What We Know about the 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor
The 2021 Ford Bronco has only just started rolling out to customers but already, it’s yesterday’s news. Now, it’s all about the marque’s upcoming performance SUV, the Bronco Raptor. Or should that be the Warthog? There’s been so much speculation and so many rumors flying around over the past couple of years, it’s hard to tell anymore. But at least for now, Ford seems to be sticking with the Raptor nameplate (although as MSN says, don’t rule out the possibility of a Warthog at some point in the future). Naming issues aside, it’s expected to be the most savage, powerful, and performance-driven Bronco to date. Exact details haven’t been officially confirmed, but there have been enough little leaks to get us excited. Here’s everything we know about the 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor so far.
It’s Coming
After months of rumor, speculation, and alleged sightings, Ford finally put an end to the rumors on September 21 at its Motor Bella press conference. The Bronco Raptor is coming, and it’s coming soon (well, next year, but considering how long everyone’s been talking about it and how many times the plans have been pushed back, it could have been a lot worse). As roadandtrack.com reports, Ford CEO Jim Farley even tweeted out a teaser video of the Bronco Raptor, giving us our first real look at the upcoming Baja-prepped truck. In fairness, it was definitely a teaser and not a reveal, but we at least got a quick peek at the front fascia with its swanky orange daytime running lights and classic Ford grille. But ultimately, we don’t need to see the full reveal to have a good idea of what to expect. It’s unlikely that Ford will stray too far from previous Raptors, which have always been billed more as high-speed desert runners than rock crawlers. There have also been enough little leaks and photos of the prototypes to add some substance to the speculation that the new model will take its cues from the F-150 Raptor. There are certainly worse models it could use as an inspiration, and while nothing has been officially confirmed by Ford (so take everything you read with a pinch of salt), if the Bronco Raptor is anything as good as the rumors suggest it will be, it’s going to give the competition some serious pause for thought.
Trims
According to yourautomaster.com, a leaked order guide has suggested the Ford Bronco Raptor will be the only model in the range to be offered in the same Code Orange shade that can already be seen on the F-150 Raptor. Other color options are expected to include the new Eruption Green and Hot Pepper Red. According to the same leaked data, the model will be available in a four-door option only but will come in a choice of two trims – a base level and a luxurious trim that comes with a ton of added features and flourishes, including a heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, a wireless charging pod, and an equipment package called ‘Everglades.’ What will be included in the package is still to be confirmed, but if it’s anything like the Lux package on the current Bronco, customers can expect a 360-degree camera, a 10-speaker sound system, a jumbo 12-inch infotainment screen, two additional USB smart-charging ports, and enhanced sound deadening.
New and Improved Hardware
If the prototypes are anything to go by, the Ford Bronco Raptor is going to be a beast. Everything is bigger and more aggressive than anything else we’ve seen under the Bronco nameplate before, with swollen fenders, a wider stance, and a higher ride than even the most premium Wildtrak model. As fordauthority.com writes, up front, the Bronco Raptor will boast a revised front fascia with the classic “FORD” grille and a higher clearance front bumper. At the back, expect more of the same, with a revised rear fascia with a different bumper treatment. Exhaust duties will be taken care of via the single exit exhaust on the driver’s side. The whole thing takes its cues from the F-150 Raptor, from the wheels (prototypes have been seen with the same 37-inch BFGoodrich tires, although these are likely to be an upgrade on the 35-inch rubber standards) to the wide track, raised suspension, and abundance of skid plates.
Power
The current line-up of Ford Broncos comes with one of two EcoBoost engines. The first is a 300-hp 2.3-liter four-cylinder; the second is a 330-hp 2.7-liter V-6. Conceivably, the 2.7-liter V-6 could be used for the Bronco Raptor, although some have speculated Ford will go a different route entirely by borrowing the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 currently powering the Ford Explorer ST and the Lincoln Aviator. The engine dishes out 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque in the standard trim – big numbers, but not quite so big as the whopping 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque the hybrid variant is capable of pushing out. It’s expected the Bronco Raptor will get both the standard and hybrid variant of the engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Again, as with everything else relating to the Bronco Raptor, this is purely speculation, but if the reports are on the money, it’s going to be a superbly powerful, if thirsty, machine.
Pricing and Availability
Previous reports had suggested that the Bronco Raptor would arrive as a 2022 model, but like most things over the past 18 months, the timeline has been thrown out the window thanks to the pandemic. Ford has confirmed, however, that it’s currently on track for a 2022 release, which, pending any further changes, would put it as a 2023 model. Pricing is similarly up in the air, although early speculation has put the base price in the mid-$60,000 range, Considering its nearest competitor, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392, comes in at a base price of $73,500, it’s unlikely to draw any complaints if it does. That said, nothing about the Ford Bronco Raptor, including the price, has actually been officially confirmed. The only thing we do know for sure is that it’s on its way and is likely to be a very sound addition to the Bronco nameplate.
