Ford has dominated the closed pickup market for years. And it’s not going to stop anytime soon. In a market reduced to its minimum in recent years after a series of unfavorable tax measures (a few thousand vehicles a year at most), the pick-up has become the nightmare of regulators and public opinion, as be considered useless, too polluting and too heavy.
Despite everything, it remains essential for a certain number of professional segments (building, community services, craftsmen, mountain and forestry professionals, etc.), and in this small market, the Ford Ranger has always had a length of advantage. its few competitors (Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Volkswagen), especially because several brands have given up marketing their pick-ups in the French market (Renault Alaskan, Fiat Fullback and Mercedes X).
Approval: the end of a regulatory headache
Although some of these vehicles benefit from some more favorable measures or mitigate certain sanctions, the main drawback is the double penalty of CO2 + weight applied to the 5-seater, 4-door “double cabin” pick-ups, which condemned them to stop being nothing more than a strictly professional vehicle. Only the “club cab” or “Supercab” models (two seats and a maximum of two additional folding seats in the rear) remain economically viable on the French market.
But Ford, for the 2023 model year of its best-selling Ranger, won European approval as a flatbed truck. And a miracle occurs: no more sanctions. Therefore, the new model is available in a club cab version, a double cab version and even in a sports version, the Raptor, now equipped with a generous V6 biturbo gasoline (the Raptor until then was only imported in a turbodiesel version). Enough to, without a doubt, consolidate its majority market share for a long time to come, especially since the machine does not lack qualities and competence.
The strong point: power and apparent robustness
Because this Ranger Raptor, suffice it to say, is brutal: 5.36 meters long, just over 2 meters wide and a height of 1.92 meters. The only car approximately this size is the Land Rover Defender 130, which means we are looking at one of the most imposing machines on the market. The metal steps and handles to climb into the cabin will remind you of the exceptional side of this vehicle, perched on 285 all-terrain tires, with naturally high legs (26 centimeters of chassis height, compared to 18 for a Toyota Rav4 SUV). ) and equipped with a dark orange paint highlighted by, to say the least, visible decorations, which end up emphasizing the aggressive and powerful side of this decidedly very intimidating Raptor.
The chassis, developed jointly with Volkswagen, gives an impression of unwavering robustness. Made from high-strength steel, it combines strength, towing and tow points, allowing it to tow up to 2.5 tonnes, a little more than its own weight. Even the reinforcement of the cabin allows up to 350 kg to be transported on the roof in static mode and 80 in dynamic mode.
Optimized comfort and practicality
Inside the cabin we find a very comfortable and welcoming vehicle, with robust materials (rigid plastics) but very well executed, shiny upholstery, very comfortable sports seats and interior ergonomics that even allows the implementation of very good digital instrumentation. as well as a large vertical central screen “a la Tesla”. Thanks to it you will find a quality infotainment system and all the connectivity options (Apple, Android, etc.). The rear seats are also comfortable although they are not really spacious, especially the central ones because of the transmission tunnel (we are at the habitability level of a medium compact, Golf type). Finally, special mention for the Bang and Olufsen audio system, of simply exceptional quality.
In addition, a pick-up is also a cargo container that becomes a real living space. With a length of 1.6 meters, this double cabin, which can be covered with an electric sliding blind, is equipped with a 220 V socket for possible power tools (or a coffee machine), as well as several points contact. perfect for organizing a load that can reach 622 kilos. You can even put a small table and two camping chairs there for a picnic.
A monster of mechanical power.
To the mechanics. And there we find ourselves facing a hell of a main course, pressing the start/stop button. You will be woken up by a loud roar, followed by a very low idle, worthy of an offshore tugboat. If some are disappointed by the absence of a V8 like in the United States, let them calm down, the 3-liter twin-cylinder engine. The turbo Ecoboost V6 proves to be very capable. With plenty of power (but not excessive, 292 hp) and an impressive 492 Nm of torque, equipped with permanent multi-mode all-wheel drive and a 10-speed automatic transmission, it has no problem pushing this 2.4-tonne monster hard.
And thanks to properly calibrated steering and long-travel adjustable suspension, it is surprisingly easy and enjoyable to drive around town, despite its intimidating caliber. Even with the impression of flying over the numerous SUVs that circulate in traffic. Even parking is far from being a hassle, once again thanks to well-designed steering, without having to resort to 4-wheel steering, and also thanks to the parking cameras that help a lot. Not even the narrow ramps of underground car parks scare him.
But above all, the incredible punch of this machine draws attention. The accelerations are violent, and although the times are not lightning (from 0 to 100 km/h in about 8 seconds), we directly feel the herculean power of the Raptor, which also allows itself to be relatively agile in the corners, despite its naturally a very high weight. Although it is advisable to drive with humility and anticipation, braking in particular is very effective and does not require pedaling hard to reduce speed. And then what a sound! The exhaust line has several positions, including a “Sport” one that will wake up the entire neighborhood in case of strong acceleration or passing through a tunnel. An authentic roar of anthology underlined by the blast of the turbos, as striking as that of a large V8.
An exceptional all-terrain vehicle
As for the off-road capabilities of this Ranger Raptor, they are exemplary. With a multitude of traction modes and suspension settings, you’ll be able to overcome even the most difficult situations with a true feeling of ease. Large muddy ruts, rocky climbs and steep, rocky trails can be traversed without problems, with very secure locks throughout, effective even in very difficult positions. The Raptor goes everywhere with finesse and ease.
Finally, there is a “Baja” mode, inspired by the great 4×4 races of Baja California. It already stands out with full exhaust release (everyone will know you have a Raptor for miles around), stiffer suspension and steering, and greater throttle responsiveness. With the aim of making the machine capable of traveling at very high speed on sandy and rocky tracks. Available only for open off-road use, it transforms the Raptor into a true cannonball capable of traveling at crazy speeds on very impassable terrain. Essential, reserved for those who know.
The black spot: an environmental problem
It is difficult to find objective faults in this Ranger Raptor, since they are linked to its very essence as a crude machine intended primarily for transporting loads and touring. So yes, its size will make it difficult to fit in most public city parking lots with its limited height, its size will continue to complicate parking maneuvers a bit, and its weight as well as its consumption (13.8 liters per 100 kilometers according to manufacturer standards) make it public enemy number 1 in terms of ecological considerations, especially with CO2 emissions that easily exceed 300 g/km.
But it will be extremely rare to find vehicles that are so capable of towing and moving heavy loads while guaranteeing their passengers very good comfort conditions, even on the road and in the city. All with an added “fun” and uninhibited touch that Ford knows how to maintain skillfully, as in its Transit Custom utility vehicle with its sporty finishes (including the MS-RT tested previously). It will allow Axu professionals to have in a single product a utility vehicle with incomparable capabilities and a pleasure vehicle that is very well designed and, at the very least, efficient and attractive.
And the French market is not currently a priority for the zero-emission pickup segment, which would nevertheless be beneficial; Meanwhile, Ford offers what is undoubtedly the best in this area. And for 68,400 euros VAT included and without penalty, we could even consider it a good offer.
Source: BFM TV
