This tale revolves around three Ford Rangers. The lessons I learned from dealing with these pickup trucks last year can be applied to numerous vehicles. This includes even high-end sports cars featuring massive spoilers at the back end.
The three 2024 Ranger models included a Sport 4x4 equipped with the standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine, another Sport 4x4 featuring the 2.7-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V-6, and the studly Ranger Raptor With a 3.0-liter iteration of the EcoBoost turbocharged V-6 engine, the Raptor stands out as the most capable among the trio. Additionally, it is notably the priciest option. During my off-road test, I found myself getting stuck exclusively with the Raptor.
Barely off-roading too. Embarrassingly stupid.
Install a 405-horsepower V-6 engine in a mid-sized pickup truck, combine it with a long-travel suspension fitted with excellent BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A K03 tires, and predictably, you get something truly remarkable. The Ranger Raptor makes traversing hills, climbing sandy inclines, and acting tough incredibly effortless. This setup gives you a sense of invincibility that encourages increasingly daring maneuvers. Last May, however, I managed to get stuck on a berm located at the end of an access road near the 101 freeway just above Ventura, California—not out in some remote wilderness, but right next to one of the most heavily trafficked highways globally.
I attempted to rock back and forth. I switched through all the electronically chosen terrain settings. Placing tiny rocks beneath the wheels was of no use. I even used my weight to push from behind, but it still lacked grip.
I contacted AAA... but they refused to take their towing equipment off-road, even though we were only around 100 yards away from being back on solid ground. After walking roughly a mile, I reached a Ventura County Fire Department station near the Seacliff exit. Unfortunately, they weren't able to assist me either. Then, using my iPhone, I decided to try something desperate—I posted on Facebook hoping that a local acquaintance would see it and be willing to come rescue me.
The illusion of invincibility is a problem. In football, helmets made players feel invulnerable. Defenders trained using their heads as spears. Offensive linemen would lead with their noggins to collide with defenders. Emboldened to take big chances, in their later years too many former college, NFL, and even high school players suffer from degenerative spine conditions, generalized nerve damage, and the cruel burden of repeated concussions. That sense of being beyond risk is the worst thing about any piece of equipment.
Get behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 GT3 RS And that incredible sense of power flows from the steering wheel into your fingertips and finally settles in your spine. However, here in Southern California, seeing tow trucks retrieve luxury Porsches from gullies alongside Angeles Crest Highway is quite common. Not even a GT2 RS can transform an average driver into Max Verstappen. Even the actual Verstappen would find himself overwhelmed at some point. Everyone makes mistakes, and when we do, it won’t be because of the vehicle’s shortcomings.
The Ranger's 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers 270 horsepower and excels in providing impressive low-end torque, peaking at 310 lb-ft. Paired with the standard 10-speed automatic transmission, this setup is well-suited for most tasks that up to 90% of pickup truck owners would typically undertake. Although the regular Ranger's 4x4 suspension doesn't match the sophistication or suppleness of the Raptor’s, it still performs adequately. The enhancements offered by the Raptor over other Ranger models in terms of capability are modest—not dramatic.
Sandwiched between the four-cylinder and the Raptor, you'll find an identical truck equipped with a 315-hp EcoBoost 2.7-liter V-6 engine. This option is quieter compared to the four-cylinder variant and excels more during long drives on highways; however, it still remains just slightly superior to the four-cylinder model yet somewhat inferior when compared to the capabilities of the Raptor.
What isn’t marginal are the differences in price. The crew cab 2025 Ranger Raptor starts at $57,315 before options and after a $1595 destination charge. The cheapest crew cab Ranger XL 4x4 starts at $38,755 including the same destination charge. An XLT 4x4 with the 2.7-liter EcoBoost starts at $43,730. None of these trucks are cheap, but is the Ranger Raptor truly worth $18,560 more than an XL for the way most owners would use the truck? And that’s before factoring in taxes, depreciation, insurance costs, and the additional fuel the Raptor slurps.
Yeah, the Raptor looks better, is more comprehensively equipped, and sure will get more admiring leers. But when it comes time to buy something, be honest with one’s own self.
And that goes for anyone considering a new Porsche 911. The GT3 RS is a total track beast, but as a commuter, of course, it sucks. It rides stiff, those big sticky tires wear out quickly and cost a fortune to replace, and those grip-lock racing seats aren’t so necessary when stuck in traffic. A base 911 meanwhile is still a brilliant car, very easy to live with and the standard wheels and tires might survive a first encounter with a curb.
Oftentimes, the best vehicle is the cheaper one that works well enough.
Sure thing, the Facebook scheme paid off. My buddy Greg Woo showed up driving his vintage Land Cruiser equipped with a tow strap from Harbor Freight. It easily dislodged the Raptor from its skid plates. I’m still obligated to repay him for that tow strap.
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