Ford Ranger Raptor SE (2021) - A fitting farewell for the locally-built hero
It comes as quite a shock to realise that the current Ford Ranger is due for replacement, because it’s still one of the most compelling choices in its class. But, while the next-generation Ranger will start rolling off the Silverton production lines any day now, the outgoing model has received some limited-edition action to maintain its considerable sales momentum. The Raptor is the latest one to get a touch-up, so we went to the bush (and the desert) to get the details.
With its wide wheel arches and matching track width, raised ride height, and model-specific styling elements, there’s no mistaking a Raptor for any other Ford Ranger (no matter how many plastic bits their owners might have tacked onto lesser Rangers). It is a very distinctive variant in a model range that bristles with macho offerings, but Ford decided to spruce-up the Raptor anyway, to bring buyers the new Raptor Special Edition (SE).
But, while the Raptor is a very different beast, compared to the Wildtrak upon which it is based, the differences between a “normal” Raptor and a Raptor SE are rather less extreme.
The newcomer keeps all the oily bits that make a Raptor such a phenomenal machine (such as the reinforced chassis frame, coil-sprung rear axle, FOX dampers, and aluminium control arms, along with the 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine and 10-speed automatic it’s always shared with the Wildtrak/Thunder), and then adds some unique cosmetic items (and one functional feature) for an even more-distinctive appearance.
What’s new?
On the outside, the new sticker pack would be the first to catch your eye. Twin parallel stripes with red edges run almost the entire length of the car, from the bonnet’s leading edge up to the middle of the roof, before continuing the theme on the tailgate.
Next up is the “sports bar” – that contrasting plastic hoop that extends around the cabin’s upper rear end from left to right, borrowed from the Wildtrak (but strangely omitted on the “base” Raptor).
Look a little closer, and you’ll also notice a lockable (but manually-operated) roller shutter on the load bay (also seen on the Thunder), as well as matte- (instead of gloss-) black fender trims, grille and door handles, and red front recovery hooks. That’s it for the outside, though: The normal Raptor’s 17-inch wheels, shod with all-terrain tyres, remain as-is, as does the LED headlamps and functional front bash plate. Why mess too much with a good thing?
The cabin is also pretty much normal Raptor fare, with the main difference being red (instead of grey) stitching on the soft-touch dash top, seats, door cards, and gear lever. If you look closely, you might also notice a “Raceway Grey” instrument panel. The gadget count remains unchanged, however. All this adds R 45 000 to the “base” Raptor’s current asking price of R 920 300, for a retail price of R 965 300.
Related: Shop for new and used Ford Ranger Raptors for sale here.
It's still outstanding in its field
Whatever hype you might have heard about the Raptor’s cross-country abilities, know that those exaggerated tales are probably all justified. It’s a highly-accomplished off-roader as it comes from the showroom floor, with 283-mm ground clearance, a wading depth of 850 mm, a 32.5-degree approach angle, and 24-degree breakover- and departure angles (despite a standard-fit tow bar). We put some of those abilities to test on our launch drive, where the Raptor SE handled a rocky off-road trail without any challenges.
The Raptor’s party trick is its high-speed gravel road cruising abilities, however. Even at highly improbable speeds on dirt roads, small disturbances are dispatched largely without fuss and large undulations are soaked up by the generous wheel travel and controlled damping.
On-road behaviour is also first-class, even if the behavioral differences between a Raptor and a Wildtrak are less extreme on tar then they are on gravel. It’s still one of the most comfortable freeway-cruising bakkies out there, but that’s almost to be expected at the Raptor’s price premium over its second-tier sibling.
If you travel long distances on unpaved roads and would like to do so very quickly (for the terrain), with a minimum of strain and maximum comfort, the Raptor is the perfect vehicle for you. And, if you want your Raptor to stand out even more from its lesser variants, the SE will have you covered.
