This is the test I have been waiting for, bringing the most off-road capable Ford Bronco, the Raptor, out to my favorite testing grounds of Barnwell Mountain just outside of Gilmer, Texas. Is this everything I hoped it would be, or is it a bit of a letdown?
It really is good!!! The best that Ford has to offer in the midsize off-road segment, besting even the upcoming Ranger Raptor. Though, there is not much “mid-sized” about its overall size and stance. At over 80” wide, it is still limited out on the trails because of the increased width of the front and rear over fenders.
Designed for off-road racing in places like Baja, the Raptor is not the best at exploring tight trails, though we were able to tackle some obstacles in this Bronco that we have not attempted in any other tester sent our way. Thanks to the improved approach, breakover, and departure angles, 13.1 inches of ground clearance, and the 37-inch tall BFG K02 tires, the Bronco Raptor was a beast in our time with it off-road. Not only did it make quick work of our “Twister” test trail and our different articulation tests, but it is the only vehicle we have attempted to tackle the rock garden with as well as the only vehicle to take up a more treacherous section at the top of “Truth or Insane.”
The shorter wheelbase of the Bronco versus some of the big full-size pickups we have brought out here as of late meant it was more maneuverable than I had anticipated, though at over 85 inches of overall width, we were still limited in what we could do. My favorite trail at Barnwell Mountain, Linda Gail, is just too narrow for something this wide. This thing is happiest in wide open spaces where you can really test out the long-travel suspension and let that EcoBoost V6 sing.
Another thing I like about the Bronco Raptor is that you can run in 2WD to have fun. With its 2-speed electronic transfer case and seven G.O.A.T. modes, there is also a preset driving mode for almost any occasion. If you don’t quite like any of them, customize your own by selecting for yourself what wheels get power, which axel is locked, and how much articulation you need up front with the disconnectable front stabilizer bar. Steering wheel buttons allow you to select the suspension dampening, exhaust settings, and steering quickness as well.
The Bronco Raptor really had everything I would want, shy of a V8 growl. The doors and roof are also easy to remove if you aren’t suffering in a hot July sun in Texas, making this a convertible off-road beast as well. This could easily be one of the best off-road vehicles I have ever taken out to Barnwell for testing, had Ford not promised me the V8-powered F-150 Raptor R immediately following the loan of this Bronco. Stay tuned for that review.
The only thing I really winced at in my time with the Bronco Raptor was the fuel economy and the price. At just over $81,000 as tested, and a comparable 2023 model going for north of $97,000, you really have to invest in the opportunity to enjoy something like this in its element. Not only are you forking over nearly six figures for the purchase of the vehicle, but keeping the tank full, and fresh tires on it means you will need to have some deep pockets.
While I would love to own something like this, I will hold the memories of my week in this one with me for a while. It clearly checks a lot of boxes for a fun vehicle both off-road and on, but there are some steep prices to pay for that kind of performance. If you have the means, I recommend checking one out for yourself.
2022 Ford Bronco Raptor Specs:
3.0L Ecoboost V6 Engine
418 Horsepower
440 lb-ft of Torque
10-speed Automatic Transmission
2-speed Transfer Case 4x4 with Automatic On-demand Engagement
High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension (HOSS) 4.0 System
FOX Live Valve Shocks with Position-sensitive Damping
FOX 3.1 Internal Bypass Semi-Active Dampers Uniquely Tuned at the Front and Rear
Integrated Reservoirs in Front
Remote reservoirs in Rear.
Approach Angle: 47.2º
Breakover Angle: 30.8º
Departure Angle: 40.5º
Ground Clearance: 13.1 inches
Maximum Water Fording Depth: 37 inches
Full Underbody Protection, including:
Engine
Transfer Case
Fuel Tank
Shin Guards
Front Bash Plate
Seven G.O.A.T. Modes
Normal
Slippery
Tow/Haul
Sport
Off-Raod
Rock Crawl
Baja
Electronic-Locking Rear Axle
Electronic-Locking Front Axle
Front Stabilizer Bar Disconnect
Trail Control
Trail Turn Assist
Heavy-duty Powder-coated Modular Steel Front Bumper
Four-wheel Disc Brakes
17-inch Dark Carbonized Gray Alloy Painted, Beadlock Capable Forged Wheels
37x12-inch BFGoodrich K02 All-Terrain Tires
Seating for 5
Heated Front Seats
Leather and Suede Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Upgraded Digital Gauge Cluster
12-inch SYNC® 4 Infotainment Screen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control
LED Headlights
LED Taillights
Blind Spot Information System with Cross-traffic Alert
Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
Lane-Keeping System Includes:
Lane-keeping Alert
Lane-keeping Assist
Driver Alert
Rearview Camera with Backup Assist Grid Lines
35.6 Cubic Feet of Rear Cargo (without optional slide-out tailgate)
77.6 Cubic Feet of Cargo with Rear Seats Folded
Proximity Key with Push Button Start
EPA Fuel Economy 15/16/15 (city/hwy/cmb)
Starting Price: $68,500
Price As Tested: $81,085
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