Elite Traveler Fall 2023

elite traveler FALL2023 95

While it is technically road legal, Ford’s Bronco Raptor belongs on dirt. Or rock. Somewhere certainly with sand. At more than 7-ft wide, Bronco Raptor, coined Braptor by enthusiasts, sits on a high-strength steel frame with new shock towers that augment o ff -road durability. Mated with a 10-speed transmission, the compacted graphite iron-block twin-turbo, 3.0-liter, V6 engine produces 418 hp. On-demand four-wheel drive o ff ers both high- and low-range assist as well as the newly available tow/haul mode (with a capacity of 4,500 pounds). Although it usually stands for ‘greatest of all time,’ Ford’s GOAT Ford Bronco Raptor

— Goes Over Any Terrain — mode contains seven driving possibilities. Baja mode, according to the brand, “activates a turbo anti-lag calibration to maximize performance over high-speed desert runs.” Riding on a set of overlanding, 37-inch, all-terrain tires, FOX shocks and adaptive dampers further encourage dune bashing. Marine-grade interior vinyl with rubberized fl oors suit the machine. Opt for the Bang & Olufsen 10-speaker sound system, subwoofer included. Cue the sand. Ford Bronco Raptor from $86,080, ford.com

NEED TO KNOW At 77.8-inches tall, the Bronco Raptor is too large for Ford’s assembly line. The company created extra bolt holes in the vehicle’s suspension to lock it into a lower ride height during construction at the factory