The all-new 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor has been officially revealed. It’s a powerful performance SUV that sits at the top of the most popular 4×4 platform right now. You’re looking at what’s probably the hottest product of 2022, and real-world prices are going to be way higher than the advertised $68,500.
The Bronco already has a number of amazing versions, built around the idea of exploring the Florida Everglades or Moab rock formations. The Bronco Raptor adds to that with its typical Baja readiness, shared with the F-150 and Ranger counterparts.
Peek under the hood and you’ll find exactly what Ford fans expect, an EcoBoost. Rumors suggested the 3.5-liter from the F-150 wouldn’t fit, and they were right. Instead, Ford advertises a 3.0-liter V6 EcoBoost with an iron block. Details are scarce, but we know from other products that it’s a twin-turbo engine and the manufacturer is targeting over 400 horsepower. Unlike in something like an Exporer, the Raptor engine is equipped with intercooling and air-induction systems to make sure it performs even in extreme heat.
For the gearbox, Ford is using a 10-speed similar to the one in the F-150 Raptor. The AWD system has a special “Baja” mode added in, and that also makes the exhaust pop and crackle. You see, it’s a hooning machine right out of the box!
As you can probably tell, the suspension is anything but standard. The blue things on the chassis are new shock towers. Combined with bigger control arms (yellow), they allow for up to 14 inches (35.5cm) of suspension travel. So you’ll be flying over those sand dunes from day 1. The famous FOX dampers from the F-150 Raptor are present here as well.
The FOX dampers have an internal bypass and are semi-active, adjusting hundreds of times per second on each wheel. The setup includes integrated reservoirs up front and remote reservoirs at the rear.
“Racing” components are used throughout. The Raptor gets upgraded Dana axles (50 AdvanTek at the rear and 44 AdvanTek at the front). It’s got a heavy-duty clutch pack and a stronger case with a 3.06 low-ratio for up to 67.7:1 crawl. Ford also took underbody protection very seriously with skid plates that are visible from the front and back. The engine, transmission, and transfer case are all covered.
And she’s obviously better designed as well. Lifted SUV fans will enjoy the 4.8 inches of extra ground clearance over a stock Bronco. The Raptor is also 8.6 inches wider. Design changes include an obvious set of flared-out fenders that barely cover those tires, a new grille, and a bumper.
My favorite view is from the top, where you’ve got a giant black scoop on the hood and vents over the fenders. This reminds me of the original V8-powered F-150 Raptor and how much attitude that had. The headlights are the same, but they’ve got an orange blow instead of white, and you’ve got to order it in Code Orange, a traditional Raptor color.
Inside, we’re shown orange accents on Raptor vinyl seats or optional Onyx “Neo Suede” seats. There’s a little bit of carbon on the wheel and orange in the dash. Overall, the $68,500 seems well spent. However, dealers are obviously going to ask over $100,000 for something this cool.
