It’s no secret that Ford’s midsize pickup truck, the Ford Ranger, has been wildly successful in terms of sales. During the second quarter of 2022, the Ranger actually lost almost half a share in the segment. And that’s certainly not ideal for the Blue Oval. In fact, Ford’s smallest truck, the Maverick, currently outperforms its big brother when it comes to sales. Will something like the Ranger Raptor be enough to keep consumers buying this midsize truck again?
Will the United States get a Ford Ranger Raptor?
If you’re hoping Ford will Raptor-fy the Ranger, you’re in luck. The Blue Oval has plans to bring a more powerful Ranger to the United States. As a smaller truck, it definitely won’t be as capable as the F-150 Raptor, but that’s not really the point. It will be a midsize truck with legitimate off-road capability and a more aggressive look.
Although the Ranger Raptor has been available in other markets, it has not been sold here in the United States. And it’s hard not to see it becoming a popular midsize truck. Surely the blue oval hopes to help reinvigorate some interest in this vehicle. Maybe it’s the Ranger people have been waiting for.
The Ford Ranger Raptor will join the Raptor line of Ford vehicles, which currently includes the F-150 and Bronco. So it will be interesting to see if it lives up to the name.
The Ranger Raptor should have more power
In terms of power, the Ford Ranger Raptor is expected to come with a V6 twin-turbo engine. This 3-liter engine will likely make 392 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. That means it will have the same powertrain as the Ford Bronco Ranger.
According to car and driver, it will also feature standard 4WD, locking front and rear differentials, and beefier suspension. If you plan to take this midsize truck off-road, that’s probably good news. Even if you will have to pay a lot more than the standard Ranger.
Can Raptor nameplate boost Ranger sales?
reporting from ford authority shows that Ranger sales are down in the United States. In 2020, Ford managed to move more than 100,000 units and in 2022 that number has dropped to just under 60,000. But, there are a few factors to consider with those numbers.
Ford has put the Ranger on the back burner to fill orders for the Bronco, since both vehicles are built at the same location. Furthermore, the Blue Oval has not been immune to supply chain issues.
Add to that the fact that a new generation of Ford Ranger is coming to the United States; It makes sense that sales have taken a hit. Hopefully, with the arrival of the Ranger Raptor, we’ll see more of these midsize trucks on the road.
This truck may have shed some of its traditional truck features, but it still looks like a decent enough vehicle. And who doesn’t like an off-road truck in a small package?