2024 Ford Ranger Raptor vs. Mountain Test Course

[@DizzConnected]

4A is 4WD “Auto”, not “Advanced” It is for increased traction on slippery surfaces (wet tarmac / gravel roads etc) and keeps the centre differential free for normal driving. It’s NOT for heavy off-roading.

[@eunhyuekpark6159]

Been contemplating TRD Pro vs Raptor and you've convinced me to get the Raptor. Better price and better build.

[@indaydongtv5139]

Better price yes but good for thousand miles!i never trust ford they are unreliable car brand ever🤮

[@joshuawalls8697]

And more capable off road. That front locker will help you quite a bit.

[@turbobros_online1561]

oh yeah. I'm an auto enthusiast, off road enthusiast, career R&D tech in the industry. RR is just better objectively and when you price them out, it's a better value. IMO

[@TheCapn23]

The hubris of Toyota lately has been a turn off. They've driven the price through the roof with little justification for the performance offered.

[@chaleowin7732]

The US Ranger Raptor is hands-down the best mid-sized truck on the market. It looks great and performs even better.

[@joshuawalls8697]

@@chaleowin7732 I’d like your opinion on this. I think the best midsize for pure rock crawling/technical off road trails is the Gladiator Rubicon. I think the best midsize truck for desert/high speed off roading is the Ranger Raptor. I feel the ZR2 bison is the best overall because of its 35’s, front locker like these trucks have, and suspension that can hand both, it can do what the other two trucks do about 95% as well in the areas they excel in. This is based on the reviews. I’d rank the TRD Pro along with the Frontier Pro4x(the TRD is better but in that same category) I’d rank the ZR2 Bison as the best and most capable overall midsize with the Raptor Ranger in 2nd place but just barely. It’s not quite as good on technical low-speed rock crawling as the ZR2 or Rubicon but still leagues more capable than the Toyota and Nissan offerings. The Rubicon can’t hang with the Raptor Ranger on high speed trails/desert runs.

[@jimh.412]

Yep!👍

[@gannas138]

Its even better after the ford performance ecu flash

[@chaleowin7732]

@@gannas138 That will be my first modification after my break-in period is done.

[@ChopperChad]

Depends on what performance you’re looking for. Raptor has reduced towing and payload. So if you need that then it’s not the best is it.

[@sages7783]

love the RR content and drone angles to show the actual angles of the course

[@HONORYOUROATH]

Great video Ryan! Glad you are having fun with your Ranger Raptor. You have earned it!

[@turbobros_online1561]

You da man Jeff!!!!

[@tommybarnhart6023]

Been a Toyo man for thirty years! Toyo today has multifaceted issues that are ruining the brand coupled with a cost that is simply ridiculous! This Ford is a winner; it just may have the soon-to-be available spot in my garage.

[@bscabl]

a reviewer that mentions the pro-4x and admits its a good truck during another review. i appreciate this... as a happy pro4x owner

[@cwqrpportable]

The Ford Ranger Raptor is the best midsize truck on the market today. I haven’t seen any vehicle in it’s class put more smiles on driver’s faces than this one. I really appreciate your videos; sub’d today and gave you a thumbs up.

[@sexret12]

Well, some of midsize trucks that is not on the US market today are like Nissan Navara, Mitsubishi Triton, Mazda BT-50....

[@Pcfly]

Agreed!! Between my dad & I, had three Rangers (90, 95, 02) and two Taco’s 07, 09)……and both brands have been equally reliable. The Taco’s were better for resale but out of pocket expense and utility the Rangers were great! Today however, I’d buy that Ranger, in any trim over the nonsense going on over at Toyota simply because todays Toyota isn’t what yesterdays Toyota was!

[@TexasStormChaser]

I have HMF rock sliders on my Ranger. They attach to the frame, not the body and don't hang low like factory steps. You will no longer care about breakover. They are so strong you can jack the truck from them. I've lifted mine up from the sliders with a front end loader after getting buried once, they don't bend. Eaton also sells the front e-locker for the regular Ranger now as well.

