Fence Sitting on Ranger Raptor or Ranger Lariat

[Slyone]

I just recently bought a '25 RR and test drove a 2.3 and a 2.7 during the buying process. Totally depends on your use case and it seems like you have a good idea of what you want out of your truck.

Having said that, if it in anyway makes sense for you (and quite possibly, even if it doesn't) and assuming the budget can allow for it, throw caution to the wind and get the Raptor.

It is a driving experience like no other vehicle currently on the market and leaves you feeling almost disappointed at the fact that you have to turn it off once you reach your current destination. It is incredibly well-optioned from the factory, will suffer a far-less rate of depreciation than most vehicles and can perform daily errands, grocery-getting and kid-shuttling with comfort and no high-performance drama or loudness but in an instant it can shed that suburban mask and rip through its 10 speed with alarming precision and a distinctive growl with the push of a button or the twist of your wrist...

The 2.3 and the 2.7 are the logical, sensible options. The twin-turbo 3.0 V6 in the Raptor takes an already great truck to a place far beyond anywhere a mid-size truck has dared to go. You should allow yourself to book a permanent suite in that place.

Here's mine. '25 RR in Carbonized Gray Metallic; 3 weeks old tomorrow. My only regret is that I've only had it for 3 weeks...

You make the best case I’ve heard. I love my RR. I’ve had mine a year next month with 9000 miles and no problems at all .

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[Onceaneagle]

The Ranger Raptor for sure. The running boards are high up on the RR and at 6' 4" might cause you a little issue getting in and out. At 5"6"" I have no problem. I took delivery in mid June and have made several 250 plus mile trips and find it very comfortable, quite and enjoyable to drive. The AC is cold and the blower is the most powerful I've ever had! The power to pass slower vehicles is awesome. The performance cal is a must! My wife drove it and immediately order her one! I traded in a 2017 F150 Limited and thought I would miss it... NOT!! Your will enjoy the turn radius and smaller foot print for parking.

FYI Q4 for the airbag recall fixed in could be December 31st. I would not be surprised if it rolled into Q1 2026. I would make a contingency on the purchase that if delivery is not in Q4 2025 the dealer will give you another $1,000 off (negotiable) or offer you some large discount on extended warranty / maintenance.

Many thanks! After all the great input either way, I am convinced to get a RR. I have a problem with the RR boards scrapping my leg. Getting in and out is okay but not easy. I solved that in the F150 with removing the OEM boards and installing AMP Research power steps. That and the driver grab handle, not the steering wheel, means no problem anymore, for me or the wife. No Ranger driver grab handle is something that baffles me and European versions do not fit or match the color. AMP Research power steps apparently damage the RR, and removal of the RR running boards allows rocks to kick up into the rear quarter panel to chip the paint and the plastic rear wheel well trim, even with PPF and our county roads are gravel or rocky dirt. Solve one problem, create another. Maybe someone else makes reliable power steps for Raptor? Still, I am sold on the RR and since I have time, I am going to price out a new one once the 2026 build and price proprietary sheet becomes available on this Forum, with the hope that Ford's corporate heads will offer RUBY RED this time (they can market it as RAPTOR BLOOD, for all I care). If not, I will do what you suggest. RR are not moving in my area, and I rarely see one, RR or F150 Raptors. Two local dealers each have one RR in transit; both built after July 29, 2025, and both in Carbonized Gray. Might be worth a visit when they come in. BTW, who does the performance tune cal, the dealer?

 

[fordtrks4ever]

Many thanks! After all the great input either way, I am convinced to get a RR. I have a problem with the RR boards scrapping my leg. Getting in and out is okay but not easy. I solved that in the F150 with removing the OEM boards and installing AMP Research power steps. That and the driver grab handle, not the steering wheel, means no problem anymore, for me or the wife. No Ranger driver grab handle is something that baffles me and European versions do not fit or match the color. AMP Research power steps apparently damage the RR, and removal of the RR running boards allows rocks to kick up into the rear quarter panel to chip the paint and the plastic rear wheel well trim, even with PPF and our county roads are gravel or rocky dirt. Solve one problem, create another. Maybe someone else makes reliable power steps for Raptor? Still, I am sold on the RR and since I have time, I am going to price out a new one once the 2026 build and price proprietary sheet becomes available on this Forum, with the hope that Ford's corporate heads will offer RUBY RED this time (they can market it as RAPTOR BLOOD, for all I care). If not, I will do what you suggest. RR are not moving in my area, and I rarely see one, RR or F150 Raptors. Two local dealers each have one RR in transit; both built after July 29, 2025, and both in Carbonized Gray. Might be worth a visit when they come in. BTW, who does the performance tune cal, the dealer?

