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Beyond the Road: The Ford Bronco Raptor
October 18 2024 - Evan Riley
A dark green 2024 Ford Bronco Raptor driving over rocks in a desert.

The Bronco looks different. That’s because it is. An icon of the automotive industry for decades, the Bronco retired in the 1990s before coming back better than ever for the 2021 model year. New York has a lot to offer, and drivers looking to traverse the beautiful landscapes of our part of the state will want to consider seeking a Ford Bronco for sale in Rhinebeck. As a fierce off-roader, the Bronco is more than simply an SUV; it is a multi-purpose vehicle that can handle landscapes that are not usually traversed, and it offers an experience that goes beyond that of a standard vehicle.

The Bronco is a very versatile vehicle, catering to both fierce off-roaders and everyday drivers alike through a variety of trim and model options. But impressive off-roading capability is what separates the Bronco from other vehicles. If you’re really looking to dive into off-roading on a serious level, then you’ll want to look at the Bronco Raptor. Built for a variety of terrains, the Raptor enhances the Bronco's engineering and architecture to tackle all kinds of environments. Whether you’re looking to buy an off-roading vehicle or are simply a car buff looking to keep up with the latest, you know that the best way to assess an off-roading vehicle’s quality is by its performance and capability. But, off-roading performance is not simply a one-piece puzzle; it’s the collaboration of three key aspects: engineering, architecture, and technology.

A great engine means nothing if the vehicle’s architecture can’t tackle the trails, and a well-built vehicle won’t get very far on the trails if the engine can’t deliver the necessary power. And how is the driver supposed to make the excursion happen without useful technology features? You see what we mean? So, let’s take a deep dive into the 2024 Bronco Raptor and see just how well it can perform beyond the road.

Rugged Engineering

For a lot of vehicles, engineering is the primary focus when it comes to assessing performance. With off-roading vehicles, however, there can be a tendency to focus more on architecture and design than on engineering. It makes sense to a degree since standard on-road vehicles don’t need the structural integrity that off-road vehicles require to hit the trail successfully. But (and this is a big but), it is vitally important not to neglect engineering when examining an off-roading vehicle.

Just like any other vehicle, an off-roader’s power comes from the engine, and therefore, it’s the foundational piece of the puzzle. Part of the reason we want to call out the 2024 Bronco Raptor specifically is that it has a unique engine that offers more power. This variant hosts a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine providing 418 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. That’s more than a lot of full-size trucks are able to offer, so the Bronco has even more strength than it lets on.

While most drivers never make full use of the horsepower or torque of their vehicles, off-roading is an activity that really allows you to put your vehicle to the test; off-roading requires power that on-road driving does not, and the Bronco Raptor’s specs prove that it has the raw power necessary to meet the task. Off-roading without strong engineering is impossible. The engine is what gives the vehicle life; without it, the vehicle architecture will never be more than a skeleton. That said, an engine isn’t going to do anything by itself––the vehicle’s architecture is what makes the engine worthwhile. So, let’s take a look at the Bronco Raptor’s architecture.

A close-up on the grille of a red 2024 Ford Bronco Raptor.

Unique Architecture

There’s a lot to be said about the 2024 Bronco Raptor’s architecture. With a lot of vehicles, you can talk a bit about the chassis and general structure of the vehicle, but there’s not much else worth noting. With off-roading vehicles, especially the Bronco, there are a lot of components. But, when you consider that off-road vehicles are designed to withstand that which would destroy most vehicles, it makes sense; there’s no other way.

The Bronco’s sharp, muscular design certainly looks cool, and that’s intentional. But the cool look is actually more intentional than you might realize; the cool looks stem from the vehicle’s functionality. Carefully designed with an approach angle of 47.2 degrees, the Bronco Raptor is ready to attack whatever may come its way. A breakover angle of 30.8 degrees and a departure angle of 40.5 degrees means that the Bronco Raptor can clear obstacles without a problem.

