Ford Ranger 2021: Raptor X joins the lineup, FX4 returns

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Ford has announced it will be adding a new Ranger Raptor X variant to the lineup that will join the returning FX4 when they land in Australian showrooms this July.

The Range Raptor X will effectively replace the current Raptor with even more aggressive styling that Ford has cleverly nicknamed “Over The Top” that helps the road-going trophy truck flex its muscles just a little bit more.

Specifically, this refers to the stripes that cover the entire ute; running down the side and across the bonnet before terminating over the tailgate which helps to exacerbate the Ranger Raptor’s already bungling bodywork.

Ford has added a contrasting matte black finish to several areas including the grille, door handling, rear bumper and fog light housing, while the 17-inch alloy wheels wear a slightly different Asphalt Black matte colour.

Seen previously on the FX4 Max, Ford has added a specialised sports bar to the rear, that should be helpful along with the front red tow hooks if you ever get into trouble.

Ford has continued the red theme inside, where it has replaced the blue stitching with red that gives a more aggressive look inside and contrasts the black leather accented upholstery.

The beefy 2.0L twin-turbodiesel engine that has made the engine has remained unchanged with outputs of 157kW of power and 500Nm of torque, which is sent through a 10-speed torque converter automatic.

The trick four-wheel-drive system remains, equipped with a range of driving modes including Baja for dirt-related shenanigans that allow you to send power more effectively to the BF Goodrich All-Terrain tyres while the specialised Fox Racing shocks work to soak up the bumps.

Priced at $79,390 before on-road costs, the Ranger Raptor X is around $2,200 more expensive than the current Ranger Raptor. If both of those seem a bit pricey for you then perhaps look to the returning Ranger FX4.

Sitting under the recently added Ranger FX4 Max, the FX4 arrives in the popular dual-cab body style with a series of upgrades that will make it a bit more special than a regular Ranger.

Namely, this includes the variant-specific front mesh grille that builds on the LED lights found on the more pricey Ranger Wildtrak and Raptor models and FX4 decals to help it stand out.

Continuing the love affair with contrasting dark colours, Ford has finished the sports bar, mirrors along with the door and tailgate handles all in black.

Inside, Ford has equipped the FX4 with leather accented front and rear seats with red stitching that continues on the steering wheel and instrument panel.

Unlike the Ranger Raptor, the FX4 is available with a range of engine options, including the turbodiesel 3.2L five-cylinder (147kW/470Nm) that can be paired to a six-speed manual or torque converter automatic before the grunt feeds through to the four-wheel-drive system.

Also available is the aforementioned twin-turbodiesel 2.0L, which is paired exclusively to the 10-speed automatic option. Prices for the FX4 start at $59,990 before on-road costs for the 3.2L manual option.

Ford says both the Ranger Raptor and the FX4 will arrive in Australia showrooms  from July.

Ford Ranger: prices in Australia

The list below is a snapshot of the range and all prices listed are before on-road costs.

• XL cab chassis 2.2 manual: $29,190
• XL dual cab chassis 4×4: $47,290
• XL Heavy Duty Special Edition: $52,790
• XLT dual cab 3.2L manual: $59,440
• XLS 3.2 cab chassis manual: $50,290
• XLS 3.2 cab chassis auto: $52,490
• Sport manual: $53,540
• Sport auto: $55,740
• Wildtrack 3.2 manual: $62,090
• Wildtrack 3.2 auto: $64,290
• Wildtrack X manual: $64,090
• Wildtrack X auto: $66,290
• FX4 3.2L manual: $59,990
• FX4 3.2L auto: $62,190
• FX4 2.0L auto: $63,690
• FX4 Max: $65,490
• Raptor: $77,190
• Raptor X: $79,390