I was also going to wait on 2026 pricing. I read that Ford will be increasing prices 1% to 1.5% and shipping has already increased by $200.00.
So this dealer ordered 2025 Carbonized Gray with only option sprayed liner and door keypad.
Getting $2,211.00 dealer discount. I figured 2026 will cost more and best deal I will be able to get is MSRP so I am taking the leap Friday.

 

[willy]

I had a ‘24 Lariot and enjoyed it, however, unfortunately it was totaled and I bought a 25 RR to replace it. Absolutely love the RR. No regrets. It’s everything I wanted in a truck.

Buy once cry once.

 

[RonM_TX]

So I just finished a nationwide search and a dealer in Sacramento, CA has two Raptors, each $30K over MSRP.
P.S. Future Ford is the name of the dealership.

Nstme change coming soon, Future Bankrupt Ford

 

[Dre' Dawg]

Many thanks! After all the great input either way, I am convinced to get a RR. I have a problem with the RR boards scrapping my leg. Getting in and out is okay but not easy. I solved that in the F150 with removing the OEM boards and installing AMP Research power steps. That and the driver grab handle, not the steering wheel, means no problem anymore, for me or the wife. No Ranger driver grab handle is something that baffles me and European versions do not fit or match the color. AMP Research power steps apparently damage the RR, and removal of the RR running boards allows rocks to kick up into the rear quarter panel to chip the paint and the plastic rear wheel well trim, even with PPF and our county roads are gravel or rocky dirt. Solve one problem, create another. Maybe someone else makes reliable power steps for Raptor? Still, I am sold on the RR and since I have time, I am going to price out a new one once the 2026 build and price proprietary sheet becomes available on this Forum, with the hope that Ford's corporate heads will offer RUBY RED this time (they can market it as RAPTOR BLOOD, for all I care). If not, I will do what you suggest. RR are not moving in my area, and I rarely see one, RR or F150 Raptors. Two local dealers each have one RR in transit; both built after July 29, 2025, and both in Carbonized Gray. Might be worth a visit when they come in. BTW, who does the performance tune cal, the dealer?

Any ASE certified mechanic or Ford Dealership. to keep your warranty valid. I would ask the dealership if they have ever done a ProCal. Don't be surprised if they look at you like you have 3 heads! Be aware of the following I copied from another post,

" You’re not mistaken about needing a Ford Performance account to update a ProCal. You also must have downloaded the ProCal software on your computer. You’re also correct in making sure it’s registered in your name in your Ford performance account , with your password. The mechanic that installed mine used his FP account with his password. FP sent a new voucher number that should have allowed my ProCal to be registered into my FP account. Nobody at the dealership or at FP could figure get the ProCal to accept the new voucher number. Now It doesn‘t seem to even operate properly. Ford is sending a completely new ProCal. There are many reasons for demanding to have it in the users rather than the mechanics. I hope all you others can get it in your name. If they try and say no, push back with the fact that they did not follow the directions that clearly state the dealer needs to install the ProCal in the end users FP account. Good luck and cheers. ".

 

[Onceaneagle]

Any ASE certified mechanic or Ford Dealership. to keep your warranty valid. I would ask the dealership if they have ever done a ProCal. Don't be surprised if they look at you like you have 3 heads! Be aware of the following I copied from another post,

" You’re not mistaken about needing a Ford Performance account to update a ProCal. You also must have downloaded the ProCal software on your computer. You’re also correct in making sure it’s registered in your name in your Ford performance account , with your password. The mechanic that installed mine used his FP account with his password. FP sent a new voucher number that should have allowed my ProCal to be registered into my FP account. Nobody at the dealership or at FP could figure get the ProCal to accept the new voucher number. Now It doesn‘t seem to even operate properly. Ford is sending a completely new ProCal. There are many reasons for demanding to have it in the users rather than the mechanics. I hope all you others can get it in your name. If they try and say no, push back with the fact that they did not follow the directions that clearly state the dealer needs to install the ProCal in the end users FP account. Good luck and cheers. ".