What makes the Bronco an enticing option compared to other off-roading vehicles is its ability to handle water crossings on the trail. The Bronco Raptor's high ground clearance and sealed engine components allow it to wade through up to 37 inches of water without slowing down. This capability proves that the Bronco Raptor is built differently, built for something more than other vehicles. Put your average car in three feet of water, and it will likely be dead or severely damaged; put the Bronco Raptor in three feet of water, and it says, “What’s next?”.

Now, off-roading, by its nature, comes with some wear and tear on the vehicle, and to minimize the wear and tear, the Bronco Raptor has plenty of built-in protection, especially for the vehicle’s undercarriage. With steel bash plates, the Bronco Raptor is well-armored, allowing you to play on the trails without needing to worry so much about damage. Rock rails with removable running boards, a heavy-duty modular front bumper, and bolt-on fender flares work to cover every sensitive area of the vehicle, giving the Bronco Raptor more longevity and allowing you to stay on the trails for years to come.

Rhinebeck offers you easy access to some beautiful natural landscapes, both in the immediate area and further afield; in many ways, it’s the perfect place to own a Bronco and put it to work. While a city-dweller may have fewer opportunities for the Bronco to really stretch its legs, its longevity and architecture are perfect for Rhinebeck residents looking to steep themselves in nature.

Off-Road Technology

In-vehicle technology is about far more than just comfort and convenience features; this is an area in the automotive industry that has come a long way in recent years, and the ways in which technology can now enhance and assist not only the driving experience but the driving itself is beyond what many people imagined. If you’re seeking off-roading adventures, modern technology is a key part of making sure you get the most out of the experience and stay safe while doing so.

The 2024 Bronco Raptor comes standard with a Trail Toolbox technology package, providing you with technology features uniquely designed for your off-roading adventures. The key features included are Trail Turn Assist, Trail Control, and Trail One-Pedal Drive.

Trail Turn Assist may sound like a rudimentary feature, but if you’ve ever been off-roading, you know how tricky certain maneuvers can be. Not every moment is a high-speed, high-thrill adrenaline rush; sometimes, you need to maneuver very slowly and find just the right angle to overcome an obstacle. In these instances, Trail Turn Assist steps in to help by applying the brake to the rear inside wheel, decreasing your turning radius.

Trail One-Pedal Drive is not dissimilar, though a bit more unique. As the name suggests, this feature enables the vehicle to be driven with just the accelerator pedal. When activated, you can simply lift your foot off the gas to automatically engage the brakes. Off-roading requires quick judgment, especially in more dynamic terrains, so simplifying the drive with one pedal will help significantly.

A more revolutionary feature of this package is Ford Trail Control. Imagine this: cruise control meets off-roading. While only usable for low-speed adventures, Ford Trail Control allows the driver to take a load off and enjoy the scenery by letting the car do the work. Chances are you’ll still want to get the speed up and do some of the driving yourself, but if you want to take things slow and relax a bit more, this feature will come in handy.

Just like with engineering and architecture, the Bronco Raptor keeps off-roading in mind in every area, including when it comes to technology. The Trail Toolbox is something you won’t find anywhere else, and these unique features allow drivers to experience the fun of off-roading while minimizing some of the challenges that come with it and enhancing the joy of the experience, allowing you to truly take in the beauty of the Rhinebeck area.

Side angle view of a dark green 2024 Ford Bronco Raptor driving up a sand dune.

Beyond the Road

You’ll often hear references to the "open road." No doubt, the open road has some great experiences to offer; any car buff will attest to that. After all, who doesn’t love a good road trip, especially in a high-quality vehicle? But the Bronco offers something truly unique: the ability to enjoy your vehicle beyond the open road. Where most vehicles meet their limits, the Bronco bursts right through to conquer the unknown, and the Raptor trim enables you to seek out adventure in a serious way. With Raptor-tuned engineering, incredible power, durable architecture, and off-roading-specific technology, the 2024 Bronco Raptor provides the durability that off-roading requires. There’s no question about it.

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