Fence Sitting on Ranger Raptor or Ranger Lariat

[JimG]

If you want to notice what you drive go with a raptor. They are quite the truck. For $800 you can put a factory approved tune that will give you more horse than you F150 ever thought possible. Just pain fun to drive. If you want to drive around in another Ford Ranger then get the Lariat. Both will get you to and from but the raptor will do it with a smile!!!

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[Onceaneagle]

“Needs vs wants”…frequent discussion in my house. You might not need a Raptor’s capabilities…I know I want them. The truth is that all Rangers with 4WD are exceptional off road. I “use” my 4WD every time the weatherman predicts (albeit incorrectly) that we might get snow/ice in Fort Worth, Texas. That requires a Raptor, right?

Same here. I use 4A in heavy rain and Kansas cross wind and was surprised the Ranger Lariat did not have it.

 

[Onceaneagle]

That Watt's linkage is what sold me on the Raptor. It's a night and day difference in how a solid axle vehicle is planted in turns on non-ideal surfaces, and just turns in general; and especially useful on washboard.

It completely eliminates standard issue pickup truck skittishness.

The Watt's linkage was outstanding in 1794 when it was invented, and it's still state of the art rear suspension technology today, as well as used in countless industries.

It's the reason why the Raptor drives more like a sport-adjacent SUV than a pickup truck.

Make no mistake: That's the true selling point of the Raptor driving experience. It just isn't heralded as the benefit it is, because most people don't understand what it does.

Thanks for that. I was looking at that tech. Does it replace adding a rear anti sway bar? Also, any suggestions about trailing arm sensor covers?

 

[stemplar]

Just think, you could have had a Raptor.

I'm sure I'd seriously enjoy driving a Raptor, until I need to tow my trailer. Or pay my insurance. Raptors are seriously amazing and I'm glad that Ford makes them; truly. But as I've said before, the different Rangers are for different purposes. Buying a Raptor to tow a 6000lb trailer isn't a great choice. Buying a 2wd XL for baja blasting isn't a great choice either. There's one for every purpose in the mid-size segment. For me, the lariat is the right fit, and it sounds like it would be for the OP as well. But picking the right truck from the lineup doesn't in any way detract from the greatness of the others.

 

[superj]

Exactly why i have an stx and not a raptor, or even a 4x4

 

[pkvir]

I'm sure I'd seriously enjoy driving a Raptor, until I need to tow my trailer. Or pay my insurance. Raptors are seriously amazing and I'm glad that Ford makes them; seriously. But as I've said before, the different Rangers are for different purposes. Buying a Raptor to tow a 6000lb trailer isn't a great choice. Buying a 2wd XL for baja blasting isn't a great choice either. There's one for every purpose in the mid-size segment. For me, the lariat is the right fit, and it sounds like it would be for the OP as well. But picking the right truck from the lineup doesn't in any way detract from the greatness of the others.

I did forget to mention the tow rating and for someone who regularly tows, the Raptor is not the truck to buy. There is a Ranger for everyone.

 

[JimG]

The Raptor is not the truck For you. It tows just over 5000lbs. The Lariat can tow up to 7500lbs if properly equipped. You mentioned towing 6000lbs. I would look hard at how often and how far I’m pulling that kind of weight. Also how fast you want to drive. The 7500lb towing capacity only includes a 150lbs of people and cargo. With driver & passenger and anything else you haul in the truck you could be getting near 90% capacity. Find someone you can visit with who tows that kind of weight. I would be concerned if a F150 might be the best choice. Maybe keep are get a new F150.

 

[BML]

Asking for some input from 6Gen RR and Lariat owners, please. I currently own a 2021 Ford F150 Lariat Supercab 3.5L FX4 w/26,500 miles, in excellent condition with a lot of accessories like Line-X bed liner, undercoating, rust proofing, Borla cat back exhaust, Bilstein 5100 shocks, etc. The truck is great at my height of 6'4" but now that I am 70 and retired, I find it more difficult to park it and get around in the city. I live rural, so I still use a truck. I owned a 1996 Ranger STX Extended cab 3.0L and 2003 Ranger Edge Extended cab 4.0L, so my experience with them is also great but dated, and the current Ranger is larger. I test drove a 2025 Maverick Lobo, both engines, and meh. Small bed, not a truck to me. So, I drove and like the 2025 Ranger. Now the issue. I asked my dealer to find a 2025 Ranger Lariat for me in Ruby Red, 2.7L, Black Appearance, FX4, normal trailer tow, no VIN recalls. He just found one out of State 185 miles away. He is attempting to dealer trade but has not been successful doing that in the past, at least for me, or I could drive there to buy it. If not, I will order a 2026. But, on the lot, he has a new 2025 Ranger Raptor in Marsh Gray. It has been there since mid-June with no offers to buy it. $58,725 MSRP for a Ranger is certainly a lot of money, and for that price the truck owners around me buy RAM 1500s or F150s, with some dropping even more bucks for high trim levels, but not Rangers. So, I looked at the RR. I like it. I also like the Ranger Lariat with the 2.7L. The RR at the dealer cannot be sold until the VIN airbag recall is fixed, which is expected 4Q. Still, my dealer cut the Raptor price to $57K because, as he said, they need to move it. My military retiree discount of $500 does not apply to the RR but does apply to the $54K Lariat, which he will also discount. So, my comparing the two trucks, the RR has obviously got power, is fun to drive, uses Premium fuel, and sucks gas with a small 20-gal or so tank (I get 20.4 MPG AVG with my 3.5L Ecoboost and have a 36-gal tank). The RR has the e-shifter, the Lariat is mechanical. Not sure why that makes a difference to me. I do not see having to accessorize the RR much to configure it as I like it, so below MSRP for a RR seems a good deal and my trade is @$40-45K. The Lariat with the 2.7L has plenty of power, regular gas, and better MPG. I would add all the accessories I have now: Fox 2.0 shocks, Borla, etc. The price difference is close, so not an issue. Gas mileage and premium fuel is something to consider but not a deal breaker. Comfort is important to me, and both are comfortable. Not concerned about resale or depreciation. How I would use it: drive it two or three times a week for short trips 15-20 miles round trip, for errands. Maybe a longer Interstate highway trip of 3-4 hours once in a while to visit friends across State. Where I am stuck is if the RR is too much truck I won't use compared to the Lariat because I will not be off roading in Kansas and my idea of camping now is to find a nice hotel. Any owner experience as to why they went with what they did regarding the RR or the Lariat, or both, would be appreciated.

