From now on, not only pickups can be Raptors (that is, “predators”) in the Ford range. The passenger SUV 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor debuted in America, which became the most powerful and extreme version in the range. Like the “predatory” pickups, this Bronco is designed for fast driving on the steppes, sands and broken primers, and the Ford Performance sports division was involved in its development.
2022 Ford Bronco Raptor
Based on the Bronco Wildtrack with the Sasquatch off-road package, the main feature of the Raptor is a redesigned and reinforced chassis. The amount of improvements is significant: new upper strut mounts, levers and steering knuckles appeared in the front, a new axle and its mounts to the frame at the rear. All around are omnivorous Fox shock absorbers with electronically controlled stiffness, although external reservoirs are only on the rear axle. All this allowed to increase the suspension travel to 330 mm in front and 356 mm in the rear (against 222 and 259 mm for the original Bronco), although the Ford F-150 Raptor pickup has even more impressive performance.
Reinforced gearboxes and axle shafts are installed front and rear, the track in one fell swoop is expanded by 218 mm (up to 1869 mm). The Raptor stocks 17-inch beadlock wheels and 37-inch BFGoodrich KO2 tires as opposed to the original Sasquatch-packed 35-inch. As a result, ground clearance has increased from 292 mm to an incredible 333 mm! The approach angle is 47.2 degrees, the exit angle is 40.5 degrees (against 43.2 and 37.0 degrees, respectively). And the Bronco Raptor looks so that even the Bronco Wildtrack seems undersized next to it.
There are changes under the hood. The Raptor got the EcoBoost V6 3.0 biturbo engine, which was previously installed only on Lincoln cars and Ford Explorer ST crossovers. It puts out “over 400 hp.” (the exact value will be published later) vs. 335 hp. the V6 2.7 engine on the regular Bronco. The exhaust system is new – with an additional valve, which is tied to four “sound” operating modes: Quiet, Normal, Sport and the loudest Baja.
A ten-speed automatic remained standard, as did an all-wheel drive transmission with a 4.7:1 main pair, a 3.06:1 downshift, and locking cross-axle differentials (all of which are in the Sasquatch package). But the Raptor has reinforced gearboxes and a more durable center clutch. Moreover, in addition, this made it possible to increase the permissible mass of the towed trailer: 2040 kg versus 1590 kg. And for towing trailers, a separate Tow / Haul driving mode appeared.
The Raptor has an original grille, enlarged wheel arch extensions (overall width increased by 249 mm to 2177 mm) and additional steel underbody protection, which begins already on the front bumper. Additional air ducts have been made in the hood cover and front fenders to improve ventilation of the engine compartment. The running lights are made orange instead of the standard white (which is legal in America).
Ford Bronco Raptor is offered only in a long four-door version, but its body is strengthened: there is an additional cross member between the B-pillars, and the C-pillars are reinforced. Although this did not affect the ability to “undress” Bronco in any way: you can remove not only the roof, but also the doors.
The salon is decorated with contrasting decor, standard seats have vinyl upholstery. The 12-inch instrument screen has a new Performance View display with a large tachometer and gear number. Steering wheel with gearshift paddles and a fingerprint scanner that gives you access to the most extreme driving modes.
In America, orders for Ford Bronco Raptor SUVs will open in March. It has already been announced that prices will start at $70,000, although the Ford F-150 Raptor pickup is currently asking for $65,000. Sales will start in the summer.
sudharsan has over a decade of experience covering the breaking news in the auto industry and over ten years of experience writing about cars for magazines, automotive websites, and YouTube videos.
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