26 Ranger Raptor or 26 Explorer ST

[Tailwagger]

Do you want to haul people and their crap? If so, an SUV is way nicer than a pickup, particularly for road trips four-up. A covered truck bed is fine, but a hatch is ultimately easier.

Just one of the (opposite) reasons why I went RR over the ST (or any of a half dozen alternatives). Didnt need a third row, frequently do need a bed to throw dirty ass crap into. Given I don't off road, I would have preferred the ST from a handling standpoint, but the practicality of a truck bed trumped that desire.

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[Lion77]

But also smaller. Throw a cap on the pickup bed and you have a massive trunk compared to an explorer. It all depends on uses. The explorers back seats aren't much bigger than the Rangers. To get significantly more passenger space gotta step up to Expedition. But the back of a RR or Explorer is fine for most kids / teens or young adults of average stature.

But if the OP needs 7 seats...we'll that defines it right there. But if he only needs 4-5 seats snd rest cargo, options open up to RR.

 

[cc1999]

But also smaller. Throw a cap on the pickup bed and you have a massive trunk compared to an explorer. It all depends on uses. The explorers back seats aren't much bigger than the Rangers. To get significantly more passenger space gotta step up to Expedition. But the back of a RR or Explorer is fine for most kids / teens or young adults of average stature.

But if the OP needs 7 seats...we'll that defines it right there. But if he only needs 4-5 seats snd rest cargo, options open up to RR.

I traded my Land Rover for the Ranger Raptor that I put the topper on, and carpet bed lined and your spot on, the back seats are about the same for passenger comfort as the Land Rover was, and I have a lot more cargo room then I have ever had in any SUV other then maybe the Excursions I had 20 some odd years ago and even then I bet is close.

 

[Onceaneagle]

You can always plunk down a $50K total deposit to reserve an exotic Tesla Roadster that seats four. @$200K-250K, it is stupid fast; 0-60 in 1.9 sec, +250 MPH. 620 miles range. Low production. You would be styling' all over Miami, and also well known by law enforcement. Or just run out and get a Ranger Raptor. Lots of 2025s still in the inventory.

 

[cc1999]

Saw something intersting on one of my favorite YT channels tonight.
‘I am thinking this thing if really happening, easily could be a dolled up luxury version of the Everest.

 

[Mystic]

Saw something intersting on one of my favorite YT channels tonight.
‘I am thinking this thing if really happening, easily could be a dolled up luxury version of the Everest.

I saw this as well...the only podcast I regularly sit through and watch the whole thing. Doug is great.

But the pricing worries me...Ford has specifically stated it wants this to compete in the G-Wagen segment (~$120k+ ??), which would put it out of reach of most people that want it.

Hopefully I'm wrong and it competes on price with a GX550 instead (~$80k for Overtrail).

 

[Ron Quixote]

 

[Tailwagger]

Hopefully I'm wrong and it competes on price with a GX550 instead (~$80k for Overtrail)

Dunno, but my money is on disappointment. If this is indeed a halo product, given a BR starts at 80K and Navigator over 90K. I would be surprised if it started for much less than 95K assuming a V-6. But if its a V-8, I suspect it will cross $100K.. still a lot cheaper than the '26 G550, the least dear Gwag, which starts at... gulp... $153.9K.

 

[cc1999]

I am betting it has a price point very similar to GX or Land Cruiser.
‘Mid 70s to high 80s. Maybe a specialty trim that treads into the 90k range,
Cant image anyone at Ford would think an Everest no matter how luxurious they make it , could ever pull off a 6 figure price point.

The v8 thing is really unlikely, but if it were to happen. It has no real reason to be priced any higher then a turbo v6 unless its supercharged then we’re pushing it to add more then $10k to the price tag.

Prior to 2025 yes V8s had substantial regulatory penalties imposed on them, forcing the manufactures to stack hefty price tags on them to offset those regulatory costs.

That should no longer be the case now.

A normal aspirated v8 no hybrid crap stacked on it, should be in actuality cheaper to build then a twin turbo inter cooled v6 .

 

[Mystic]

I am betting it has a price point very similar to GX or Land Cruiser.
‘Mid 70s to high 80s. Maybe a specialty trim that treads into the 90k range,
Cant image anyone at Ford would think an Everest no matter how luxurious they make it , could ever pull off a 6 figure price point.

The v8 thing is really unlikely, but if it were to happen. It has no real reason to be priced any higher then a turbo v6 unless its supercharged then we’re pushing it to add more then $10k to the price tag.

Prior to 2025 yes V8s had substantial regulatory penalties imposed on them, forcing the manufactures to stack hefty price tags on them to offset those regulatory costs.

That should no longer be the case now.

A normal aspirated v8 no hybrid crap stacked on it, should be in actuality cheaper to build then a twin turbo inter cooled v6 .

Well said, agreed 100%.

 

[Aonarch]

Was 70k built out with the options that I'd want on a 2026. At that point, I'd have to consider a gx550, x5, defender, etc. But that's the nice thing about choices, we all like different things. At that price point and up, I would prefer nicer fit finish and materials used in the interior, most especially.

If a st could be bought under 60k, its probably at the head of its class with its performance, but its interior becomes lackluster if you start pushing the mid 60s and up compared to other options out there.

$70k for an Explorer is eye wateringly expensive.

The RR at $60k is already very expensive, but I think it is a good value proposition for what you get. Where as the Explorer just has the 3.0l and some red painted floating iron pot brakes.

The RR will hold its value much better versus the Explorer. The Raptor brand is strong. ST is just seen as another trim level.

For $70k I'd be looking at a BMW, Lexus, Mercedes, etc.

Or if you are a Ford fan like me, the Lincoln equivalent is IMO gorgeous and a great driver.

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