Ford Bronco Raptor Details Leaked
As the 2021 Ford Bronco shares a platform with the midsized Ranger, it’s long been assumed that the SUV would eventually receive a Raptor variant. North America already enjoys access to the F-150 Raptor and the smaller Ranger Raptor (which is already available in other parts of the world) is said to make it our way by the 2023 model year. Considering the Bronco is supposed to rivaling Jeep’s Wrangler, having the ability to add a zestier motor, gnarly tires, a beefed-up suspension, badging that denotes enhanced off-road capabilities, and a loftier MSRP seems like an obvious course of action for the Ford Motor Company.
While the automaker has yet to officially confirm such a vehicle, leaks have resulted in numerous positive rumors. The latest are of particular interest, as they show the manufacturer adding a Raptor-edition Bronco to its dealership ordering system for the 2022 model year.
Tuesday morning, the Bronco6G forums claimed to have uncovered a new body code that didn’t exist previously. Additional digging appeared to reveal that there were actually two different trim levels for the presumed Bronco Raptor — one of which opens the door to adaptive cruise control, voice-activated navigation, wireless device charging, an upgraded audio system, heated steering wheel, and some kind of luxury package.
New paint colors were also said to be uncovered, including the rather exclusive Code Orange that’s on the 2021 F-150 Raptor. If you like striking hues, it’s not a bad option. Though Ford probably could have called it Tomato Red to avoid confusion.
From Bronco6G:
After looking through the Model Year 2022 Bronco Raptor is coming around. Two different levels a base Raptor 373A and a higher package that includes lux in a 374A. Also see the new colors in Erupution Green, Hot Pepper Red and Code Orange. Really exciting stuff and will continue to see if there are other options available and keep everyone posted.
Another new trim level I found for 4 Door Advanced only is an Everglades. Only has a few colors available with it. Its a 922A order code but no content information. CONCEPS is no longer used for retail/stock ordering so information is limited, but it gives all of us something to look forward to or drive us insane! I checked CONCEPS first because Ford updates the database before WBDO which is the main ordering system for Retail/Stock units.
Ford is unlikely to confirm or deny any of the above, but we’re inclined to think it’s legitimate. There have been numerous leaks pertaining to the Bronco Raptor, including one from 2020 where a longtime Ford engineer mentioned a work history connected to the 2023 Bronco Raptor in their LinkedIn profile. Odds are good the off-roader is coming and, if the latest data is to be believed, much sooner than originally anticipated.
What can you expect when it arrives? Well, we’ve heard that it could come with the same (450-hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter) Ecoboost V6 that installed in the base F-Series Raptor. But we’ve also been told that it could be a beefed up version of the 2.7-liter V6 that goes into the standard SUV tuned to make at least 350 hp. Either way, it’s going to have loads of suspension upgrades so it can mimic the dune hopping seen in basically all the marketing materials Ford releases under the Raptor banner. At a minimum, that means hardware furnished by Fox, hardcore off-road tires, and substantially more ground clearance than would be standard.
[Image: Ford Motor Co.]
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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The more Broncos I see the more I like them. Ford did an outstanding job at capturing the essence of a Land Rover Defender a Raptor version would be a natural progression
@Lou_BC--I have heard that the diesels in the Colorado are good. I believe that is one of the diesels GM developed with Isuzu. I haven't gotten notice on the production date of my hybrid Maverick XLT but I am prepared to wait a year. My neighbor wants first dibs on my 2008 Ranger (miles are at 108k) which I will sell a little below what I have invested in it for the past year. It has been a good truck but I want the hybrid and since I will be retiring at the end of the year a smaller truck meets my needs better especially 40 mpgs. If I still lived in the country I would want a bigger truck but I just need an open bed even if it is 4"6" I will still use it as a truck.