Likes
- Class leading levels of off-roading ability
- Surprisingly good on-road comfort and compliance
- Exterior and interior wearing well
- Good levels of features and tech
Used Ford Ranger Raptor review
2018 - 2021
Dislikes
- A concerning range of mechanical issues arising
- Many have been driven very hard
- Underwhelming engine for a Raptor model
- Expensive for a used 4×4 ute
Stuff you should know
Available from 2018 to 2021 and from the factory in purely in 4×4 dual-cab ute or pick-up form, the Ranger Raptor is loaded with a host of bespoke and specific modifications and equipment when compared to the normal Ranger it is based on.
We’re talking tougher looks thanks to the Raptor body kit, aggressive font sticker pack and a host of off-road accessories, BF Goodrich All Terrain tyres wrapping 17” alloys hiding four-wheel disc brakes plus a wider track and suspension lift.
Under the skin the differences continue with a chassis engineered to handle some serious off-road antics thanks to the Raptor ditching the normal Rangers rear end leaf springs for coil-overs using a watt’s link setup and solid rear axle, stiffened side rails all controlled by arguably class leading Fox 2.5 shock absorbers.
However, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine and 10-speed automatic gearbox are the very same as those found in later and regular Ranger models and many complain that this engine simply doesn’t have the punch or character you’d expect from a power plant in a Raptor model.
In terms of variants within the Ranger Raptor line-up, here in Australia more features and extras were available via the Raptor X model however the differences to the normal Raptor are minimal.
Short of some extra graphics, black alloy wheels, a sports bar, front tow hooks and some smaller aesthetic additions, it is business as usual.
What goes wrong
Exterior:
It’s pretty good news, there aren’t any common problems as such, at least not any that are the Raptor’s fault.
We found that many owners, even after putting their Raptors through years of serious use with minimal washing or exterior care, are surprised at how robust these exteriors are.
However, the issues that we did find regarding the exterior were largely due to abuse, generally off-road or aftermarket equipment not being fitted correctly, hence why it is critical any accessories fitted actually work.
Interior:
Inside it’s a similar story. There are the very odd sporadic reports of the driver’s side armrest squeaking or window switches and random electronics playing up but we’re talking the odd report here and there, not common in comparison to how many Raptors have been sold.
Mechanically:
There is a distinct divide with the Raptor.
There are plenty of examples that have had virtually no problems at all, and the owners that love and adore them. And then, there are Raptors that have had a long list of significant problems and the owners despise them.
We’re talking fuel pumps, water pumps, turbo failures, wiring complications, EGR issues, and in some cases complete catastrophic engine failures.
But again, remember some have had and will have zero issues.
These 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engines have a timing belt, not a timing chain. However, this timing belt runs in oil, like a timing chain. Ford calls it a “BIO” belt which stands for Belt In Oil.
We find it interesting that oil has been the arch nemesis of timing belts since, well forever yet now Ford has one that is submerged in oil. Ford engineers claim that (like a timing chain) it should never need regular maintenance although we’ll see how that pans out in 10 years’ time, shall we?
The 10-speed automatic transmission has had its fair share of problems from the start with some of the issues being rectified with factory recalls and software updates and others that have had whole new transmissions fitted.
Interestingly, the service intervals on these transmissions are suggested at every 240,000km or 10 years. Even though these transmissions have a very clever filtration system, if you want it to last, our advice is to service it (and the differentials) at least every 100,000km.
The problem mechanically with the Ranger Raptor is with the owner’s experiences varying so much, it is very hard to predict long-term reliability. Like any used car, only consider a Ranger Raptor if it has low mileage and an impeccable service history.
Exterior:
It’s pretty good news, there aren’t any common problems as such, at least not any that are the Raptor’s fault.
We found that many owners, even after putting their Raptors through years of serious use with minimal washing or exterior care, are surprised at how robust these exteriors are.
However, the issues that we did find regarding the exterior were largely due to abuse, generally off-road or aftermarket equipment not being fitted correctly, hence why it is critical any accessories fitted actually work.
