Ford Bronco Raptor Advance 4×4

“Ford Bronco Raptor 4-Door Advanced 4×4”

The Wild West meets Jurassic Park

By Arv Voss

OVERVIEW:

Ford’s bucking “Wild West” Bronco in its Jurrasic Age Raptor form would likely have changed OJ Simpson’s now legendary attempted getaway from law enforcement. The 4-Door Advanced 4×4 Ford Bronco Raptor is a most capable beast, particularly in off-road scenarios, where it really shines, whether blasting across blistering desert sands or engaging in serious rock crawling.

Available exclusively in an extremely wide-stance four-door configuration, the Bronco Raptor boasts a 4500-pound tow rating capacity along with its other assets. Fuel economy is not one of those assets, but then, it is essentially a predator and was not intended to be.

Sensational power and resilient suspension coupled with deep tread 37-inch tires and its multi-configurable four-wheel drive system with plenty of protective skid plating. The Raptor is capable of ripping up to 60 miles per hour in under six seconds. It’s not the most comfortable ride for cruising on the highway, but keep in mid, tht its primary focus is for dyed-in-the-wool off-road gearheads.

AS TESTED:

My test Ford Bronco Raptor 4×4 was the Advanced model that cam with an exterior finished in Code Orange with a black top, gfender flares and black, white and silver graphics. The interior was executed in Onyx Blue with LTH-trim suede seating. The base price was set at $68,500. While the Raptor Series equipment group 374A, Raptor Graphics, Keyless Entry KeyPad, 17-inch Black Forged Beadlock wheels, Code Orange seat belt, Interiro Carbon Fiber Pack, Leather trim suede seats and destination and Delivery boosted the final tally to $81,085.

2023 Bronco Raptors will remain basically unchanged except for a new tri-color option and revised sound system options in place of the B&O 10-speaker system.

BOLD AND BRAWNY LOOKS:

The Ford Raptor off-road animal displays a seriously sinister form that announces its intended purpose. It’s not sleek or sexy, but functional in an alluring way for the hard-core enthusiast.

POWERTRAIN:

Forget about “Wow, I could have had a V-8”. Instead, the Raptor crams a 3.0 –liter 418 horsepower twin-turbo V-6 that also makes 440 pound feet of torque. Energy reaches the ground via a 10-speed automatic transmission and an advanced four-wheel-drive system that works in conjunction with selectable G.O.A.T. modes for “going over any type of terrain”. The suspension delivers Fox adaptive shocks for soaking up bumps and dips with smoothness along with the 37-inch BF Goodrich KO2 deep tread rubber. The wider stance adds to overall stability. EPA mileage estimates are 15 mpg City and 16 mpg Highway.

CABIN AND CARGO NOTES:

The Ford Bronco Raptor despite its wider bolder exterior form shares its interior layout and mesurments with the regular Bronco. It continues to provide as standard, rubberized flooring, marine-grade vinly up[holstery and overhead auxiliary toggle switches. Also in tune with the regulr Bronco, the Raptor features removable body [anels , specifically frameless doors that may be unbolted. Outside mirrors are mounted on the windshield base making them usable with the doors off. A rack is incorporated into the dash top for storing GoPros, and smartphones that can be plugged into nearby 12-volt outlets.

CONNECTIVITY AND INFOTAINMENT:

The Raptor comes with Ford’slatest Sync 4 interface with a large 12.0-inch touchscreen centered in the dashboard. AnroidAuto, Apple CarPlay and a Wi-Fi hotspot are also featured. A powerful Bang & Olufsen 10-speaker sound system is standard.

DRIVER ASSISTANCE AND SAFETY FEATURES:

Ford’s CoPilot 360 driver-assistance technology suite is standard in the Bronco Raptor with basics like automated emergency bralking and lane-keeping assist. Adaptive is optionally available.

WARRANTY COVERAGE:

A limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles and the powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles. There’s no complimentary scheduled maintenance program.

PERFORMANCE:

Bottom line, the Ford Bronco Raptor was designed and constructed to compete formidably in off-road prowess, and it does that incredibly well rising to virtually every challenge that is thrown its way. It actually seems smother off-road than on. Those who are vertically challenged may find entry and egress to be a bit of a chore.

If you’re looking for the ultimate in off-road fun and capability, you need look no further that the awesome Ford Bronco Raptor Advanced 4×4.

SPECIFICATIONS: 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor Advanced 4×4

VEHICLE TYPE_________________Four door Five-passenger SUV

BASE PRICE___________________$68,500.

AS TESTED PRICE______________$81,085.

ENGINE…………3.0-Liter twin turbicharged and intercooled DOHC, 24-valve Ecoboost V6 with direct fuel injection.

HORSEPOWER (bhp)_____________ 418 @ 5750 rpm

TORQUE (lb.-ft.)_________________ 440 @ 2750 rpm

TRANSMISSION……10-speed automatic.

BRAKES________________________Four-wheel vented discs

TIRES__________________________BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 LT37x12.5 R-17 116S M&S mounted on 5-“Y” spoke Forged Beadlock alloy wheels.

WHEELBASE____________________ 116.5