[@drivingsports]

I'll look into those, thanks for the recommendation.

[@TexasStormChaser]

@@drivingsports They're called Hot Metal Fabrication out of Loomis. They don't sell a set for 2024 yet, but I'm sure they can modify the 2023 set if they already don't just bolt on.

[@drivingsports]

@@TexasStormChaser they must have just added them since they’re on the web site now. hotmetalfab.com/products/2024-ford-raptor-ranger-rock-sliders?variant=45370040975590

[@TexasStormChaser]

@@drivingsports With the Raptor logo too!! Well there ya go, breakover problem solved.

[@wolfgang_h3t]

​@@TexasStormChaser Did you get em pre welded or did you weld em? 1500 is somewhat steep feeling but I'm not really equipped to weld them myself, if it was easy enough though I'd definitely consider getting equipped for it lol

[@TheNotimprezed]

Time for the Ford Performance tune!

[@drivingsports]

I was supposed to be here last week, but it was sent to the wrong address. They're re-sending.

[@TKO593]

I just put the ProCal tune into my RR. It’s a rocket🚀

[@iwazaru8101]

Love the 4A feature. Love the front locker. Love the adjustable FOX shocks via a press of a button. Love the POWER! Love the price (compared to the TRD Pro). The TRD Pro is too expensive for what it is, and those QS3 shocks that require you to get out of the truck, get on all fours, and reach into mud-, dirt-, and/or snow-covered shocks to turn some knobs to adjust dampening is just plain stupid.

[@McNuggets-419]

Id take this over a TRD Pro honestly... The pricing alone is worth it.

[@dangerfield85]

Front seats alone

[@bt4b4]

Yes perfect video ! Thanks for your time.

[@baltazarkosa29]

it's my favorite trail and this ranger raptor is most reasonable option within the raptor family, I think

[@m9b7v5]

We bought ours last week @ sticker with no mark up. Thanks for this video.

[@ArkiDeos]

Well done.. RR is an awesome truck. I'm hoping that you will do the river crossing too.

[@derrickschultz6871]

Cool video, i very much enjoy The ranger raptor seems like the way to go. All meat and no gimmics like seats with shocks in them. The ZR2 is wicked too, it just lacks in hp.

[@drivingsports]

Right? Bring on a twin turbo ZR2 Plz.

[@WW-wf8tu]

Bad ass. It makes me wish I was in the market for a truck. Because this would def. beat out all the others in my book as well.

[@aimlesslydriven]

Which would I choose! I chose the same as you did. This vehicle was worth the wait for it to finally come to the US. Found one at a dealer with the bead locks and flaps as the only options above yours and bought it on the spot. Best off road vehicle I have and my other off road vehicle is a Land Rover Discovery 5.

[@JimBering]

Nice review! You actually use the truck in off-road conditions! Most reviewers drive them on the pavement on dirt roads that are just normal roads here in Idaho where any normal vehicle can go. It was good to see the truck on 4WD tracks. I have ordered one in white that should be here in a couple of weeks.

[@EZapar]

Front lockers for the win! Looking forward to seeing a vehicle try that super steep part. ;)

[@drivingsports]

You first with your Bronco. 😂

[@EZapar]

@@drivingsports Can I air down? lol.

[@JRs-guitars]

Best midsized toy for sure, i might grab the FX4 with the 2.7 next year. Will there be a Ranger Raptor winter adventure???😁

[@car24dude]

Only time will tell. 😂

[@lukiw7044]

Nice Truck espacially with this powerfull engine and great suspension. Great review. Greetings

[@jamesmason3798]

Thanks! Love your content Ryan keep having fun making these videos. Me and my wife enjoy watching them also, thanks to your long term review of the 2024 Subaru CW, we went ahead and purchased a new Magnetite gray 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness and we absolutely love the car it is a little goat.

