If you want the smallest, most affordable Ford Raptor, you need to act fast. A new report says Ford will close the order books on its Ranger Raptor midsize truck at the end of July.
A Smaller, Cheaper Raptor
Not long ago, there was only one Ford Raptor, and it was big and expensive. The Ford F-150 Raptor was the original off-road supertruck, with enough suspension for two trucks and more wheel travel than the Goodyear shipping operation. It revolutionized off-roading, bringing big capability and big prices and igniting a big contest as other automakers sought an answer.
Then Ford began to Raptorize all the things. A Bronco Raptor brought the same design theory to the midsize SUV class.
But the real democratization of dirt came with the Ranger Raptor. A Raptorized version of Ford’s midsize truck, it offers a 405-horsepower twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine, a pair of locking differentials, and 2.5-inch adaptive Fox Live Valve shocks with piggyback reservoirs on beefed-up shock towers.
It starts at $57,215, including the delivery fee — a lot for a Ranger but a bargain for a Raptor. Buyers even get a day of off-road training with their new truck, though they have to get themselves to Utah to take advantage.
Parts Running Short
It sold well. But, apparently, for a short time.
Ford started deliveries later than planned because of a quality control issue. “This delay was caused by a problem discovered during routine quality checks – a cosmetic issue on the hood of the truck that made it appear as though there was a dent,” Ford Authority explains.
Now, deliveries will reportedly end early. Cars Direct reports, “Ranger Raptor orders are closing on July 31st.” The decision comes due to “an inability to source enough of the required parts.”
When automakers have a popular model, they usually allocate some production to build cars to order and some to ship to dealers. So, finding a Ranger Raptor at a dealership may still be possible. But we anticipate they’ll be rare on dealer lots. So, if you know you want one, you’ll need to move quickly.
The closest competitor, the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, starts at $65,395 after delivery fees.
