2024 Ford Bronco Raptor: The Ultimate Off-Road Toy, But at What Cost?

Some vehicles are built to get you from point A to point B. The 2024 Ford Bronco Raptor is not one of those vehicles. This is a big, loud, high-riding, desert-running monster that feels like it was built for blasting through the Baja 1000 rather than tackling a grocery run. And yet, I’ve spent the past week daily driving this beast—navigating traffic, squeezing into parking spaces, and yes, even taking it down a closed-off dirt road to see what it can do.

It’s as ridiculous as it is fun, and while I love just about everything it stands for, I can’t help but ask: Is the Bronco Raptor actually worth its nearly $100,000 price tag? Or is it just an over-the-top off-road toy?

Exterior: Wide, Bold, and Ready for Anything

The Bronco Raptor is huge. There’s no other way to put it. At 85.7 inches wide (including mirrors), it’s wider than some full-size trucks, and it takes up an entire lane without even trying. Parking? That’s an event in itself. But while its size can be a challenge in everyday driving, it’s also what makes it so aggressive and intimidating on the road.

Compared to last year’s model, the biggest change is the body-colored fender flares, which replace the previous black plastic ones. I think this is a solid improvement—it gives the Raptor a more refined yet still rugged appearance. The gray and black ‘FORD’ grille, full metal bash plates, and reinforced skid protection make it clear this thing is built for serious off-road punishment. The 37-inch all-terrain tires are the largest factory-installed tires on any production SUV, giving the Raptor its towering stance. And for night runs, auto LED headlights and Rigid fog lamps light up the trail ahead.

Ford also included rock rails with removable running boards, front and rear tow hooks, and a reinforced swing gate to support the massive spare tire. If you want a vehicle that looks like it eats rocks for breakfast and spits out dust trails, this is it.

Interior: Off-Road Durability Meets Daily Comfort

Stepping inside, the Bronco Raptor strikes a balance between rugged and refined. The Onyx leather-trimmed and suede seats are comfortable and supportive, whether you’re bouncing over rocks or cruising on the highway. Hard plastics and rubberized surfaces dominate the cabin—built for durability rather than luxury—but the High/Lux package adds some nice touches, including a premium sound system and 360-degree camera.

Tech-wise, Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system is easy to use, with a 12-inch touchscreen that’s responsive and well laid out. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connect effortlessly, and the 8-inch digital driver display gives a customizable view of key info. One of my favorite details? The Molle strap system on the seatbacks, which adds a tactical look and practical storage.

The downside? Wind noise from the removable roof is still noticeable at highway speeds, though slightly improved from last year’s model. Also, getting in and out is a workout thanks to the high step rails, which are great for off-roading but less ideal for everyday use.

Cargo Space: Functional, but Not the Best

With the full-size spare tire mounted on the swing gate, accessing the cargo area isn’t as quick as a standard liftgate, but it’s solid and functional. The cargo volume is 37.2 cubic feet behind the second row and expands to 77.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. That’s plenty of room for gear, but it’s actually less than a standard Bronco due to the reinforced chassis and rear suspension setup.

Ford did include tie-down points, auxiliary power outlets, and the Molle strap system, making it more practical for overlanding or weekend adventures. But the high load floor means lifting heavy gear requires some extra effort.

Powertrain: Twin-Turbo Punch with Real Off-Road Chops

Under the hood, the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 cranks out 418 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It’s plenty quick for an SUV of this size, though the 5,750-lb curb weight keeps it from feeling quite as snappy as an F-150 Raptor.

That said, Baja mode is a game-changer. It keeps the turbos spooled for instant throttle response, making the Bronco Raptor feel alive and ready to rip through desert terrain. The front and rear locking differentials, stabilizer bar disconnect, and 13 inches of front / 14 inches of rear suspension travel make it an absolute beast off-road.

Fuel economy, though, is rough. EPA estimates 15 MPG combined, but real-world driving sees closer to 12-13 MPG, meaning frequent gas station visits.

Driving Experience:

A Daily Driver? Maybe. An Off-Road Monster? Absolutely.

Driving the Bronco Raptor around town is fun but impractical. The steering is light, but the size makes navigating tight streets a chore. It’s comfortable enough on pavement, but ride quality is firm, and wind noise from the roof is always there. Parking is the biggest challenge—this thing barely fits in a standard spot.

On the highway, the HOSS 4.0 suspension with FOX Live Valve dampers smooths out bumps, and the high seating position gives a commanding view. The sound system is decent, and Apple CarPlay works flawlessly, but expect to fill up often.

Now, off-road? That’s where the Bronco Raptor shines. On a closed-off dirt road, I put Baja mode to the test, and the way it soaks up bumps at speed is insane. The G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Terrain) modes actually make a difference—Rock Crawl mode seamlessly engages the front and rear lockers, and the long-travel suspension absorbs terrain better than almost anything else in this class. It’s built for speed, built for punishment, and ready for just about anything.

Price: Extreme Performance Comes at an Extreme Cost

The 2024 Ford Bronco Raptor is priced accordingly for what it offers:

• Base price: $90,035

• Options: $2,495

• Destination fee: $1,895

• Total MSRP: $94,425

At that price, you could be looking at a luxury SUV, a high-performance truck, or even an entry-level sports car. It’s not cheap, but if you plan to use it off-road, the performance is undeniable.

Final Verdict: A Niche, But an Incredible One

The 2024 Ford Bronco Raptor isn’t just a Bronco with bigger tires—it’s a completely re-engineered, off-road-ready machine that makes you feel unstoppable. It’s hilariously fun, absurdly capable, and totally ridiculous as a daily driver. If you want one of the most extreme factory off-roaders ever built and don’t mind the price, size, or fuel costs, this is your SUV.

But if you’re just looking for an everyday SUV with some weekend trail capability? A standard Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, or even a Lexus GX Overtrail might make more sense.

Still, I can’t help but love this thing. If you ever get the chance, drive one. It’s an experience you won’t forget.