[@JJ452]

I always assumed 4A was for on road only to prevent you wrapping the truck around a tree on a wet road trying to put 400bhp through the rear wheels with an empty bed and AT tyres.

[@drivingsports]

It is, I was talking about it in the context of off-road only in this video. I should have been clearer about that.

[@JJ452]

@@drivingsports It's interesting to see the difference for sure. What I always wondered is why other manufacturers haven't got a system as good as Land Rover - they seem to have the best "4A" mode. Don't know if that's all software/traction control or if there is hardware involved as well.

[@drivingsports]

@@JJ452 Toyota Land Cruiser has one of the best, with a proper full-time Torsen center differential and a 40:60 rear-bias split.

[@turbobros_online1561]

Trail turn assist is for sure on the new super duty tremor package.

[@chriscon8463]

The Ranger is such a great truck. I’ve got a ‘23 XL 2WD Crew Cab with the rear locker. I’d love it if Ford offered a couple things for the Ranger: the 6M transmission they put in the Bronco, & a non-turbo version of the 3.0L V6 as the base engine!

[@nevv8581]

Very impressive!

[@PG-lf3rr]

Lol. How did I know the first thing you were going to do was trail control? I dig your videos though. You hit all of the vehicles I've considered and/or owned. Bronco sport Badlands, and now my 2 door Bronco wildtrak

[@2151abell]

Loved the Video and what a Truck the Ford Ranger Raptor is proving to be ! and at its Price point, its a No brainer !

[@thomasroell5255]

Thanks for the cool content. Own a Ranger Raptor ;-) Now the towing connectors, I do tend to need them. When you look into ripping them out, perhaps you find a good solution to relocate them, somehow.

[@drivingsports]

I'm hoping I don't accidentally rip them out. 😂

[@jpaddy]

@@drivingsports I'm sure the aftermarket is already working on it and if not, I am pretty confident in my fab skills to relocate mine to the bumper like previous Rangers.

[@thomasroell5255]

@@drivingsports I will rip them out, and my wife will be pissed as I then cannot pull her RV trailer anymore. So it's a marriage saving emergency ;-) Or I need to deal with this like a man, get a F-150 Raptor ...

[@paulpeters5199]

Yes finally been waiting for this one

[@timanderson6111]

OK. Even though I comment occasionally, I think I need to 'splain something. Of the many video series I watch, there are only a few that I pause. As a photographer/poet I like to watch creative individuals do their magic. For Ryan, this is his magic; with no frills, no "used car" salesmanship. So, as these videos are cruising along, when I leave the room, I pause the video. I do not want to miss a word or a scrape. I will probably never attempt the "Anaconda." But with his "every driver" approach to this series, I know he is talking to me.

[@matthew.tamasco]

...and much cheaper than a Jeep Rubicon! I have a 2020 Ranger with rear locker only and LOVE my Ranger. I will consider a new model Raptor in the future if Ford keeps the price somewhat reasonable.

[@jordanmeredith993]

Be interested to see you test this in the snow like you did with the bronco raptor

[@drivingsports]

As soon as we get some. Probably November.

[@rokuth]

The thing about the price is that is the MSRP. What the Dealers will sell it for is a different story. If it could be found without a dealership mark-up, then definitely do buy it. Alternatively, I have heard that if you place an order for one directly from Ford, it will be sold to you at MSRP. However, in this case, it may take a few months before you get the Raptor. Just my opinion though. Oh, yeah, I would get the Ranger Raptor at MSRP.

[@carlosjasonhalili3596]

About the ordering, even if you order thru the Ford's website, it will still direct you to a dealer. And, that dealer can still put a markup specially since there's only certain number of allocations per dealer. I confirmed this with a Ford rep when I complained about my dealer still wanting to put a markup on a truck I built thru Ford's website

[@arghone]

Great video. You can actually enable trail turn assist via Forscan, have seen it in action here in New Zealand. Cheers

[@rondail5675]

Ryan, how does the on-road ride compare to a Honda Ridgeline G2? I have a 2022 Ridgeline Black Edition which I really like. But the Ranger Raptor is looking good for the powertrain and features.

