2022 – Ford Ranger Raptor X Review

Raptor X gets extra stuff over and above its poverty-stricken sisters, and just as well. The last of the MY21 models deserve a final look, before the arrival of the All New Ranger MY22 Ranger.

First, there is the fancy striping called “OTT”, and as well as standing for Over The Top, the stripes go over the top. Perhaps it is not quite as imaginative I had first envisaged.

There is an overdose of butch in the massive FORD-emblazoned grille. Butchness continues along the side with heavy duty steel side steps. I wouldn’t like to use them as sliders, but then I am unlikely to ever have the need to try. Driving in dirt is not my thang.

Above: This Week – 2022 review – Ford Ranger Raptor X 

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ABOVE: 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor X Review

As we mention in the video, the All New Ranger is due soon, but for the 2021-2022 season, Ranger looks very much like it did a decade ago.

Oily Bits:

If, however, you fancy dirt and filth in your down time, the 4X4 system has 2X4 for road use, 4H for tougher stuff, and 4L as a last resort. You can tow 3500kg in the lower models, but with posher suspension, Raptor X is limited to 2500kg. That’s good for a pop-top or jet ski, so all is not lost.

Suspension is SLA type at the front and Multi-Link solid axel around the back. The rear brakes are discs, and the reason we make a meal of this is that lower Rangers, and most other utes, have leaf rear springs and drum brakes, both from the century of horse and cart travel. No thanks. And, before you pen comments about load carrying and whatnot, who cares? Ranger and Hilux are variously the top sellers in the country and 99% of them never go off-road, or tow anything more challenging than a trailer of lawn clippings.

While we’re in the subject of the oily bits, there is the engine/tranny combo to skite about. The bi-turbo 4-pot is dating a 10-speed auto, and is streets ahead of the rest of the range. There is plenty of poke sans-load, but the bum gets lively in the moistness of a light shower. She is all over the place like a mad-woman’s-dinner. The traction control goes bonkers, and you can’t rely in the selectable 4X4 to get you out of strife. If you’re in any doubt, stick it in 4H and try turning on full lock. The wheels carry on like a pork chop. It is meant for loose surfaces only.

Combined fuel economy is a thrifty 8.2L/100k and on the open road is even lower. The 80L tank would probably get you from Melbs so Sydney in a single bound, but take my advice, fly.

The tray is coated in a non-slip surface, and there is no cover as standard. Once open, the tailgate is a very long way off the ground, with the 17” wheels having 33” tyres.

Should you realise the camping trip of your dreams, there is a huge 283mm ground clearance to play with.

Most of the time you’ll be in town, and unless you’re a hairy-chested, flanny-donned, tradie, you’ll be doing chores like shopping, and runs to the airport, now that it is open again. Parking at Bunnings will put you in good stead, and is a doddle with cameras and sensors to make sure you don’t bang a tradie, unintentionally.

Is it nice to drive?

Ranger is now 11 years old in its current form. The last decade has seen a quantum leap, especially in technological terms, and in that respect, Raptor is stating to show its age. Nonetheless, it is one of the best on-road drives in its class.

We nipped down the freeway to get an idea of what the old girl is like at speed, and were pleasantly surprised. You’ll remember we hated Hilux’s daft “lane departure” control system. At 110kph, it will toss out the anchors on the front wheel opposite to the one crossing the line. The idea is that it will bring you back into line, and/or wake you up. Its hydraulic steering is past its used-by date and can’t cope with electric inputs from a computer. Raptor X has electric steering with computer-controlled inputs initiated by the steering wheel. If the driver nods off, the computer applies a touch of torque. Ideally, drivers stay alert, but everyone allows attention to wander from time to time.

There is no blind spot monitor, something modern drivers have become used to, and will definitely miss.

The smallish 8” central screen houses apple carplay/android auto, and connects by USB. Sound is acceptable, but in an $80,000 vehicle, I expected a little more.

Once you’ve climb Everest to get in, the cabin is reasonably comfortable. Rear seaters have a couple of power outlets, but no USB or air vents. Front passengers are well catered for, with an extra USB at the rear of the mirror for DashCams, Hoorah!

The over-all drive experience is good. You can’t expect the sharp steering of a Lambo, or the ride of a Roller, so keep your expectations realistic and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

We’ve tested a lot of Pick-Ups and the main problem is usually comfort. Either the steering is rubbish, or the ride is like being on a BBQ hurtling down a cobbled lane.

Ranger feels like a balance between ride, comfort, and ability, and is a race that has been won. We drove Raptor and FX4 back to back, and there is no doubt that more costly Raptor is the pick, with FX4 being off-road-focused.

Get the full Specifications HERE:  MY_RaptorX_2021.75_eBrochure

The Boys Thoughts:

As always, we gathered the usual suspects for a sneaky mid-week break. Here’s what we thought:-

Casper:

Raptor is big and brassy. Its in-your-face looks suit my tastes, and should ever by in the market for a pick-up (other than one at Stonewall), I’m there with knobs on.

Ranger is comfy, and sexy, and a decent drive.

Max:

Ranger is a hit with farmers and miners for good reason. There is plenty of carrying space and a good sound system.

We’ve had one at the farm, and among a mix of brands and vehicle types, most of the staff prefer the Ranger, albeit a base model 4X4.

Ethan:

I like Amarok, but Ranger comes in a close second. I like the pucker 4-wheel-drive system. However, if I was spending 80 grand on a car, I’d get myself a sporty German, and a super cheap ute as a hack.

Alan:

With the new Ranger due in a moment, Raptor X is a fitting hoorah for a workhorse we’ve come to love. Some of the fellas prefer the Toyota, and others would save the dosh and buy Chinese.

I’m firmly in the value-for-money camp. I see Ranger as being expert in what it does. On looks alone, it trounces Hilux, coming a close second to VW’s Amarok. Where it wins out, is on the 4X4 system, which is old-school, and is still the best.

Conclusion:

Ranger Raptor X is Australia’s top seller, swapping places with Toyota’s Hilux every other month. Punters know what they want, and talk with their wallets.

Whether you like them or not, Pick-ups are firmly rooted in the Australian landscape. Frugal diesels and tough builds make them ideal for industry and commerce. Tradies love them, and we love tradies in them, or out of them.

  • Price: $89,390
  • Engine: 2.0L Common Rail Bi-Turbo diesel
  • Trans: 10-Speed Automatic
  • Econ: 8.2L/100k
  • CO2: 212g/k
  • Weight: 2376kg (gvm 3090,gcm 5350)

Tags: 2022 ford ranger raptor X, 2022 ford ranger raptor X review, gay pick-up, gay ute, gay ford, ford 10-speed auto, diesel ute

Hash: #2022fordrangerraptorX, #gaypickup, #gayute, #gayford, #ford10speedauto, #dieselute

Other GayCarBoys SUV Stories:

Written by Alan Zurvas

Alan Zurvas is the founder and editor of Gay Car Boys, Australia's leading LGBTQI+ automotive publication. Before launching GCB in 2008, Alan's automotive writing was published in SameSame.com.au and the Star Observer. With over 16 years of hands-on car reviewing experience, Alan brings an honest, irreverent voice to every review — championing value and innovation over brand loyalty.

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