Overview
Ford’s Bronco Raptor is a high-flying performance SUV that goes way beyond its off-road ancestor. Unlike the standard Bronco, the Raptor variant comes with a 418-hp twin-turbo V-6 engine, a Fox suspension system with greater off-road capability, and 37-inch all-terrain tires for maximum traction. Underneath, the Bronco Raptor has several protective skid plates, which should give you a hint as to what this monster is capable of. In our testing, the Bronco Raptor rocketed to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, and while our testing is completed on pavement, the Bronco Raptor is nearly as quick on almost all other terrains. Despite all this off-road capability, the Bronco Raptor is surprisingly refined on the road. Its extra-wide stance makes it more frustrating to park than a normal SUV, but otherwise, it delivers a smooth enough ride to serve as daily family transport. It’s this versatility that makes the Bronco Raptor a favorite among our editors.
Where This Vehicle Ranks
What’s New for 2024?
The ultimate Bronco receives a new Code Orange package for 2024. This appearance package includes orange and gray graphics that run up the SUV’s rear fender and onto the rear-most window. Elsewhere, you’ll find orange-colored tow hooks, hood graphics, orange seat belts, and 17-inch wheels with orange details. Besides the Code Orange package, 2024 also brings in two new colors for the Bronco Raptor—Shelter Green and Velocity Blue. A new 17-inch wheel option from Method Race Wheels is offered in a variety of colors including Oxford White, Method Bronze, and Matte Black.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The Bronco Raptor is offered exclusively in the four-door body style and a single trim level. Standard equipment includes a beefy EcoBoost V-6 powertrain, a stout drivetrain comprising a 10-speed automatic and 4.7 axle ratio, and all the off-roading goodies required to endow this flare-fendered machine with masterful off-road prowess. A powerful B&O audio system is standard and utilizes 10 speakers, including a sub-woofer. Buyers can elect to delete the subwoofer and downgrade to a system with reduced functionality or fewer speakers, which earns them a credit of $100 to $665 depending on which they choose. We’d elect to keep the more premium sound system so we can indulge in aural delights when we aren’t ripping through sand dunes or slogging through mud bogs. We’d also stick with the standard seats which are covered in marine-grade vinyl and the standard rubberized flooring as they make cleaning out the cabin much easier.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Ford didn’t put a V-8 in the Bronco Raptor, but it did manage to stuff a 418-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 that makes 440 pound-feet of torque under the hood. The engine pairs exclusively with a 10-speed automatic transmission and an advanced four-wheel-drive system that works in concert with selectable G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of terrain) modes. The Bronco Raptor also has an even beefier suspension setup than the standard version to best handle powering over sand dunes or jumping through the air, and it has a much wider track that’s set up for better high-speed stability. The Raptorized Bronco is equipped with Fox adaptive dampers from the F-150 Raptor as well as standard 37-inch BFGoodrich K02 all-terrain tires. It’s rated to tow up to 4500 pounds too. During our initial test drive, we were impressed with the Bronco Raptor’s off-road prowess both when bounding over bumpy terrain at speed and while crawling through rocky passes with the low-range gearing engaged. While the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 doesn’t have the same shove as the F-150 Raptor’s boosted 3.5-liter, it had enough punch to hit 60 mph in 5.6 seconds at our test track.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The Ford Bronco Raptor earns an EPA-estimated 15 mpg in the city and achieves just 16 mpg on the highway. That matches the estimated city mpg of the F-150 Raptor with 35-inch tires but is 2 mpg short of the big pickup’s highway rating. Compared to the 470-hp 6.4-liter V-8 Jeep Wrangler 392, the Bronco Raptor shows a marginal 2-mpg improvement in the city with a loss of 1 mpg on the highway. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, the Bronco Raptor surprised us by returning 17 mpg—1 mpg more than expected, but still thirsty. For more information about the Bronco Raptor’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Although it flaunts enhanced off-road abilities with a widened stance and massive flared fenders, the Bronco Raptor still shares its interior design and dimensions with the regular Bronco. That means it comes standard with rubberized flooring, marine-grade vinyl upholstery, and an overhead set of auxiliary toggles. Those who want a more luxurious cabin can opt for leather-trimmed seats. As with the regular Bronco, the Raptor also features removable body panels and specifically frameless doors that Ford claims are easy to unbolt. While it’s only available in a four-door configuration, the Raptor still enjoys all the innovative features found on other Bronco models, including exterior mirrors mounted on the base of the windshield that are still usable when the doors are taken off. Likewise, there’s a rack built into the top of its dashboard for smartphones and GoPros, which can be plugged into nearby 12-volt outlets, to be mounted there.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Bronco Raptor features Ford’s latest Sync 4 interface, with a large 12.0-inch touchscreen that’s mounted in the middle of the dashboard. The infotainment system comes with contemporary features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The most desirable options also include a powerful Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Bronco Raptor comes standard with Ford’s CoPilot 360 suite of driver-assistance technology, which includes basics such as automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Adaptive cruise control is optional. For more information about the Bronco Raptor’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features will likely include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Ford provides a competitive limited and powertrain warranty that aligns with most of its rivals. However, the company lacks the complimentary scheduled maintenance that Jeep offers.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
Specifications
2022 Ford Bronco Raptor
Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear/4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $70,095/$77,090
Options: Lux package (heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, wireless device charging, Bang & Olufsen sound system, navigation), $2695; leather trimmed front seats and carpet flooring, $2495; 17-inch beadlock capable cast aluminum wheels, $1695; keyless entry pad, $110
ENGINE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, iron-and-aluminum block and aluminum heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 180 in3, 2956 cm3
Power: 418 hp @ 5750 rpm
Torque: 440 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm
TRANSMISSION
10-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: control arms/live axle
Brakes, F/R: 13.8-in vented disc/13.2-in vented disc
Tires: BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2
LT37x12.5R-17 116S M+S TPMS FP
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 116.5 in
Length: 191.0 in
Width: 85.7 in
Height: 77.8 in
Passenger Volume: 104 ft3
Cargo Volume: 33 ft3
Curb Weight: 5764 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.6 sec
1/4-Mile: 14.4 sec @ 94 mph
100 mph: 16.5 sec
110 mph: 22.3 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.2 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.1 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.1 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 114 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 221 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 469 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.68 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 14 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 17 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 350 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 15/15/16 mpg
