I’m about to buy a Bronco Raptor, but I’d like to know all the downsides. The YouTube videos I watched don’t really mention any real issues. Would love to hear the bad things about the Bronco Raptor from you all.
Good and bad are pretty subjective. What are you planning to use your Bronco for? That will help us point out what could be ‘bad’ about the Raptor for your needs.
Bly said:
Good and bad are pretty subjective. What are you planning to use your Bronco for? That will help us point out what could be ‘bad’ about the Raptor for your needs.
I’m currently driving a Nissan Patrol Y61 with all the off-road extras, and I live in Dubai, so I’m in the desert every weekend. I chose the Bronco over the F150 mainly for its off-road capability.
@Shan
For dune driving, you’ll definitely benefit from the Raptor’s suspension and engine. In the US, people worry about the width on narrow trails, but that won’t be an issue for you. The need for premium fuel might not matter either if you’re already used to higher fuel costs. Honestly, I can’t think of any real cons for your situation.
Do you have any specific concerns?
@Bly
What about the rear seats? I couldn’t figure out how to recline them during the test drive. Are they stuck in an upright position?
Shan said:
@Bly
What about the rear seats? I couldn’t figure out how to recline them during the test drive. Are they stuck in an upright position?
You have to pull the latch extra hard, but even then, the recline is just a couple of degrees. Not much, and still not very comfortable.
@Shan
It’s perfect for your needs. No cons here.
The only real downside is the fuel consumption and the width, which can be a problem on narrow trails. But given your location and how you plan to use it, there’s really no major issues. Personally, I felt it was a bit underpowered, but after a tune, it’s a blast to drive.
@Wynn
I heard the Raptor has a factory tune specific for the Bronco and Ranger. Is that true? How much power did your tune add?
Shan said:
@Wynn
I heard the Raptor has a factory tune specific for the Bronco and Ranger. Is that true? How much power did your tune add?
The Raptor comes with a 3.0L engine that’s unique to the Raptor model. The other Broncos have the 2.7 or 2.3L. There is a ProCal device that adds power, but it’s an accessory and doesn’t come with the car.
Shan said:
@Wynn
I heard the Raptor has a factory tune specific for the Bronco and Ranger. Is that true? How much power did your tune add?
The factory tune adds a small amount of power, maybe 30 HP. I have a tune from ZFG Racing that gives me 130 HP more on 93 octane.
@Wynn
I just checked ZFG’s site, and it says around 50 HP gains with 93 octane and up to 100 HP with E50 fuel. The factory tune is much milder.
Rowan said:
@Wynn
I just checked ZFG’s site, and it says around 50 HP gains with 93 octane and up to 100 HP with E50 fuel. The factory tune is much milder.
Their site needs updating. I’ve personally tested these gains, and I’m seeing around 200 HP more with E50. I’ve hit 552 HP on E50 and 488 HP on 93 octane.
@Wynn
That’s awesome!
I heard the next year’s model is getting rear vents for passengers. You might want to wait for that!
Rowan said:
I heard the next year’s model is getting rear vents for passengers. You might want to wait for that!
Wait, there aren’t rear vents? That’s disappointing!
Rowan said:
I heard the next year’s model is getting rear vents for passengers. You might want to wait for that!
Wait, there aren’t rear vents? That’s disappointing!
Yeah, no vents for rear passengers, which can be a pain. All the air comes from the dashboard.
Rowan said:
I heard the next year’s model is getting rear vents for passengers. You might want to wait for that!
Wait, there aren’t rear vents? That’s disappointing!
Yep, just vents next year, not full climate control. I have a toddler, so that’s a big deal for me.
I think both the Raptor and standard models are great, but here are some cons I considered:
-
The 3.0L engine in the Raptor is direct injection only, so you’ll need to keep it clean.
-
The Raptor is wider by 9 inches compared to the Sasquatch Bronco, which might be a problem on tight trails. Also, some lifts won’t fit because of the width.
-
Price. It’s expensive, and repairs will cost more. You might hesitate to push it to its limits knowing how much it costs.
-
Power. The difference between the 2.7L Badlands and the Raptor wasn’t enough for me to justify the extra cost, but the performance tune might fix that.
@Gentry
Thanks! None of those seem like deal-breakers for me.