2024 Ford Ranger Raptor

2024 Ford Ranger Raptor - Design Review

​​OVERALL GRADE = C+
​AVERAGE

Front End: C+
    Good: No Damage from Rocks
    Bad: Still has cheap plastic
Rear End: C+
    Good: Naming rights
    Bad: Lighting accents
Side: C+
    Good: Business rims
    Bad: Cheap looking air duct
Overall Appeal: B-
    Good: Powerful, brute force
    Bad: Baby Raptor Image​

​​​​​​​​​Score: 59.28%
Grade: C+
Rating: AVERAGE
AutoLooks Rating: 5.9 out of 10

Front End: 56.31%
Rear End: 56.08%
Side: 58.64%
Overall Appeal: 66.09%

AutoLooks Buy List: YES
Recommended Tuner: YES
Trent Setter: YES
Future Classic: YES
Stock Value: INCREASE

                Again, is seems that its home market was left behind, as Europe got to bathe in the rewards of a mid-sized Raptor.  We are one of the few full-size markets from around the world, but why with the release of the Ranger, would we not receive its Raptor variation?  Safety was the key here, as the previous model did not meet our regulations for the North American marketplace.  But all of that has changed with the new generation, as the Raptor is set to finally grace our shores.
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                Sure, who needs a mid-size truck in our Full-Size market, but apparently some of us want them.  While the rest of the world fights over mid-sized trucks, we 

bask in the fruits of the full-size marketplace and due to this, this market is just more of a money maker than the mid-size market.  So, for us not receiving the last iteration of the Ranger Raptor was not a slap in the face, it was a response to what sells here.

                European markets have been able to grace in the glory of the updated Ranger since 2021 as North America has had to sit on the sidelines and wait.  Again, the mid-size market is bigger on the other side of the pond, so its just more fitting that Europe gets the new mid-size truck before we do.  But with the release of the new Ranger Raptor, it seems a bit off that this world truck took nearly two (2) years to hit our shores.
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                As the mid-size market is starting to gain traction again, it seemed a bit off that Ford would make us wait for a product which would make them more money.  This could have been due to the fact that they were still making money off of the existing Ranger.  So, why dump a product when its still making money, is really what Ford thought.  But times have finally changed and the new Raptor is finally coming our way and it seems just in time to stop GM and Toyota in their tracks.

                Up front the new Raptor seems to be more of a downgraded version of its bigger brother, as the new Ranger design borrows heavily from its big brother.  Expected are the cowl hood, flat plastic grille and oversized, 3D Ford name, strewn across the front.  Added to this are the oversized wrap around the centre accent lights and a basic protruding plastic bumper. 

                  One main area which is a bit our of the norm, well at least for a Ranger, is the oversized skid plate complete with tow hooks.  This may not seem like much as its bigger brother has one as well, but it will come in handy when punching through the back roads.  Added to this are a limited amount creases which make it easy to shake off the mud and clean up when the fun is done.  Too bad you will be digging out mud from your tow hooks though.

                 We would like to request that Ford update their choice of fog lights.  Seeing that this could be something which we may require in the bush, they could have been a bit bigger and blended a bit better.  Small round inset lights will add to your cleaning time along with not helping you see any better.  Add to this a need for some extra lighting and a winch placement and the Ranger Raptor still has some issues up front.
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                  Running down the size the wide wheel arches, similar to its sibling, help you differentiate this Ranger from its counterparts.  Ford again has decided to go with over extruded plastic flares, which overtake from the subtle looks of the wide arches.  Flatter may be better here, as the arches really need some extra attention.
Similar to its Bronco and F-150 counterparts, Ford has decided to add on a cheap exit port.  Better integration and a larger size would be highly helpful here and help reduce on cleanup time as well.  Cheap is cheap and this part is not in any way something which looks fitting for this vehicle.
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                The Raptor seems to emulate what the Cybertruck had started, as their rim design protrudes from the rubber which surrounds it.  This is an odd feature, as most companies want to inset their rims.  Good for cleanup, but bad for layout, as they seem a bit cheap and off from what you would expect to find on a product from this price range.
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        Out back nothing much is different than what you would expect from a performance truck.  Blacked out lights, flat plastic moldings attached to a steel bumper and a complete lack of chrome accents.  The lack of accents is fitting for a performance model, but the blacked-out lights could use some attention.

               Attempting to make the lights 3D, Ford has failed, as the outline of the standard lights is still visible.  Removal of the blacked-out space and replacing it with a body panel, would help this fixture stand out more.  The same could be said about the Ford logo, as it stands out too from the tailgate.  Removal of the plastic shim is definitely required.

              The one great aspect which Ford has added onto the Raptor are the dual exhaust ports.  This is something which is missing from most pickup trucks.  Side or hidden exhaust ports the standard in the industry, but we should move over to rear feature, as the combustion engine is on its way out and we would like to see the power it still has while its still here.

                 All around the appeal of the Ranger Raptor is there, if you want a smaller version of the F-150.  This could be a selling point for those of us in urban environments, but out on the bush, this is not something we care about.  Only money will make the difference, as most of the key features from its bigger brother are here.  From its protruding grille name to the Raptor decal, the Ranger Raptor has it all.  Just in a smaller size.

Everett J.
​#autolooks

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