Ford Ranger Raptor in SA

Pricing for the fully imported Ford Ranger Raptor has been revealed. Image: Ford.

Ford Ranger Raptor in SA: Here’s how much it will set you back

The new fully imported model finally gets its SA price tag. Here’s all you need to know about the Ford Ranger Raptor in SA.

Ford Ranger Raptor in SA

Pricing for the fully imported Ford Ranger Raptor has been revealed. Image: Ford.

Okay, we won’t keep you in suspense any longer now that the Ford Ranger Raptor is in SA. It costs a cool R1 094 900. A million bucks for the top of the line Ranger Raptor, is that crazy money or right on the money for Ford’s most badass bakkie? Be sure to let us know in the comments below.

Ford Ranger Raptor in SA: How does it compare?

Ford Ranger Raptor in SA
Ford Ranger Raptor in SA. Image: Ford.

Now that the Ranger Raptor is imported from Thailand, the motor beneath the bonnet is different. Since it was first introduced in SA in 2019, it made do with a wheezy 2,0-litre twin-turbodiesel producing 157 kW and 500 Nm. Pleasingly economical, but no great shakes in the oomph department.

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In 2023, Ford Performance has gone for the V6 3,0-litre twin-turbo petrol with 292 kW and 583 Nm. The result is very nearly double the power output and a chunky 83 Nm of more torque. But at what cost to fuel consumption?

Ford Ranger Raptor in SA: What else should I know?

The Ford Ranger Raptor is now a fully imported model from Thailand. Image: Ford.

Ford thought an anti-lag system which keeps the turbos spinning for up to three seconds after backing off the throttle would be a good idea. This only kicks in when Baja mode is operational on the drive selector, just by the way.

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Transmission wise, Ford’s excellent 10-speed automatic transmission has been recalibrated, and each selectable driving mode is programmed with a unique profile. Unlike the previous Ranger Raptor, it will default to permanent four-wheel drive, although there is a rear-wheel-only setting for when the need to misbehave overcomes you.

Tell me about the chassis and suspension

Heavy-duty shocks and the best off-road rubber in the business. Image: Ford.

A standout feature on the previous Ranger Raptor, the suspension is something to definitely highlight.
The bespoke Fox dampers have been completely redesigned using lightweight aluminium upper and lower control arms. They major in long-travel both front and rear, and the Watts link rear-end – very sophisticated for a bakkie – has been tweaked, too.

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Underbody protection comes courtesy of a front bash plate that’s twice the size of the standard Ranger’s – 2,3 mm steel – protecting the vulnerable radiator, steering system, engine sump and front differential. Under those flared fenders are 17-inch alloys wearing 285/70 R17 BF Goodrich all-terrain KO2s.

Ford Ranger Raptor in SA: The verdict

There you have it, more of everything for the fully imported Ford Ranger Raptor in SA. The twin-turbo petrol engine takes performance to new heights but it will almost certainly up the fuel consumption, too.

In light of that, we wonder if the recently launched Ranger Wildtrak 3,0-litre V6 turbodiesel, priced just below the R1 million mark at R953 500, is not the more prudent choice. What do you think?

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