[@drivingsports]

No surprise but the Ridgeline drives like a Pilot. It's competent and comfortable. The Raptor is so much faster, it's kind of a mis-matched comparison. As a utility truck, the Ridgeline is fine for most folks. The Raptor is a lot more fun.

[@turbobros_online1561]

YAY! Been waiting for this!

[@apexcapital1328]

Need to update the exterior look, but other then that it’s a go.

[@danconway660]

Just for clarity - Trail Turn Assist is equipped on the F-150 Raptor - it is on the Off-Road Screen and enabled via the screen. I was torn between a Ranger Raptor and the full size... ultimately went with the full size Raptor (why is it SOOOO expensive?!!?) due to needing more space - but *dang* at sub-$60K is this thing a MONSTER.

[@drivingsports]

Thanks for confirming that.

[@aboutface102]

Can you replace those steps with rock rails?

[@drivingsports]

Yup. My wife likes the steps to get in, though.

[@gwhalin]

@@drivingsports Some rails do a pretty good job of acting as steps too. Not sure what is available right now in the aftermarket for the ranger raptor though.

[@JM-nz8gw]

As a 5th gen 4Runner, this is a way better proposition than the gimmicky TRD Pro that costs $10k more.

[@gwhalin]

I that 4A was 4 auto and was for use on roads that might be alternating between dry and low traction? Never heard it called 4 Advanced before, but entirely possible I have been wrong all along?

[@drivingsports]

Ford calls it 4-Advanced. So we used their terminology. We've covered the use for 4A in past videos. This was specifically addressing off-road use.

[@gwhalin]

@@drivingsports Ahh interesting. Well whatever they call it, seems much more useful for onroad, and I wish my 21 Ranger had it.

[@chrisdriner]

@@gwhalin from the manual the whole system is 4 advanced but the 4a is called 4 auto - page 199

[@DizzConnected]

@@chrisdriner Correct. 4A is 4WD “Auto” NOT “Advanced”

[@-PORK-CHOP-]

The Aussie TREMOR Ranger gets trail turn assist, I assume this will become a standard feature on the higher models soon

[@RaveCoaster]

I'm looking to get into offroading, im planning on getting a truck, but i dont know what to pick. The Raptor is above my budget, the ranger XLT i can afford but i dont see any offroad options on it (i can afford a lariat also if it has offroad option) The ford dealship here also has a 2nd hand 20k miles 2021 tacoma TRD Pro for 48k. Idk what to pick. Also, im trading my car in a ford dealership cuz they offered me higher than other dealship.

[@-zerocool-]

Awesome truck!

[@highball7347]

I bet it’s a great day being on a trail behind a modern truck, while its owner is constantly holding everyone up while figuring out what “mode” they want to be in.

[@alexavilaph]

It would be great if you will also try a Suzuki Jimny XL

[@leonaam6547]

Hi! I'm from Brazil, and my daily driver is a JB43 Suzuki Jimny! I would love to try this trail... Do you have the Jimny in the US?

[@Imjustacarguy]

Unfortunately, Suzuki stopped selling cars in the United States.

[@leonaam6547]

@@Imjustacarguy sad, Jimny are fun little cars

[@mikeburton8426]

No way I can spring for a Raptor in Canada, starting at 80k. So I ordered a 2.7 Lariat. It would be interesting to see the real world performance differences between a raptor and 2.7 with same wheels and tires ( probably lift required?)

[@toddhoffmaster6057]

You guys made a very nice off road test site. I would love to try the whole course in my Jeep. Are you ever open to the public?

[@drivingsports]

Nope. We don't have insurance for public use.