Thanks for the heads up. My dealer is small but their service department is excellent. I will ask when I go negotiate.

 

[pkvir]

I just recently bought a '25 RR and test drove a 2.3 and a 2.7 during the buying process. Totally depends on your use case and it seems like you have a good idea of what you want out of your truck.

Having said that, if it in anyway makes sense for you (and quite possibly, even if it doesn't) and assuming the budget can allow for it, throw caution to the wind and get the Raptor.

It is a driving experience like no other vehicle currently on the market and leaves you feeling almost disappointed at the fact that you have to turn it off once you reach your current destination. It is incredibly well-optioned from the factory, will suffer a far-less rate of depreciation than most vehicles and can perform daily errands, grocery-getting and kid-shuttling with comfort and no high-performance drama or loudness but in an instant it can shed that suburban mask and rip through its 10 speed with alarming precision and a distinctive growl with the push of a button or the twist of your wrist...

The 2.3 and the 2.7 are the logical, sensible options. The twin-turbo 3.0 V6 in the Raptor takes an already great truck to a place far beyond anywhere a mid-size truck has dared to go. You should allow yourself to book a permanent suite in that place.

Here's mine. '25 RR in Carbonized Gray Metallic; 3 weeks old tomorrow. My only regret is that I've only had it for 3 weeks...

Couldn't have said it better myself. Beautiful truck BTW, I love Carbonized Gray...........almost as much as Marsh Gray.

 

[cc1999]

I just like the Lariat interior better. The RR red leather highlights can be dyed but that's something else to think about. Thanks for input.

I hate those bright Red accents too, but I will say that I did eventually get use to it, to the point I really don’t notice anymore. Overall the rest of the extremely positive attributes of the RR makes it really worth overlooking the somewhat loud red interior trim.

I do wish Ford would offer a light or medium grey trim on the interior for those of us that prefer a more toned down or classy looking interior, vs the loud sporty looking interior with bright red accents.

 

[Barely Krawlified]

Glad to hear the OP is now RR shopping and that our posts and insights into the RR vs. Lariat debate helped influence that decision.

All 2024+ Rangers -- 2.3 and 2.7 in both 2WD and 4WD -- are wonderful, best-in-class vehicles that will serve their owner and their loved ones very, very well no matter what its called upon to do. Some Rangers are used for work and daily hauling, some are used as family haulers and grocery-getters while others serve weekend warrior duty towing a camper and get off the beaten path on the local trails -- and some perform them all. Clearly there is a Ranger for everyone.

The RR is in another league however and at least in my (admittedly) biased opinion is the single best midsize truck ever produced and released to the U.S. market. The fact that it's currently available (although still in pretty limited numbers) at a nearby Ford dealer for a price point around $60K is, to me, an amazing feat of Ford engineering, R&D utilization, and market research.

Kudos to the wonderful people at Ford who made the RR a reality.

Here she is at home

 

[Onceaneagle]

Glad to hear the OP is now RR shopping and that our posts and insights into the RR vs. Lariat debate helped influence that decision.

All 2024+ Rangers -- 2.3 and 2.7 in both 2WD and 4WD -- are wonderful, best-in-class vehicles that will serve their owner and their loved ones very, very well no matter what its called upon to do. Some Rangers are used for work and daily hauling, some are used as family haulers and grocery-getters while others serve weekend warrior duty towing a camper and get off the beaten path on the local trails -- and some perform them all. Clearly there is a Ranger for everyone.

The RR is in another league however and at least in my (admittedly) biased opinion is the single best midsize truck ever produced and released to the U.S. market. The fact that it's currently available (although still in pretty limited numbers) at a nearby Ford dealer for a price point around $60K is, to me, an amazing feat of Ford engineering, R&D utilization, and market research.

