Ford's newest Bronco SUV is a 400-horsepower, desert-shredding machine. See the $70,000 Bronco Raptor.
Advertisement
Tim LevinJan 26, 2022, 00:06 IST
Advertisement
Ford on Monday unveiled what it's calling its most "badass" Bronco SUV yet: the Bronco Raptor.
The long-rumored Bronco model will go on sale later this year starting at around $70,000, $40,000 more than the base Bronco.
Advertisement
The regular Bronco joined Ford's lineup last year as a 4x4, off-road-capable SUV that takes aim at the Jeep Wrangler. Before 2021, the iconic Bronco name had been gone since 1996.
It's already proven extremely popular thanks to its off-roading chops and boxy, throwback looks.
Advertisement
The Bronco Raptor gets a slew of upgrades that ready it for high-speed desert racing and steep rock climbing.
Raptor is the name Ford uses for high-performance, off-road versions of the F-150 in the US and Ranger pickup in other markets. Now the Bronco is getting the same treatment.
Advertisement
The Raptor package beefs up the already-imposing Bronco by adding a chunky "FORD" badge across the front grille…
… widening the SUV by 9.8 inches …
Advertisement
… and adding on massive, 37-inch, dirt-munching tires as standard equipment.
The wider stance is also meant to keep the Bronco Raptor steady when it's ripping across sand dunes, Ford says.
Advertisement
In terms of off-roading upgrades, the Bronco Raptor benefits from an upgraded suspension that allows for up to 14 inches of wheel travel.
It has slightly better approach, departure, and breakover angles than the regular Bronco, meaning it can climb up and down steeper terrain without getting stuck.
Advertisement
And the Raptor delivers 13.1 inches of ground clearance at a minimum, 4.3 inches more than the base Bronco and 2.3 inches more than a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.
It comes with reinforced rails running down its sides to protect it from pointy rocks.
Advertisement
All the Bronco Raptor's important bits are shielded by skid plates.
Ford gave the Bronco more power than other models, too. It comes with a twin-turbo V6 that targets more than 400 horsepower.
Advertisement
Ford says it's the most powerful, street-legal Bronco yet.
A new Tow/Haul mode enables the Bronco Raptor to tow up to 4,500 pounds, a 1,000-pound upgrade over the base SUV.
Advertisement
Since the Bronco Raptor is all about getting down and dusty, it has vinyl seats and a rubberized floor that you can hose out without fear.
Buyers can also choose suede seats as an add-on. Either way, the Bronco Raptor's seats come with extra side bolstering to keep passengers from bouncing around too much when the terrain gets bumpy.
Advertisement
The Bronco Raptor comes with a 12-inch touchscreen …
... and a 12-inch digital gauge cluster.
Advertisement
Ford will open up orders in March, and most of the 2022 Raptors will go to existing Bronco reservation holders who want to upgrade.