While no one other than Ford employees have driven the thing so far, and ordering is closed for 2022 models, those interested in the blue oval’s Bronco Raptor did recently receive performance news designed to peak renewed interest in the vehicle.
Ford CEO Jim Farley recently dropped word that the Bronco Raptor will arrive later this year with 418 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque in tow. Those numbers place it, as expected, right at the top of the Bronco power chain.
All that power comes directly from Ford’s 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 that also sits in the automaker’s Explorer ST and Lincoln Aviator. Ford then includes a 10-speed automatic transmission and a two-speed transfer case on the Raptor to process that power to four 37-inch BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires.
The entire set up, Farley said, was inspired by Ultra4 racing Bronco vehicles that are built for high speed off-road racing and extreme rock crawling.
Of course, usually with great power comes reduced gas mileage, and the Bronco Raptor certainly follows that formula — rated at a thirsty 15 miles-per-gallon for city driving, and 16 mpg highway. Not that those Bronco owners are likely to complain about gas prices after dropping north of $80,000 on the vehicle.
Both that horsepower and torque number will certainly get off-road enthusiasts primed to take the vehicle deep into the wilderness, but the Raptor’s power structure does lag a bit behind its closest competitor – the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392. That vehicle makes 470 hp and lb-ft of torque from its massive 6.4-liter Hemi V8.
Those interested in acquiring a 2022 Raptor Bronco will need a bit of luck as the automaker did close off new orders earlier this year. So finding one somewhere on a dealer lot later this year will be the only way to acquire the most powerful Bronco on the market.
“Due to high demand, the current model year is no longer available for retail order,” Ford said on its retail website. “Limited inventory may be available at selected dealers. Contact your dealer for more information.”
However, Ford does plan to open ordering for the 2023 models later this year, so Raptor enthusiasts will have a chance to construct this off-road beast to their liking in a few months.
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