Weekend Wheels: Raptor crowns Ford’s already rugged Bronco lineup

Aug 10, 2023

Base price range, including destination: $32,895, base two-door; $36,795, base four-door; $70,095, top-priced Raptor

Mpg range: 20/21 to 15/16 for Raptor

Seating: 4-5

Manufactured: Michigan

National Institute for Highway Safety: 5 of 5 stars for front and side crash tests; 4 for rollover resistance; www.nihs.gov

JDPower.com rating: 80; 0-69 indicates fair, 70-80 average, 81-90 great, 91-100 best

Website: www.ford.com

Competitors: Jeep Wrangler, Land Rover Defender

Bottom line: Appealing update on an old favorite

Ford's new Bronco Raptor looks ready to rumble with giant flared fenders, big nubby tires and a ton of off-road upgrades for just over $70K.

But you don't have to shell out such big bucks to master the boonies. All Broncos come with standard four-wheel drive and a will to blaze trails. There are eight models, all with cool names like Outer Banks and Wildtrak, all with varying levels of off-road gear and pricing.

Raptor and Everglades (snorkel included) trims only come with four doors, but other models let you choose between two and four. That helps cut cost on the base Bronco to $32,895. Two-door models are smaller than four-doors and only come with a hardtop. Still, the top and doors come off for open-air fans. The even smaller Bronco Sport doesn't match its big brother's off-road chops, but has a fun, ruff-and-tumble persona.

Bronco Raptor follows the path taken by Ford F-150 Raptor pickup, packed with off-road equipment with a penchant for moving quickly across rough terrain and taking air for added thrills.

Bronco returned with the rugged Jeep Wrangler in its sights. It marks the sixth generation of Ford's first SUV, a boxy brute that debuted for the 1966 model year before giving way to more citified siblings some 30 years later.

Bronco is a bit larger than Wrangler and slightly more expensive at the low end. Wrangler's two-door Sport model starts at $31,590, but its top Rubicon 392 prices from $81,190.

Broncos look rugged and conquer rough terrain like Jeeps. The big difference to me comes down to comfort. Like Wrangler there is a high step-in; Raptors have more than 13 inches of ground clearance. But once inside, the cabin is more people friendly with thoughtful features and comfy buckets up front. Tall seats in back help optimize legroom and there is a surprising amount of cargo space. The rear door swings out toward the driver's side, the glass panel flipping up separately.

The interior is handsome and rugged rather than fancy, which fits Bronco's image. Think big rubberized switches and easy-to-clean materials. I just wish rearview wasn't compromised in models with full-size spare tires that hang off the tail.

As with many hot rides, Broncos are in short supply, apparently less of a problem for Jeeps.

Broncos can be equipped with a 275-horsepower 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine or a 315-horse, 2.7-liter 6-cylinder. Premium fuel isn't required but boosts power. Raptors get a 3.0 twin-turbo V6 rated at more than 400 horsepower along with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The smaller engine can be paired with a 7-speed manual and offers a $7,385 Sasquatch off-road package.

Raptor maxes towing capacity at 4,500 pounds. The rub here may be fuel economy. Stats for combined city/highway driving range from 20 with the 4-cylinder engine to just 15 on Raptor. Jeep offers diesel and hybrid models and does a bit better except for the Hemi-powered Rubicon.

Bronco's ride is a bit bumpy on all but smooth highways, but you’d expect that along with some road noise in rugged rigs like this. Still, I wouldn't rule Bronco out as a daily driver.

Raptors get large, generally easy-to-use 12-inch touchscreens versus 8-inch screens on less expensive models. Raptors come with Ford's mid-level driver-assistance systems, adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist are optional.

Ford's off-road gear peaks on Raptors, from its specialized frame to a plethora of reinforcements and heavy-duty skid plates plus seven drive modes with trail control, turning assist and one-pedal operation in the wild.

Cathy Luebke is a former editor at the Phoenix Business Journal and can be reached at [email protected] or connect on Facebook. She is a member of the Phoenix Automotive Press Association, www.phoenixautopress.org.

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