Ford's newest Bronco SUV is a 400-horsepower, desert-shredding machine. See the $70,000 Bronco Raptor.

Ford took the wraps off of the Bronco Raptor, the most powerful street-legal Bronco SUV yet.
It has 400 horsepower and off-roading upgrades. It’s built for desert racing and rock crawling.
The $70,000 Bronco Raptor hits streets — and trails — this summer. Orders open in March.

Ford on Monday unveiled what it’s calling its most “badass” Bronco SUV yet: the Bronco Raptor.

The long-rumored Bronco model will go on sale later this year starting at around $70,000, $40,000 more than the base Bronco.

The regular Bronco joined Ford’s lineup last year as a 4×4, off-road-capable SUV that takes aim at the Jeep Wrangler. Before 2021, the iconic Bronco name had been gone since 1996.

It’s already proven extremely popular thanks to its off-roading chops and boxy, throwback looks.

The Ford Bronco near a lake. — The new Ford Bronco.

Alanis King

Read our review of the Bronco SUV here: The new Ford Bronco SUV is the perfect hardcore off-roader for every skill level and every budget

The Bronco Raptor gets a slew of upgrades that ready it for high-speed desert racing and steep rock climbing.

Raptor is the name Ford uses for high-performance, off-road versions of the F-150 in the US and Ranger pickup in other markets. Now the Bronco is getting the same treatment.

The Raptor package beefs up the already-imposing Bronco by adding a chunky “FORD” badge across the front grille…

… widening the SUV by 9.8 inches …

… and adding on massive, 37-inch, dirt-munching tires as standard equipment.

The wider stance is also meant to keep the Bronco Raptor steady when it’s ripping across sand dunes, Ford says.

In terms of off-roading upgrades, the Bronco Raptor benefits from an upgraded suspension that allows for up to 14 inches of wheel travel.

It has slightly better approach, departure, and breakover angles than the regular Bronco, meaning it can climb up and down steeper terrain without getting stuck.

And the Raptor delivers 13.1 inches of ground clearance at a minimum, 4.3 inches more than the base Bronco and 2.3 inches more than a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.

Read our review of the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon here: I drove a $48,000 Jeep Wrangler to see if this off-road warrior could live up to its legendary SUV reputation — here’s the verdict

It comes with reinforced rails running down its sides to protect it from pointy rocks.

All the Bronco Raptor’s important bits are shielded by skid plates.

Ford gave the Bronco more power than other models, too. It comes with a twin-turbo V6 that targets more than 400 horsepower.

Ford says it’s the most powerful, street-legal Bronco yet.

A new Tow/Haul mode enables the Bronco Raptor to tow up to 4,500 pounds, a 1,000-pound upgrade over the base SUV.

Since the Bronco Raptor is all about getting down and dusty, it has vinyl seats and a rubberized floor that you can hose out without fear.

Buyers can also choose suede seats as an add-on. Either way, the Bronco Raptor’s seats come with extra side bolstering to keep passengers from bouncing around too much when the terrain gets bumpy.