Kudos to the wonderful people at Ford who made the RR a reality.

Here she is at home

Glad to hear the OP is now RR shopping and that our posts and insights into the RR vs. Lariat debate helped influence that decision.

All 2024+ Rangers -- 2.3 and 2.7 in both 2WD and 4WD -- are wonderful, best-in-class vehicles that will serve their owner and their loved ones very, very well no matter what its called upon to do. Some Rangers are used for work and daily hauling, some are used as family haulers and grocery-getters while others serve weekend warrior duty towing a camper and get off the beaten path on the local trails -- and some perform them all. Clearly there is a Ranger for everyone.

The RR is in another league however and at least in my (admittedly) biased opinion is the single best midsize truck ever produced and released to the U.S. market. The fact that it's currently available (although still in pretty limited numbers) at a nearby Ford dealer for a price point around $60K is, to me, an amazing feat of Ford engineering, R&D utilization, and market research.

Kudos to the wonderful people at Ford who made the RR a reality.

Here she is at home

Really well put. Really got a feel for pride of ownership and just how good these trucks are. As I write this my dealer just cut the RR price another $1000 to $56K.

 

[RonM_TX]

Glad to hear the OP is now RR shopping and that our posts and insights into the RR vs. Lariat debate helped influence that decision.

All 2024+ Rangers -- 2.3 and 2.7 in both 2WD and 4WD -- are wonderful, best-in-class vehicles that will serve their owner and their loved ones very, very well no matter what its called upon to do. Some Rangers are used for work and daily hauling, some are used as family haulers and grocery-getters while others serve weekend warrior duty towing a camper and get off the beaten path on the local trails -- and some perform them all. Clearly there is a Ranger for everyone.

The RR is in another league however and at least in my (admittedly) biased opinion is the single best midsize truck ever produced and released to the U.S. market. The fact that it's currently available (although still in pretty limited numbers) at a nearby Ford dealer for a price point around $60K is, to me, an amazing feat of Ford engineering, R&D utilization, and market research.

Kudos to the wonderful people at Ford who made the RR a reality.

Here she is at home

I agree the RR is the best midsize pickup on the market.
Ford is build RR at a pretty fast pace right now. My dealer is getting 13 RR this month (all sold) and 17 next month with most of those are for stock. So availability should get much better for the rest of the model year production.

 

[Dre' Dawg]

Glad to hear the OP is now RR shopping and that our posts and insights into the RR vs. Lariat debate helped influence that decision.

All 2024+ Rangers -- 2.3 and 2.7 in both 2WD and 4WD -- are wonderful, best-in-class vehicles that will serve their owner and their loved ones very, very well no matter what its called upon to do. Some Rangers are used for work and daily hauling, some are used as family haulers and grocery-getters while others serve weekend warrior duty towing a camper and get off the beaten path on the local trails -- and some perform them all. Clearly there is a Ranger for everyone.

The RR is in another league however and at least in my (admittedly) biased opinion is the single best midsize truck ever produced and released to the U.S. market. The fact that it's currently available (although still in pretty limited numbers) at a nearby Ford dealer for a price point around $60K is, to me, an amazing feat of Ford engineering, R&D utilization, and market research.

Kudos to the wonderful people at Ford who made the RR a reality.

Here she is at home

Nice color... is that Carbonized Grey Metallic? I also agree the RR is the best truck offered on the market, at the best value and with the most features... kudos to Ford for delivering such an awesome truck! How about a Ranger Raptor R... with a Supercharged 5.0-liter Coyote engine!!

 

[pkvir]

Nice color... is that Carbonized Grey Metallic? I also agree the RR is the best truck offered on the market, at the best value and with the most features... kudos to Ford for delivering such an awesome truck! How about a Ranger Raptor R... with a Supercharged 5.0-liter Coyote engine!!

I think there is a better chance, not a likely chance, to have a RRR with the 3.5 EB.

 

[pkvir]

I agree the RR is the best midsize pickup on the market.
Ford is build RR at a pretty fast pace right now. My dealer is getting 13 RR this month (all sold) and 17 next month with most of those are for stock. So availability should get much better for the rest of the model year production.

Just curious, what is the dealers name?

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