Best 4x4 Ute EVER?! Ford Ranger Raptor 2023 review: On-road and off-road in the dual-cab pick-up 4K

Is the new 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor dual-cab pick-up truck the best ute ever? Well, that depends on what you expect a 4x4 ute to be able to do.

If you think a double cab truck should be able to rip through muddy paddocks, jump over obstacles, scream to 6000rpm and belt over terrain like a rally truck... all straight off the showroom floor? Then this is going to be the right vehicle for you.

That's because the Ford Ranger Raptor is unlike any other ute on the market. Some might offer serious off-road prowess, but none have been built from the ground up to be driven like this one has. And none have a 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 engine, 10-speed auto, and a range of drive modes including the bonkers Baja setup that is designed for one thing only - fun!

Just like the last one, it has a compromised payload and towing capacity compared to other mainstream utes, and as such, it won't be fit for purpose if you're a tradie or caravan enthusiast.

But if you've got the means, you won't be disappointed. Matt Campbell drove the New-Gen Ranger Raptor at the brand's launch event in Queensland recently, and he's still recovering from his time in it.

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Timecodes:

00:00 Intro
00:54 Driving - on-road
04:42 Under the bonnet
05:48 Driving - off-road
07:44 Efficiency
08:34 Pricing and features
09:16 Practicality
13:51 Safety
14:22 Ownership
15:03 Verdict

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CarsGuide - Go beyond the test drive

[johnbowerman]

Would love to have some sort of tray cover to be able to keep stuff clean, dry, and more secure even if as a factory option, and some roof rails (just to be able to mount an awning). I realise these could be added later aftermarket but at $85k the price differential over the wildtrak starts to blow out when you add on a couple of basic features for a Ute/4 wheel drive. Great review.

[fordj]

just the suspension i priced from arb is $2400 per corner the motor would b 20k. so if u start itemizing each component its not over priced at all. mine hopefully arrives this November

[PaulStewartAviation]

The new Ranger appears to replicate that 'Territory moment' where Ford Australia revolutionised that segment by providing a large-ish SUV at a very reasonable price. Great to see Ford Aus still doing well and fingers crossed the development team keep getting new projects as I'm sure they'll do well!

[audoinxr]

This is the XR6 turbo ute replacement I've wanted for years

[BrentHando]

I owned a 2020 HSV Sportscat with walkinshaw tune and quite a few aftermarket options. I know have a 2023 Raptor and love this ute all the way to the R. There could have been a few different smaller options that could have been better and upgraded but overall it is awesome.

[NickHey]

Awesome review! That said though, Thats a hell of a lot of fuel for a little range. It's a hell of a lot of money for essentially a turbo v6 on wheels.

[obsidian....]

It's also pretty obvious that this isn't meant for long haul duties. That's why they have the Wildtrak 👍

[bobbrown]

Definitely worth it, not a whole lot more than the previous version but vastly superior and corrected what 90% of people had a problem with on gen 1, power. You'll never please everyone though.

[peterbartley]

My mechanic told me not to buy a ranger but I like them especially the Raptors

[Flashpoint]

It is good to see that the Ranger has improved. I had a 2013 and it broke down on the road after 5 years of light use and regular maintenance. I switched to the Hilux and I have had no problems with the Hilux so far. Dependability and reliability are critical for me so the Hilux is still my preference. That said, it is good to see that the new Ranger is so much better.

[luiseduardorojasvalencia]

Se ve muy bonita y buena, Lastima que a Colombia no llegue, quedamos con las ganas de verla rodar

[ozevox]

my local yard has the previous gen for 92k so i guess this one will be every bit of 100k sitting on your driveway. if it is to be used as a tradie ute pulling a bit of weight i am guessing your fuel bill will be about 300 dollars a week sounds like fun

[MutsyChils]

My choice is the Wildtrack V6 but I can't ignore the Raptor
The joy of driving it on weekends and holidays would be worth the money
As a daily, the Wildtrack V6 is still my pick

[hughjohnstone]

Wouldnt be ideal for touring or those long getaways. Its an interesting vehicle but I feel this is more aimed at the cashed up weekenders towing a jetski and don't mind forking out a bit more for something with half as many trade-offs as there are advantages

[wheeman]

So, I'd like to point out something here.

Yes, the fuel consumption is high. BUT! With that, you can service, what? every 15, 000km rather than every 7500km for a diesel (realistically).
No having to worry about $1000 each injectors when they fail, no having to worry about an injector pump failing and costing $6k to replace.

At least at the moment, Petrol is cheaper than diesel and it's probably gunna stay that way for the foreseeable future.

Unless you're buying a diesel that's using 6L per 100. It's probably cheaper to run than my 200 series.

[MyZippy]

I got the Wildtrak and the Raptor! Hell why not👍🏻

[peterwestaway]

Hello. I purchased the Land Rover Discovery some 8 years ago as it was marketed as a vehicle that could do most things on and off road and it has (when it works).

I know this is a Ute however does this vehicle fall into that category? Peter W.

[darkswim]

I'm in Michigan, Fords home state, and I have to wait til the 2024 model for this Generation Ranger.

[LCOF]

This is probably the first car model I've had to visit Australian youtube channels to view content on. I wonder when this and the VW will come to UK/EU.

[dwightengle]

I bought the Iconic Silver Metallic. I'm 68 and having so much fun.