Interior:
Inside it’s a similar story. There are the very odd sporadic reports of the driver’s side armrest squeaking or window switches and random electronics playing up but we’re talking the odd report here and there, not common in comparison to how many Raptors have been sold.
Mechanically:
There is a distinct divide with the Raptor.
There are plenty of examples that have had virtually no problems at all, and the owners that love and adore them. And then, there are Raptors that have had a long list of significant problems and the owners despise them.
We’re talking fuel pumps, water pumps, turbo failures, wiring complications, EGR issues, and in some cases complete catastrophic engine failures.
But again, remember some have had and will have zero issues.
These 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engines have a timing belt, not a timing chain. However, this timing belt runs in oil, like a timing chain. Ford calls it a “BIO” belt which stands for Belt In Oil.
We find it interesting that oil has been the arch nemesis of timing belts since, well forever yet now Ford has one that is submerged in oil. Ford engineers claim that (like a timing chain) it should never need regular maintenance although we’ll see how that pans out in 10 years’ time, shall we?
The 10-speed automatic transmission has had its fair share of problems from the start with some of the issues being rectified with factory recalls and software updates and others that have had whole new transmissions fitted.
Interestingly, the service intervals on these transmissions are suggested at every 240,000km or 10 years. Even though these transmissions have a very clever filtration system, if you want it to last, our advice is to service it (and the differentials) at least every 100,000km.
The problem mechanically with the Ranger Raptor is with the owner’s experiences varying so much, it is very hard to predict long-term reliability. Like any used car, only consider a Ranger Raptor if it has low mileage and an impeccable service history.
Exterior:
It’s pretty good news, there aren’t any common problems as such, at least not any that are the Raptor’s fault.
We found that many owners, even after putting their Raptors through years of serious use with minimal washing or exterior care, are surprised at how robust these exteriors are.
However, the issues that we did find regarding the exterior were largely due to abuse, generally off-road or aftermarket equipment not being fitted correctly, hence why it is critical any accessories fitted actually work.
Interior:
Inside it’s a similar story. There are the very odd sporadic reports of the driver’s side armrest squeaking or window switches and random electronics playing up but we’re talking the odd report here and there, not common in comparison to how many Raptors have been sold.
Mechanically:
There is a distinct divide with the Raptor.
There are plenty of examples that have had virtually no problems at all, and the owners that love and adore them. And then, there are Raptors that have had a long list of significant problems and the owners despise them.
We’re talking fuel pumps, water pumps, turbo failures, wiring complications, EGR issues, and in some cases complete catastrophic engine failures.
But again, remember some have had and will have zero issues.
These 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engines have a timing belt, not a timing chain. However, this timing belt runs in oil, like a timing chain. Ford calls it a “BIO” belt which stands for Belt In Oil.
We find it interesting that oil has been the arch nemesis of timing belts since, well forever yet now Ford has one that is submerged in oil. Ford engineers claim that (like a timing chain) it should never need regular maintenance although we’ll see how that pans out in 10 years’ time, shall we?
The 10-speed automatic transmission has had its fair share of problems from the start with some of the issues being rectified with factory recalls and software updates and others that have had whole new transmissions fitted.
Interestingly, the service intervals on these transmissions are suggested at every 240,000km or 10 years. Even though these transmissions have a very clever filtration system, if you want it to last, our advice is to service it (and the differentials) at least every 100,000km.
The problem mechanically with the Ranger Raptor is with the owner’s experiences varying so much, it is very hard to predict long-term reliability. Like any used car, only consider a Ranger Raptor if it has low mileage and an impeccable service history.
Should you buy it?
Overall, and for the majority, if you have the financial means to justify the current asking prices and to maintain a Raptor accordingly, and you’ve found the right example, it’s a yes, you should buy a Raptor. The Raptor, even when used, is still an awesome thing, they’re not perfect, but still, awesome.
But, as our “What Goes Wrong?” Section shows, buying even a really good Raptor, can be a gamble.
However, for a few of you, it’s actually a no you shouldn’t buy a Raptor.