[@turbobros_online1561]

I really don't want to spend 57k on a new vehicle. Like I could buy a cheaper car and a 20k used rubicon for wheeling. But I am so drawn to buying one of these.

[@KODstorm21]

It’s weird to me how they put trail turn assist on the F-150 Tremor, but not the Ranger Raptor. Especially when it was first implemented on the Ranger’s platform

[@jpaddy]

Ford just released a Tremor pkg for ranger in Australia, which has 4A, fox 2.0 (not live valve though) and trail turn assist. Hoping that comes here with the 2.7, probably would eat some Raptor sales though.

[@rromancunard]

Thanks for share, try please if is possible with the new elegant SUV Buick Enclave a 💎 of General Motors.

[@nlken7175]

You need to test a RAM power wagon on this course. RR is the same price as the Tacoma TRD pro in Canada. Ford will up the price very soon.

[@immortallis2365]

That silver... 👌

[@bananarobotoverlord]

Now do a regular cab F-150 with 4x4. They are 1000 lbs lighter.

[@Hold_Reset]

How on earth did you get those horizontal gauges in the center cluster? I've called myself looking in My view and can't for the life of me find it.

[@drivingsports]

It's an Off-Road display that is one tier up front My View in the view options.

[@Hold_Reset]

@@drivingsports OMG, I'm a moron! Haha, thank you! Love the content, and love my Ranger Raptor. I can happily report, that performance tune is definitely where it's at. The new shift mapping alone is worth it, IMO. Sport mode = Hold On Mode because it will go.

[@bscabl]

the frontier also has a v6.. sigh.. i take back my previous comment

[@drivingsports]

Lol. I then mention it again at the end, however.

[@bscabl]

@@drivingsports fair point. i take back my take back 🤣 - credit where its due.. my '23 pro4x is very capable but its also cheaper than these more capable options. its just nice to see it get some love.. a lot of reviews literally ignore it and just compare to the taco

[@mattheviewer]

Can a Ranger Raptor __wear__ 35" tires? if not, what mods would be needed?

[@drivingsports]

I've seen Ranger Raptors with them after a mild lift. No idea if they rub though.

[@maximelepore4985]

4wd high is not made for high load situations, like off road. The clutch pack is made to slip. Its so misleading. This will scrap your transfer case clutches.

[@wolfgang_h3t]

I mean he complimented that the RR's drive modes are intrusive, I think he's just a tool lol

[@Youtubeuser1aa]

Trail turn assist is on f150 raptor and tremor

[@drivingsports]

It's been a while and I forgot about those (and haven't driven the Tremor yet.)

[@chrisdriner]

@@drivingsports also it is on ranger raptor in other countries and should be on ours as it was in the manual that it was there

[@Letsberealish]

Why did you describe it as "cheating" with getting by that ditch? The point is to get by it, right? You got by it.

[@MrC72k]

Just purchased one myself, awesome truck. The Toyota is cheap feeling and has a gutless motor, even with the hybrid system.

[@kvgrow]

The Ranger owner's manual talks about trail control on page 238. Doesn't the Raptor have it, or is the Raptors trail control different than other versions?

[@drivingsports]

We tested Trail Control in the video. Turn control is the missing feature.

[@kvgrow]

Sorry, I meant trail turn assist on page 238.

[@kvgrow]

@@drivingsports Sorry, I meant trail turn assist on page 238

[@drivingsports]

@@kvgrow are you talking about the F150 raptor or the Ranger raptor?

[@kvgrow]

@@drivingsports I'm talking about the Ranger Raptor. Check out the owner's manual and tell me what you think.

[@BiglyDownUnder]

Frontier w 33's

[@johnnywalker1908]

Will it tow? 😂

[@northerntoyota7584]

Ford Canada screwed us north of the border. Over 80k here. Compared to others this is expensive

[@rodjbosch]

A basic TRD pro in Canada is 80k. Everyone is screwing us.....not just Ford😂

[@Tony-hf9mv]

F150 raptor has turn assist

[@christianleber3395]

ZR2 Bison for me all day, every day.

