Ford Ranger Raptor history, from the 2018 diesel to the 405 hp US truck

Ford Ranger Raptor history

Ford Performance's first Ranger Raptor was revealed in Thailand in February 2018 for markets including Asia-Pacific, with Europe following in 2019. It used a bi-turbo version of Ford's 2.0-liter EcoBlue diesel, rated at 157 kW (213 PS) and 500 Nm, and a 10-speed automatic, with FOX shocks and a coil-sprung Watt's-link rear in place of the regular Ranger's leaf springs.

That diesel truck never came to the US. The next-generation Ranger Raptor did: Ford announced the US model in May 2023, opened orders that month and scheduled availability for the first quarter of 2024. A pre-production truck had already won the stock midsize class of the Baja 1000.

The US Ranger Raptor uses a twin-turbo 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 with 405 hp and 430 lb-ft, 2.5-inch FOX Live Valve internal-bypass shocks, front and rear locking differentials, and 33-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires on 17-inch wheels.[1],[2],[3],[4]

Years and production numbers

Generations and key variants

Engine and drivetrain facts

• Ford's spec sheet lists the US truck's 3.0L EcoBoost as a twin-turbocharged, intercooled V6 with a compacted-graphite-iron block, aluminum heads and direct injection, recommending 91-octane fuel.
• An anti-lag system keeps the turbochargers spinning for up to three seconds after the driver lifts in Baja mode, so boost is ready when the throttle is reapplied.
• The first-generation diesel Ranger Raptor used a bi-turbo 2.0-liter EcoBlue four-cylinder rated at 213 PS and 500 Nm.
• Ford rates the 2025 Ranger Raptor at 5,510 lb maximum towing and 1,411 lb maximum payload, with a 5,325 lb curb weight.

Sources:[1],[2],[3]

What changed, generation by generation

1. 2018First Ranger Raptor revealed in Thailand with a 2.0L bi-turbo diesel, FOX shocks and a Watt's-link coil rear suspension.
2. 2019First-generation Ranger Raptor reaches Europe.
3. Before launchA pre-production next-generation Ranger Raptor wins the stock midsize class of the Baja 1000.
4. May 2023Ford announces the US Ranger Raptor; orders open later that month.
5. 2024 model yearUS availability begins with the 405 hp 3.0L EcoBoost V6, 2.5-inch FOX Live Valve shocks and 33-inch tires.

Sources:[1],[3],[4]

What to check before you buy one

• In the US, every Ranger Raptor sold new is a 2024-or-newer truck with the 3.0L EcoBoost V6; the diesel Raptor was never sold here.
• Ask whether the Ford Performance calibration (455 hp / 536 lb-ft) has been installed and get the paperwork.
• Inspect the FOX Live Valve shocks for leaks, plus skid plates, control arms and the frame for signs of hard off-road use.
• Check whether the truck has the optional beadlock-capable wheels, and that the tires are the factory 33-inch LT285/70R17 size.
• Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and ask a Ford dealer to confirm open campaigns and software updates have been completed.

Model-specific problems by generation are tracked on our Ford Ranger known issues page.

How to verify a Ford Ranger Raptor's factory options

Ranger Raptors are well equipped as standard, so packages and options such as the beadlock-capable wheels and the technology packages are what separate one truck from another. The factory build record shows exactly which ones a truck was ordered with.