Ford’s much-acclaimed 2.7 turbocharged V6, in this guise good for 315 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. It’s hooked up to Ford’s 10-speed Selectshift automatic, and all Canadian Rangers will feature an electronically-controlled shift-on-the-fly 4×4 system.

Ford hasn’t forgotten to upgrade the interior niceties. According to the press missives, materials and textures have been upgraded, fit and finish improved, and there’s more “purposeful” technology. That means an available full-screen 12.4-inch instrument cluster, which can be paired with an available 12-inch centre touchscreen running Ford’s 4A version of SYNC. A 4G LTE modem is standard, and wireless charging is available.

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There are also new and improved in-cabin storage cubbyholes, including a large centre console storage bin, big door pockets designed for quick access to frequently used tools and other items, and an available second, upper glovebox to store even more gear. And finally, to help set up camps late at night, Ranger is available with Zone Lighting that can be controlled through the in-vehicle touchscreen or FordPass App. Bed lighting is also available to help owners find their gear in the dark.

Said bed, meanwhile, is available with Integrated Box Side Step behind the rear tires, large and strong enough, says Ford, to fit both feet. There’s also an available 400-watt power inverter with an outlet in the bed to heat a grill or other tailgating necessities; or to power a high-pressure air compressor for filling tires; or to energize power tools for the trail or job site. The redesigned tailgate also doubles as a workbench, with an integrated ruler and clamp pockets. Those 50-mils of increased track width also make the bed more than four feet wide between the wheel wells, often needed as ATVs and the like grow ever bigger.

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The new Ranger will be available this summer — though you’re looking at late fall availability for the 2.7L EcoBoost version — and will start at $41,255.

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Of course, the big news for high-performance off-roaders is the appearance of a Raptor version of the Ranger. First up in the news department is a new-to-Ranger EcoBoost 3.0-litre V6 boasting no less than 405 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. Performance features abound, including an anti-turbo-lag system that keeps the twin turbos spinning for up to three seconds after the driver lets off the gas, the better to maximize throttle response in racing situations.

Making sure there’s a gear to maximize that always-ready EcoBoost thrust is a 10-speed automatic transmission — with cast magnesium steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, no less. It’s all hooked up to a four-wheel-drive system with a new electronically-controlled on-demand two-speed transfer case, combined with front and rear locking differentials.

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See how the Ford Ranger compares to rivals on paper

But that’s only the start of the Ranger’s transformation into full-blown Raptor. Even more impressive are Ford’s modifications to the chassis, starting with the frame itself: it’s fully boxed, underpinnings now reinforced with new front frame rails, front shock towers, rear shock brackets, and suspension mounting points. The front upper and lower control arms, meanwhile, are made of aluminum for reduced unsprung weight — making it easier for the dampers to absorb Baja-sized bumps — while the rear suspension uses a Watts linkage and trailing arms for longer travel and greater control.

The dampers are, of course, purpose-built. In this case, they are Fox 2.5-inch Live Valve Internal Bypass shocks with coil-overs up front; and piggy-back reservoirs in the back. Both carry Teflon-infused damping oil to reduce stiction and minimize temperature degradation when really flying off-road.

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It’s all managed by something Fox calls its Live Valve Internal Bypass system. Essentially, it alters damping curves based on the Raptor’s Drive Modes, which include Normal, Tow/Haul, Sport, Slippery, Off-Road, Rock Crawl, and Baja. Each mode also “tunes” throttle response, transmission shifting points, ABS calibration, traction control, and steering feel. It even alters an active exhaust valve for different noise levels, presumably with Baja mode the most, uhm, enthusiastic.

It all comes together with aggressive 33-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain KO3 tires running on 17-inch wheels under flared fenders with functional vents. Bead-lock-capable wheels are available for running extra-low tire pressures in sand and tricky rocky conditions. And, if the terrain gets seriously gnarly, Ranger Raptor also sports serious underbody protection, with a high-strength steel front bash plate as well as dedicated engine, transfer case and fuel tank shields. In other words, Raptor is ready to dominate the dirt.

Ford’s order book for the baby Raptor will open up later this month, with deliveries slated to start in late summer 2023. Prices start at — wait for it — $77,805. Boasting the fastest Ranger ever does not come cheap.