Bronco Raptor vs F-150 Raptor

Ford’s “Raptor” package is a signifier attached to their top-of-the-line off-roading package. This package is available on F-150s, Rangers, and now Broncos. But the equipment included with these vehicles’ Raptor package varies considerably.

While the Ranger Raptor isn’t currently available in the states, both the Bronco and F-150 Raptor will be available in North America. Despite the obvious difference (one’s an SUV, one’s a pickup), the Bronco and F-150 Raptors are pretty similar.

Here’s an overview of the differences and similarities between these two off-roaders.

The F-150 Raptor has a slightly better price tag, and an engine that at least appears more powerful. The transmission is identical, and neither offers a manual option (though paddle shifters are available).

Engine

Both Raptors come equipped with a Twin-Turbo EcoBoost engine: a 3.0L for the Bronco and a 3.5L for the F-150. This allows both to produce a lot of horsepower with decent fuel economy, despite the smaller engine sizes.

Though turbochargers are amazing at adding power, one of the complaints against them is “turbo lag.” To combat that, both Raptors come equipped with the Baja driving mode. It sports an anti-lag feature that keeps the turbos spinning to reduce lag time when you hit the throttle. Naturally, you’ll get worse fuel economy while driving in Baja mode.

The F-150’s engine has a larger displacement, so it produces more horsepower and torque than the Bronco Raptor’s estimates. But the numbers are pretty close: 400 hp & 500 lb-ft (estimated) for the Bronco and 450 hp & 510 lb-ft for the F-150.

Shocks

If you’re going to drive over rough terrain, you’ll want great shocks. One feature that’s common across all Raptors are the Fox shocks that provide the flex needed in an off-roader. The 2021 F-150 Raptor features next-gen Fox Live Valve Shocks.

These shocks give the F-150 Raptor 14” of front suspension travel and 15” of rear travel. Not only that, but these shocks are massive. With a 3.1” diameter, they’re able to provide a lot of stability.

The live valve feature allows the shocks to adjust based on throttle, braking, and steering inputs. A secondary needle valve raises or lowers the internal shock pressure in relation to your inputs, creating a smoother ride. Drive modes and off-road features like trail control are integrated into the shocks and affect their internal pressure and responsiveness as well.

The Bronco Raptor features similar shocks. Same diameter, same live valve setup, but with a few differences. With Ford Performance front and rear control arms, the Bronco Raptor has 13” of front suspension travel and 14” in the rear. This is only an inch less than its F-150 equivalent.

Tires and Wheels

The Bronco Raptor comes standard with 37” BF Goodrich KO2 all-terrain tires. For the F-150 Raptor, 35-inch tires are standard, but 37s are available as an upgrade.

On either Raptor, they’ll come mounted on a set of 17-inch wheels. Optional 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels will also be available.

Technology

The Bronco and F-150 Raptor are dead even when it comes to included technology, but these features are still noteworthy.

Digital Gauge Cluster

The 12” digital gauge cluster is totally customizable and offers Raptor-specific info. The Raptor mode prioritizes your tachometer and your chosen gear.

Just like the gauge cluster found on the Mustang, you can customize your color, gauges, and other information.

SYNC 4

Both Raptors also come with Ford’s most recent SYNC version. You can read all about SYNC 4 here. Either Raptor will come with a 12” display as well.

This makes it easy to see the 360-degree off-roading camera, which is a valuable feature.

Interior

The interior is one of the areas where the F-150 and Bronco Raptors differ.

The F-150 Raptor’s base interior comes with a plain black leather interior. The glovebox, badges, and other accents have a “metalized film” finish, which seems to be code for “boring” and “faintly silver.”

The “High Series” interior upgrades the seats even further with suede accents. Or you can get Recaros. You’ll also get a finish update from “bland” to one of two options: carbon-fiber-look or coined aluminum. Both look pretty good. This interior is also only available in black.

The F-150 Raptor’s final interior upgrade is only available with the 37” tires. With it, you get blue leather Recaro seats with orange accent stitching. Hopefully that doesn’t clash with your desired color scheme.

The base Bronco Raptor’s interior is identical to the standard Bronco. So. Rubberized flooring. Vinyl. All of which are easy to clean.

But you can also upgrade your interior with the Lux Package and get leather seats, carpet, and a steering wheel with magnesium paddle shifters. More info on the Bronco’s interior packages should be available closer to release, but the F-150’s base is a little more lux from the get-go. Both Raptor’s get more color and performance options at the top level.

Off-Road Capability

When we compare the Bronco Raptor and the F-150 Raptor (with 37” tires, just to even things up), there are some pretty obvious differences in their off-roading numbers.

We see a pretty similar story when we compare the off-roading angles of the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator. A longer wheelbase, like you’ll find on a pickup, reduces the obstacles it can clear easily. Even with the same ground clearance.

Other Off-Road Equipment Differences

Both the Bronco and F-150 Raptor have equipment inherited from their base vehicles. And these are probably where we see some of the biggest differences.

The Bronco, regardless of trim, is built to be an off-roader. That means you get a lot of off-road goodies from the start. The front sway bar disconnects (and reconnects) hydraulically. It comes with G.O.A.T (Go Over Any Terrain) modes. There are skid plates protecting the underbody.

The F-150’s included goodies are a little more strange since it’s built to be a multi-use tool. You have a desk for the center console and the ability to use the truck as a generator. Also, it is a truck, so the bed and towing capacity are going to make hauling things a lot easier. But there’s no real off-road specific equipment included in the base vehicle.

Which Is Better?

Ultimately, the Bronco started as an off-roader. Giving it an off-roading focused package makes it stand out from the F-150 Raptor in a big way. When it comes to actually overcoming off-road obstacles, fording through creeks, or taking on the desert, the Bronco’s ready to go.

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For those who enjoy off-roading but don’t want to forfeit luxury, the F-150 offers a great set of options. More than enough off-road gear to comfortably get you to camp, and a lot of great interior upgrades for your daily driving needs.

Sources: Take a Closer Look at the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor’s Interior, MotorTrend | Fox Shocks Are Great for Off-Roading, but What About Fox Electronic Shocks, Motorbiscuit | 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor Specs, Ford | 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor Tech Specs, Bronco 6G | All the Off-Roading Goodies on the 2022 Bronco Raptor, Car and Driver