When a Ford pickup needs a pickup, it gets the Raptor package, courtesy of the Blue Oval’s in-house Ford Performance division. Well, the ever-so-popular revival of the Ford Bronco SUV is set to receive the Raptor treatment for the 2022 model year.

The Bronco Raptor will be sold exclusively in the four-door configuration, utilizing a special twin-turbo 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine tuned to Raptor-level specifications. Paired to Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission, the Bronco Raptor is expected to put down more than 400 horsepower. That displacement can be catered to the driver’s needs via the Bronco’s selectable drive modes: Goes Over Any Type of Terrain, “GOAT” for short.

The Raptor features a uniquely-tuned Baja mode, which activates a turbo-anti lag system for high-speed off-road performance, and a Bronco-first Tow Mode which enables a 4,500 pound tow rating--1000 pounds more than the base Bronco.

Speaking of comparisons, the Bronco Raptor is roughly 9.8 inches wider than the base model. That wider stance can be attributed to a complete suspension overhaul, featuring 37-inch all-terrain rubber on 17-inch Ford Performance bead-lock wheels.  Wider fender flares are in place to accommodate said tires, and connecting them to the differentials are the same Ford Performance axles used on the Bronco DR race truck.

Other upgrades include a fully-boxed steel frame, new shock towers, B and C-pillar reinforcement, and FOX suspension. Specifically, the Bronco Raptor is outfitted with Ford’s High-performance Off-Road Stability Suspension system, or HOSS. It uses semi-active dampers and suspension height sensors at each corner of the Bronco to monitor terrain conditions and adjust tuning accordingly. The Bronco Raptor is also aided by Trail Control, Trail Turn Assist and Trail One-Pedal Driving.

Exterior styling is akin to F150 Raptors by way of blacked-out Ford lettering dominating the grille, wrapped by amber daytime running lights. An integrated hood vent and fender vents add to the aggressive styling; finished off with special graphics and Raptor badging.

Inside, the cabin has washable Black-Onyx marine-grade vinyl seats with Code Orange stitching and accents, a 12-inch digital gauge cluster, and a slew of standardized High Package goodies. The available Lux package adds a 10-speaker B&O sound system and adaptive cruise control.

Orders are expected to open up in March 2022; however, customers should note that a majority of these orders will go to existing reservation holders. Exact pricing has not yet been announced, but expect it to surpass any Bronco trim seen yet.

We’ll have more on the Ford Bronco Raptor on an upcoming edition of MotorWeek!

Specifications

  • Engine: 3.0L EcoBoost V6
  • Horsepower: 400