Ranger Raptor Brakes performance?

[Bigmikey65]

I am currently seriously considering buying a new Ranger Raptor. My only concern about the performance of the vehicle is braking. The reviews and comments that I have read are not favorable. My current Wrangler and H-D Fat Boy (even with PM brakes) are both poor in the braking department. To be honest - I’m tired of it.

Are the rotors and calipers in the 2025 Ranger Lariat the same as the rotors and calipers in the 2025 Ranger Raptor ? The braking performance of the two vehicles looks similar when you take the Raptors higher weight into account. (70 mph to 0 mph braking tests).

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[cc1999]

I have multiple makes and models of trucks, I like the Ranger’s brakes.
‘I think they offer really smooth brake modulation. No jerky touchy brakes slamming me into the seatbelt at the slightest touch of the brakes. I really like brakes on the Ranger myself.

 

[Glisch]

I don't really know what good brakes feel like I guess, but I think the brakes on the RR feel better than they did on my Tacoma Trd Pro. Are there mid-sized trucks on the market that come with great brakes?

 

[Switzguy]

Take it for a test drive if you're worried, but the brakes are good.
I think it depends on the drive mode.
Sport mode seems to be more responsive.
Regular mode is smooth and less jerky.

 

[embedded rock]

With 1,100 miles now, I'll say that when I apply the brakes from 55-60mph to stop at an intersection, I apply a pressure I've been using with my former '24 Wrangler Xtreme. Then, I'll look at the speedometer and notice I have not slowed as much as I'd like, and apply more foot pressure to slow.

I like to coast and gradually slow to these stops, and I'm still adjusting my foot calibration for planned stopping.

The brake pressure/feel is solid once the binders are clampin' the discs.

Would I like to have larger brake rotors? Yeah. Just not necessary to put the money into that.

 

[Switzguy]

I also come from a Wrangler Xtreme and I'd say I've had a similar experience.
But considering this is an electronic break booster, would larger breaks even make a difference?
Try putting it into sport mode and see if there's any difference.

 

[Flak]

My past trucks felt like they had brakes meant to handle towing and hauling. This one doesn't give the same pedal feel and confidence. Of course none perform like an actual sports car. I haven't decided if it's just feeling yet, but I would say the brakes do not live up to the rest of the power train just measuring on driver feedback.

 

[NASSTY]

They feel like sports car brakes compared to my other ride, 94 Bronco.

 

[stuartmunto]

They’re fine dude - they do the job well. You can’t tow too much with the Raptor so the brakes don’t need to be super heavy duty.

Probably won’t do too well on track as I’m sure they’ll fade after a few hot laps, but it’s not like you’re tracking the Raptor anyways

Tyres make the biggest difference to stopping distance, so having an aggressive AT or MT tyre will really effect stopping more than the brakes

 

[Tuna]

IMHO, the brakes are really great, even at top speed on a German highway.
The limiting factor is the AT´s lack traction on paved roads, but that´s to be expected, not being designed as road racing tires...

 

[John E Davies]

I am a little disappointed in mine, but I would not bother upgrading. If I towed any trailer over 1000 pounds it would have to have electric brakes. In WA, any trailer over 3000 requires them by law. I think that much unbraked load and a Ranger is 100% dangerous.

I do think that engine breaking is very bad. I don’t quite understand why dropping down to the lowest gears in steep descents doesn’t really do much. At highway speeds I turn OFF cruise control and maintain speed manually with gear selection, I don’t want the truck computer dragging those marginal brakes for many miles to maintain the set speed. I actually hate that.

If you want to read about really crappy brakes, go find a Honda Ridgeline Towing thread, those eat brakes in the mountains.

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

 

[Chuck2001]

It's OK but the feel is not so great when new.

Missing some bites in the initial portion of the pedal but it does brake well.

Coming from German sporty cars and suvs it's not comparable but it's adequate.

I might look for an alternative front brake kit but not much around TBH.

 

[Bigmikey65]

Thank you all for the honest feedback. I went to my local dealer and looked one over pretty good. It’s a really nice truck. I’m going to set up a test drive and I’ll make up my mind from there. Thanks again.

 

[Paul Davis]

We have a ranger, maverick, bronco, and a bronco sport in our house hold. Both broncos have really strong to the touch brakes. My Ranger and the maverick both have a softer brake that you have to apply more pressure too. Not sure why ford would make the feel so different between the vehicles.

 

[cc1999]

We have a ranger, maverick, bronco, and a bronco sport in our house hold. Both broncos have really strong to the touch brakes. My Ranger and the maverick both have a softer brake that you have to apply more pressure too. Not sure why ford would make the feel so different between the vehicles.

Yea the Bronco that I had , had really touchy brakes.
‘I actually like Brake feel a lot better in my RR then I did my Bronco.
I like the more controlled brake modulation or pedal travel. Whatever you want to call it.

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