Ford's Next Ranger Raptor Will Have The Perfect Engine

May. 09, 2021 2:07 PM ET byJay Traugott Trucks /11 Comments

Does this mean it's also US-bound?

TheFord Rangermost wanted in America is currently forbidden fruit. It's very unlikely to remain that way. Ford is reportedly set to unveil theRanger Raptornot long after the next generation Ranger itself is revealed, probably for the 2022 model year. Testing remains ongoing and the Ranger Raptor is expected to arrive for 2023. But the big question is what will power that almighty mid-size truck?

Ford Authority claims it's been told by "sources familiar with the matter" that the 2023 Ranger Raptor will come powered by the twin-turbo 3.0-liter EcoBoost paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. This is the same engine and gearbox combo found in higher trim levels of the Ford Explorer and base Lincoln Aviator.

In theExplorer ST, for example, this V6 is rated at an impressive 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. A 400-hp Ranger Raptor? We'd be so down for that and we get the feeling we wouldn't be alone. Aprevious rumorfrom last year claimed America's Ranger Raptor will receive the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 with upwards of 330 hp.

The current overseas-only Ranger Raptor, to compare, has a 2.0-liter EcoBlue four-cylinder bi-turbo diesel that's good for 269 hp and 369 lb-ft of twist. The oil burner is one of the reasons why America doesn't currently have a hardcore, Baja-ready OEM Ranger, but another factor is because the regular Ranger arrived kind of late to the party.

The current generation, internally referred to as the T6, dates back to 2011 - a full nine model years before it debuted for the US. Ford made numerous updates to the platform as part of the Americanization process, but at the end of the day, it was already an aging platform. It's very much time for a replacement. The next-gen Ranger will also spawn aplug-in hybrid variantwith a reported 362 hp.

Some additional components being incorporated into the next Ranger Raptor are said to be a FOX shock setup, a coil spring rear suspension, and other chassis upgrades. Expect similar styling cues from the new 2022 Ford F-150 Raptor, especially up front.