I have a loaded 2.7 Lariat which is both my daily driver and tow vehicle, something that none of my former full size or mid size trucks excelled at. I didn’t consider the Raptor as I needed the towing capacity of the 2.7. That said the Raptor is a handsome truck…but I believe the 2.7 engine in the Lariat will give you plenty of power and fun. Mpg is pretty incredible for mountain conditions in which I drive it, 23 mpg on average not towing and 14 mpg recently on a 2,000 mile plus camping trip up and down eastern seaboard, including drives through the Blueridge mountains TN/SC.

If you can’t decide based on the numbers I’d go with your gut after driving each back to back in a variety of road conditions. You’ll do well with either choice!

 

[pohnz1]

I got the 25 Raptor in Desert sand. For me, it came down to a few things. Aesthetics. The stance grill and everything just looks better than the.Regular ranger. Secondly the big decision was price. I specced out a fully loaded ranger lariat fx4 2.7. It came in around 54k. So for just and I say that loosely, three thousand more, I got the ranger raptor. I live in pennsylvania, so I will never use it for the off road capabilities.That it has. We just have forest roads and the occasional tricky trail of which I have put it through its paces.And its performed flawlessly. Mine is tuned and I daily drive it. I've averaged 18.6 mpg since i've had it tuned. On road trips I get around 20ish. You mentioned insurance. My raptor is actually less than what I traded in, and that was a 22 subaru outback wilderness.

 

[josephp732]

Not sure if your working with Long - McArthur in Salina, KS - but they are a great dealership. Tim Bartz ([email protected]) is very active on Youtube and provides the Ford community with a ton of info. They seem to have a truck that fits your description: Ruby Red Lariat with 2.7 EB, 4x4. Only options on the truck are the Ruby Red color upgrade, 2.7EB and running boards. MSRP is $52,470 they have $4k off so $48,470. If you call, they might come off of that a bit more. Plus, they will ship the truck at very reasonable price. https://www.long-mcarthur.com/new-Salina-2025-Ford-Ranger-LARIAT-1FTER4KP3SLE41359

 

[jmatthew]

i am 57. Had a f150 Lariat 10 years ago. Loved it.
If you need to tow. Don't get a Raptor.
The Ranger is a truck.
The Raptor is an event. LOVE driving that thing. Love driving it anywhere. To the store, across town, 10 hours on the highway, or on trails. The thing is awesome.

If you want a nice mid size truck,don't get a Raptor.
If you need to tow, don't get a Raptor.
If you want to enjoy driving. Get a Raptor.

 

[yelnoc2]

Had a '19 Lariat which I really liked and got a '24 RR, wouldn't go back....love the HP with the tune. '2 non-Raptor Ranger may have improved on the Gen5 but my RR does everything better.

 

[fordtrks4ever]

I am also retired 75 and looking at a 2025 Raptor.
I will most likely never go off roading
I tow 4100 lbs. 320lbs. Tonge weight once a year Raptor can handle that.
The insurance I could live with as under 5000 miles a year driven
It will be that sport vehicle I always wished for
Sometimes you have to go enjoy life while you can.
Raptor will be priced below MSRP.
My trade is 40k to 42K
Onlly financing $12,000 for 36 mo.
Yes the red in the interior not my style either but I can live with.

I figure I am going for it
Life can be short

 

[Onceaneagle]

The Raptor is not the truck For you. It tows just over 5000lbs. The Lariat can tow up to 7500lbs if properly equipped. You mentioned towing 6000lbs. I would look hard at how often and how far I’m pulling that kind of weight. Also how fast you want to drive. The 7500lb towing capacity only includes a 150lbs of people and cargo. With driver & passenger and anything else you haul in the truck you could be getting near 90% capacity. Find someone you can visit with who tows that kind of weight. I would be concerned if a F150 might be the best choice. Maybe keep are get a new F150.

See your point but I don't tow anything. I might stick a bike rack in the receiver but that is becoming difficult to lift. The truck would mostly be driven 2-3 times a week for errands. Thanks.

 

[Onceaneagle]

I am also retired 75 and looking at a 2025 Raptor.
I will most likely never go off roading
I tow 4100 lbs. 320lbs. Tonge weight once a year Raptor can handle that.
The insurance I could live with as under 5000 miles a year driven
It will be that sport vehicle I always wished for
Sometimes you have to go enjoy life while you can.
Raptor will be priced below MSRP.
My trade is 40k to 42K
Onlly financing $12,000 for 36 mo.

I figure I am going for it
Life can be short

And you have hit the nail on the head. I have owned a 1980 Vette, a 280Z, a 300ZX, a Saab 900 Turbo, and an Eagle Talon, all bought new. Then I became a home owner. Bought a Ranger STX and have had nothing but trucks since. Now I am a geezer home owner. Go practical or not, for a couple days a week driving? I drive about 5000 miles a year. My wife's 2024 Escape Titanium just went over 4500 miles and had its one year oil change.

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