Run Hills

We Took Our 4x4oty winning Ranger Raptor To The Hills, To See How It Performs In The Steep Stuff.

- Matt Raudonikis

A LOT has been said about Ford Australia’s Ranger Raptor, much of it negative about the 2.0-litre diesel engine and reduced load and towing capacity, but plenty of positives regarding its amazing suspension, off-road performance, and improved ride and handling. We weighed up the positives against the negatives and gave the Raptor our 4x4 of the Year accolade, and that was as good an excuse as any to take it out for another run.

Most of the positive talk about the Raptor centres on its desert racing-bred Fox Racing suspension and high-speed ability over rough terrain, but we wanted to test it in the hills doing lower speed off-road driving on steep terrain. More like the stuff many Aussies enjoy in places like the Victorian High Country.

The Ranger Raptor’s off-road credentials are impressive. It sits 50mm taller than a regular Ranger, resulting in a wading depth of 850mm and ground clearance of 283mm. Approach, rampover and departure figures measure 32.5-, 24-, and 24-degress respectively, to further improve clearance, while sturdy underbody protection and beefy magnesium side-steps shield from the inevitable bumps and grinds.