Ford Ranger Raptor long-term test: report 3

In theory it's a lean, mean working machine, but we're living with the ultimate version of Ford's Ranger pick-up truck to see if it lives up to the hype...

Max Edleston

Published07 May 2024

The car Ford Ranger Raptor 2.0 EcoBlue 210 4WD auto | Run by Max Edleston, senior photographer

Why it’s here To provide grin-inducing entertainment and practicality in equal measure

Needs to be Unstoppable on-road or off-it, reasonably sensible to run, and practical enough to be used as a working vehicle

Mileage 5972 List price £57,064 Target Price £46,470 Price as tested £59,824 Test economy 25.5mpg Official economy 26.6mpg

7 May 2024 – Call of the wild

If you're a reader of outdoorsy magazines, you’ll be used to seeing pictures of happy campers who’ve been able to take in the beauty of nature by pitching their tent wherever their vehicle could take them. And while the rolling fields of Cheshire don’t quite compare with the Lake District or the Scottish Highlands, I still reckoned I could have that sort of experience with the help of my Ford Ranger Raptor.

My partner needed some convincing, but once I’d explained that my Raptor was large enough for us to bring along all of our home comforts, tough enough to take us to the kind of views you’d usually see on a postcard, and fun enough to make the journey feel like part of the holiday itself, she agreed to come along. I also promised we’d fit in a back-breaking hike – her favourite outdoors activity.

Opting for ‘wild’ camping meant we weren’t confined to traditional campsites, but I’ve learned from bitter experience that you can’t just turn up anywhere and pitch your tent. Luckily, a friend owns a farm in a particularly stunning part of Cheshire, and agreed to let us camp in one of his fields. With the Raptor’s load bed filled up with a tent, a camp bed, camping chairs, a gas stove and bottle, plus the essential food and drink, we were ready to get going.

I’ve noted previously that while the 2.0-litre diesel engine in my Raptor can’t match the performance of the 3.0-litre petrol alternative, it never feels short of breath. And its fuel economy is tolerable rather than ruinous.

On the motorway, my car felt as fast as ever – even loaded to the gunwales with luggage – and once we switched to country roads, I enjoyed threading this mighty pick-up through corners. The Raptor’s steering, while hefty, is always accurate, which means I don’t have to adjust it mid-corner. Meanwhile, my partner was happy that the Raptor’s taut body control didn’t cause her to spill her coffee.

I took advantage of the Raptor’s three-pin plug socket in the load bed on the journey, using it to power a small refrigerator that contained our dinner. It’s a shame the socket doesn’t provide power when the Raptor’s engine isn’t running, but it kept everything chilled en route.

Our designated field was accessed down a typically rutted farm track, which the Raptor took in its stride once I’d switched it from two to four-wheel drive. I was grateful for all the cameras on my car; these allowed me to watch for low-hanging branches and especially sharp rocks to avoid the risk of picking up damage.

Once in position next to a cheery overlook, I set about cooking dinner, using the Raptor’s tailgate as a makeshift countertop while my partner set up camp. And early the next morning, I made good on my promise by joining her on a sunrise hike through the countryside. We overestimated the dawn temperatures, however – which meant we were both grateful for the Raptor’s heated seats when we returned to camp.

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