Carsadvice spy photographer has busted the 2019 Ford Ranger Raptor testing, with a feisty Aussie engineer behind the wheel. The Ranger Raptor will use a multi-link coil-sprung rear suspension setup with a Watt’s Linkage, which is now clearly visible from these photos.

Comparing the rear suspension to a cutaway of the Ford Everest, it’s clear to see that all the body contact points match, including the location of the spare tyre and centre Watt’s Linkage location. Also visible in the photo is the rear disc brake setup, which is new to the Ranger.


According to the photographer, he heard a diesel engine, indicating the Raptor could be primed to launch with an upgraded version of the current 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbocharged diesel found in the Ranger. But, it’s expected to come with the GM co-developed 10-speed automatic transmission, which could make its way into the face lifted Ranger locally late this year or early next year.

On the tyre front, there’s a giant set of BF Goodrich 285/70 R17 All-Terrain TA tires. These tyres are not only proper off-road tyres — similar to those fitted on the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon — they also mean a huge leap in ground clearance. By swapping these out with with the tyres fitted to the Ranger Raptor, it results in a diameter increase of 2.3 inches.


Visually, a meatier grille is visible as are LED headlights, along with the inclusion of LED lights on the rear, which could only be limited to this prototype as opposed to a change making its way to a production vehicle.

This prototype was spotted in left-hand drive, which is the first indication yet that the Ford Ranger Raptor will be a global product offered both for Australia and greater world markets.

We expect the Ranger Raptor to launch in 2018 or early 2019 with a mix of diesel and petrol engines. Given its off-road and performance bent, we are also expecting it to be offered with either Ford’s 2.7- or 3.5-litre EcoBoost engines, giving it some proper mumbo.