The New Ford Ranger Thunder Has A Raptor Engine
We were big fans of the brilliantly silly Ford Ranger Raptor when we first tried it in Morocco last year, so any part of it being used on a ‘lesser’ version of the Blue Oval’s global pick-up sounds like good news on paper. The only thing is, the Raptor component Ford has put into the third-generation Ranger Thunder is one of the few things we weren’t so keen on - the 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine.
It felt lethargic in the Raptor, but hopefully, it should feel peppier in the Thunder, given that it’ll have about 250kg less bulk to cart around. Also, there’ll be a lot less in the way of rotational mass since it doesn’t use hilarious 33-inch off-road tyres like the Raptor does.
The derv lump is good for 210bhp and 369lb ft of torque and as is the case with the Raptor, that’s sent to the wheels - the rears or all four, depending on how the all-wheel drive system is set - via a 10-speed automatic gearbox.
To set it apart from the Ranger Wildtrack upon which it’s based, the Thunder gets Sea Grey paint with red accents for the grille and ‘sports hoop’, and many ‘Thunder’ badges. There are 18-inch black wheels you won’t find on any other Ranger, plus Ebony Black touches on the grille, rear bumper, skid plates, fog light surrounds, load bay and door handles. Stealthy.
Step into the cabin on those darkened skid plates, and you’ll find Ebony leather seats with big ‘Thunder’ logos embroidered into the backrests. There’s also red stitching on the seats, steering wheel and centre console.
If you’re using it as a commercial vehicle, you can snag a Ranger Thunder for £32,965 - otherwise, you’ll need to add VAT. Production is limited to 4500 examples across Europe, with 1400 heading to the UK.
Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.
Comments
There is really not much reason to get one. The concept of the Raptor was great and had tons of potential, but they threw it all away by giving it a terrible 2.0l Diesel engine. The Raptor has literally 10 hp more than the regular 3.2l TDCi, and with the latter you aren’t stuck with an automatic transmission. All in all there isn’t any reason at all to get a Ranger Wildtrak or a Raptor when you can get a VW Amarok with the TDI V6 for less money.
As far as I know the Ranger is more capable off road than the Amarok. At least I heard it.
If you choose it only for the engine though, then you are right I believe.
The extra coin for the Ranger Raptor goes into the suspension and chassis changes to make it an offroad weapon beyond what a lift kit and beefy tyres will offer. But as you rightly pointed out the TT diesel is not a Raptor engine - it has been available in other higher spec rangers for some time.
That being said the Amarok suits the typical use for a duel cab ute better than the Raptor. With the V6 it is best in class as a tow vehicle, has good automatic and manual choices, is all round better on sealed roads and is still shockingly capable in offroad situations.