[@alexforeri]

A bargain 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@car24dude]

This is as big as a older F100 Ford Truck The MPG is terrible.

[@mikejones762]

raptor>tacoma trd pro

[@Silent3442]

Was seriously looking at getting one of these, the problem is both my local dealers are asking 90k....

[@drivingsports]

Yikes! Go interstate and drive it back.

[@kvgrow]

Found mine in Iowa at MSRP and drove it home. I hated to put 1200 miles on it the first day, but worth it to have the truck.

[@steinb6271]

You do know that you’re not forced to buy from a local dealer, right? You can easily get these at sticker if you travel just a bit…

[@Silent3442]

@@steinb6271 ​​⁠Yea of course I understand that. I’ve bought a few cars out of state, but it doesn’t change the fact that it’s frustrating! It cost to travel too.

[@Beagle21]

Great Video. It's too bad out of all those trucks you named that Toyota Tacoma TRD is the only one that offers a manual transmission. For that reason Toyota would be my pick.

[@drivingsports]

But you can only get a manual with the slower motor on the Toyota.

[@stephentrujillo9673]

If you are thinking about selling it, let me know.

[@anthony2558]

From cell phones to trucks. KZbinrs have coined the phrase "long term review" to mean absolutely nothing to real people.

[@SaxonTerror]

It sounds like a weed eater

[@tyeetamer]

4A stands for 4 auto, not 4 advanced.

[@drivingsports]

Ford calls it 4-Advanced. They're very specific about this.

[@tyeetamer]

@@drivingsports Wells shows you what I know. Didn’t realize they changed the nomenclature when the technology transferred over from F150s.

[@drivingsports]

Ive done some more looking into it, and they call the transmission the 4 Advanced transmission and refer to 4A both as 4-Auto and 4-Advanced depending on who wrote the copy. So... it's safe to call it either or.

[@tyeetamer]

@@drivingsports Thanks for taking the time to look into it. Goes to show the dedication to this production. I believe 4A was always referred to as “4 auto”with the F150 and Ford may have switched over to “4 automatic” with the Bronco, Maverick, and Ranger. There was some confusion amongst F150 owners initially because 4 auto was the also the name of Fords technology in the early 2000s that would automatically engage the front driveshaft. As you know, the modern system is actually AWD and much better for all intents and purposes, so maybe Ford changed the nomenclature to get away from that connotation.

[@trickster8635]

Really showed your ignorance of driving off-road. For a start, no mention of reducing tyre pressures to suit the terrain. I suspect you left the pressures at a level used for sealed roads and did not lower them to suit dirt, gravel and inclines. Secondly, the 4A is four wheel drive AUTOMATIC, not advanced. Why you decided to call it that, I can only speculate. Automatic mode is designed for running 4x4 on sealed and hard surfaces, ie, bitumen roads where the automatic function can allow slip to counteract driveline wind-up, but still allow drive and traction to front and rear when required ie, wet, icy or muddy conditions, Automatically. It was never intended for serious terrain where front and rear drive should be locked together.

[@drivingsports]

Ford calls that particular transmission the 4 Advanced system... they interchangeably call 4A auto or advanced depending on who wrote the copy. We talk about airing down A LOT on this channel. However, on our own test courses we don't air down for consistant testing. Finally, when I said not to use 4A i was specifically regarding the context of this video which is off-road use. I should have been clearer about that. That was a mistake on my part. Though, it is something I've talked about the value and use of automatic 4WD systems in many other videos.

[@Quantrills.Raiders]

ford needs to fire their design team.. they havent had a good looking truck since the 90s, looks cheap and boring

[@JeffinColorado]

What are some trucks you think look good?

[@daves4568]

Thank you for turning off trail mode otherwise it would be a 2 hour "rock crawl" video 🫣