This is not so much due to the Raptor itself, but more accurately, it’s regarding the reasons some buy a Ranger Raptor in the first place.
Unfortunately, many people buying Raptors are buying them purely for the tough and rugged image they portray and if you’re buying a big off-road focused dual cab ute, like a Raptor, as purely an image statement and you have little to no intention to go off-road in it, that’s very disappointing.
As tempting as the Raptor may be, dropping nearly $100,000 on a tough looking ute is not going to fill any enormous gaps in personality.
Overall, and for the majority, if you have the financial means to justify the current asking prices and to maintain a Raptor accordingly, and you’ve found the right example, it’s a yes, you should buy a Raptor. The Raptor, even when used, is still an awesome thing, they’re not perfect, but still, awesome.
But, as our “What Goes Wrong?” Section shows, buying even a really good Raptor, can be a gamble.
However, for a few of you, it’s actually a no you shouldn’t buy a Raptor.
This is not so much due to the Raptor itself, but more accurately, it’s regarding the reasons some buy a Ranger Raptor in the first place.
Unfortunately, many people buying Raptors are buying them purely for the tough and rugged image they portray and if you’re buying a big off-road focused dual cab ute, like a Raptor, as purely an image statement and you have little to no intention to go off-road in it, that’s very disappointing.
As tempting as the Raptor may be, dropping nearly $100,000 on a tough looking ute is not going to fill any enormous gaps in personality.
Should you buy it?
Overall, and for the majority, if you have the financial means to justify the current asking prices and to maintain a Raptor accordingly, and you’ve found the right example, it’s a yes, you should buy a Raptor. The Raptor, even when used, is still an awesome thing, they’re not perfect, but still, awesome.
But, as our “What Goes Wrong?” Section shows, buying even a really good Raptor, can be a gamble.
However, for a few of you, it’s actually a no you shouldn’t buy a Raptor.
This is not so much due to the Raptor itself, but more accurately, it’s regarding the reasons some buy a Ranger Raptor in the first place.
Unfortunately, many people buying Raptors are buying them purely for the tough and rugged image they portray and if you’re buying a big off-road focused dual cab ute, like a Raptor, as purely an image statement and you have little to no intention to go off-road in it, that’s very disappointing.
As tempting as the Raptor may be, dropping nearly $100,000 on a tough looking ute is not going to fill any enormous gaps in personality.
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Models, pricing & features
Tech specs
Body style:
- 4-door dual cab (double cab) ute
Engines:
- 2.0 litre 4-cylinder bi-turbo diesel
Power:
- 157kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder bi-turbo diesel
Torque:
- 500Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder bi-turbo diesel
Transmission & drivetrains:
- 10-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive (4×4)
Fuel consumption:
- 8.2L/100km (combined)
Length:
- 5398mm
Width:
- 2028mm
Height:
- 1873mm
Kerb weight:
- 2332kg
Towing (braked/unbraked):
- 2500/750kg
Body style:
- 4-door dual cab (double cab) ute
Engines:
- 2.0 litre 4-cylinder bi-turbo diesel
Power:
- 157kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder bi-turbo diesel
Torque:
- 500Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder bi-turbo diesel
Transmission & drivetrains:
- 10-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive (4×4)
Fuel consumption:
- 8.2L/100km (combined)
Length:
- 5398mm
Width:
- 2028mm
Height:
- 1873mm
Kerb weight:
- 2332kg
Towing (braked/unbraked):
- 2500/750kg
Body style:
- 4-door dual cab (double cab) ute
Engines:
- 2.0 litre 4-cylinder bi-turbo diesel
Power:
- 157kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder bi-turbo diesel
Torque:
- 500Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder bi-turbo diesel
Transmission & drivetrains:
- 10-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive (4×4)
Fuel consumption:
- 8.2L/100km (combined)
Length:
- 5398mm
Width:
- 2028mm
Height:
- 1873mm
Kerb weight:
- 2332kg
Towing (braked/unbraked):
- 2500/750kg
Warranty & servicing
Warranty:
5 years/unlimited kms
Servicing:
12 months/15,000kms
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of November 11, 2022.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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