This story contains independent illustrations made by CarScoops’ artist Josh Byrnes based on the new Ford Ranger truck. The renderings are not related to nor endorsed by Ford.

Ford recently took the wraps off the all-new, international market T6.2 Ranger mid-size pickup, which previews the upcoming North American model, revealing its styling, interior, powertrains and other significant features. However, the Blue Oval has yet to provide performance or towing figures, nor have they officially said what type of electrification the truck will be receiving in future.

All important stuff, but what you’re dying to know about is the hotly-anticipated Ranger Raptor. What engine will it have? How will it look, and will it be coming to America? Well, let’s take an artistic foray to answer those questions.

Read: 2022 Ford Ranger Officially Revealed, Previews America’s Next Mid-Size Pickup

Illustrations Copyright Carscoops.com / Josh Byrnes

Looking Ford Tough

The new Ranger’s redesign echoes that of the latest Maverick and F-150, and whilst the Raptor has yet to debut, it’s an easy bet that the off-road aesthetic will reach a whole other level. This study crystal ball gazes what to expect with a bold honeycomb grille dominating the front with ‘Ford’ in chunky block lettering. Further down, a trapezoidal steel bumper features improved approach angles and color-coded recovery points.

Rear changes include wider fenders, a twin-exit exhaust and potentially an F-150-style tailgate with ‘Raptor’ spelt out in chunky, embossed lettering. With a myriad of accessories from Australian off-road parts gurus ARB, Raptor owners will also have the ability to enhance their truck’s look even further too.

A Nicer Place To Be

Ford is expected to upgrade the standard 2022 (2023MY) Ranger’s cabin seen here with nicer materials and trims as well as Recaro front bucket seats

One of the most significant improvements to the T6.2-generation Ranger is its all-new interior. Looking like it was plucked straight out of the RAM 1500, the dashboard features a portrait-style, 12.1-inch infotainment screen running Ford’s Sync 4 interface. Other enhancements will likely see Recaro sports seats with contrasting blue stitching, a sports steering wheel with top center marker and a plethora of Raptor badges.

Standard equipment will build upon the Ranger Wildtrak’s already impressive list of goodies. These include 360-degree zone lighting, which can be controlled by the My Ford Pass App, a digital instrument cluster, a B&O sound system and a brake controller (a first for the Ranger).

Power To Rip

Our artist’s impression of the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor above versus the international market standard 2022 Ranger below

Conjecture still surrounds what powertrain the Raptor will receive, but we do know it’ll be from the Ecoboost family of V6s. The likely candidates are a reworked twin-turbocharged 2.7-litre unit from the Bronco or the turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 from the Explorer. The latter generates a staunch 400 horsepower (300kW) and 415 lb-ft (560Nm) of torque.

Ford has indicated that the Ranger will receive some form of electrification down the track; for the Raptor’s sake, we’re hoping it’s the 450 hp (335kW) 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol/plug-in electric hybrid (also available in the Explorer). Power is fed to all four wheels via an upgraded 10-speed automatic transmission and intelligent off-road terrain management system.

Trick Underpinnings

Like the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor pictured here, the Ranger Raptor is expected to be available with all-terrain tires for improved approach, departure, and break-over angles

While we’ve yet to see how extensive the changes are underneath, there’s no doubt it will be one heck of a truck for dune-hopping. Expect to see a more robust setup consisting of Fox Racing internal bypass twin-tube shock absorbers, forged control arms, and long-travel coilover dampers.

Like the base truck, dimensions will grow with improved approach, break-over and departure angles. Wading depth will also increase, and the old rear drum brake configuration has been thrown into the skip bin – finally, disks all around.

Rivals & Reveal

The upcoming 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 seen here testing under disguise

The Raptor will go head to head with Jeep’s Gladiator Rubicon, Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, Nissan’s Navara Pro-4X Warrior (Australia only), and Frontier PRO-4X.

An official debut will take place on February 22, 2022, as an MY2023 model – and yes, this time North America looks to be finally getting the F-150 Raptor’s smaller sibling. Woohoo!

Would you like to see a Ranger Raptor in your driveway? We’d love to hear your views in the comments below.

Illustrations Copyright Carscoops.com / Josh Byrnes