2023 Ford Ranger Raptor v Wildtrak V6 v Wildtrak Bi-Turbo: Dragparison

Ford has promised mega performance from its new Ranger Raptor – something we wanted to put to the test.

Simply enough, we grabbed the VBox and hit the drag strip in the Raptor as well as the V6 and four-cylinder diesel models in Wildtrak trim.

We also did some more performance tests on the Raptor, managing a bloody quick 5.8 second dash to 100km/h once it dried out.

This is the latest test in a running series: We’ve already put various Rangers on a dyno, tested the Ranger V6 diesel against a Volkswagen Amarok V6, and raced the Ranger V6 diesel against the bi-turbo four-cylinder option.

Tests conducted in this video

Sound test: Filmed from behind the car, playing with any available drive modes
Drag race: All three in a row, each using the fastest drive modes, 4WD and stability control settings as tested
Performance tests for Raptor: Using various modes, Baja was quickest. Standing quarter mile, 1/8 mile, and 0-100km/h tests

2023 Ford Ranger Raptor v Wildtrak V6 v Wildtrak Bi-Turbo: Dragparison

Ford Ranger Raptor key specifications

Power in the new Ranger Raptor comes from a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V6 making 292kW and 583Nm, sent to all four wheels through a full-time four-wheel drive system and 10-speed automatic.

Its power-to-weight figure is 120.6kW per tonne.

Ford Ranger Wildtrak V6 key specifications

The Ranger’s 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine, a version of which has previously seen use in the US-market F-150, produces 184kW of peak power and 600Nm of torque, from just 1750rpm.

Again, torque is sent to all four wheels through a full-time four-wheel drive system and 10-speed automatic.

Its power-to-weight figure is 78.8kW per tonne.

Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4-cylinder key specifications

The Wildtrak’s cheaper 2.0-litre bi-turbo four-cylinder diesel option makes 154kW and 500Nm, again with a 10-speed automatic, but with more traditional part-time 4×4 system that defaults to rear-wheel drive on tarmac.

Its power-to-weight figure is 67.6kW per tonne.