IT'S been two years since the current Ford Ranger hit the market, and it remains our benchmark despite the arrival of new competitors. A year after its release, the Ranger Raptor was introduced, and while it rides on a heavily modified T6 platform, similar to the outgoing generation, the upgrades are significant enough to make it the best pickup for both on- and off-road use. The very features that make the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor so capable on off-road trails also contribute to its excellence on paved roads.

It all starts with its platform, which has undergone extensive modifications in its transformation into the new generation Ranger Raptor, improving upon its fundamentals. The Ranger Raptor is wider than the standard Ranger, and this isn't just a case of adding wider fenders and calling it a day (looking at you, Hilux GR-S). The Ranger Raptor has structural differences from the standard Ranger, resulting in its wider, more handsome stance. Despite maintaining the cab's width, the blistered fenders give the Ranger Raptor's side profile a chiseled, muscular look.
Combined with its BF Goodrich all-terrain tires wrapped around 18-inch wheels and an increased ride height, you've got a pickup that can clear large obstacles with ease. The wider stance not only enhances the vehicle's appearance but also improves its cornering capabilities. The electric power steering is surprisingly sharp, with decent weight, far removed from the disconnected steering typical of most pickups. The suspension also does an excellent job of managing body roll, though there are physical limits to what can be achieved. As a result, this is a pickup that's fun to drive through corners, rather than cumbersome.