Ford Bronco Sport: Is a Raptor Version in the Works?

Since their arrival on the market, the Bronco and Bronco Sport have come a long way. With enhanced off-road capabilities, special Heritage Editions, and bold styling, Ford has hit a home run with both models. Last year, the American automaker even added the Bronco to the Raptor family a version still notably absent on the Bronco Sport side.

Needless to say, social media lit up last week when a photo of what appears to be a more muscular Bronco Sport started circulating online. Ford, for its part, denied any involvement in the project, claiming it was simply a regular Bronco Sport that had been customized by a brand employee.

Listening to the Customer

Ford is one of those automakers that pays close attention to its customers and adapts its strategy based on what enthusiasts demand. It's safe to assume that the addition of the Raptor version of the Bronco was heavily influenced by fan passion.

Whether it's a personal project or a brand test mule, the photos now making the rounds online have certainly reignited discussions around the possibility of a true Bronco Sport Raptor.

A Growing Family

We already know that Ford recently added the Sasquatch package to the Bronco Sport lineup, showing a clear intention to further diversify the model range. It's obvious that a Raptor version would be a welcome addition for many customers.

At this point, all we can do is speculate about what might lie under the hood of a potential Bronco Sport Raptor. It could simply be a more powerful version of the current 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. I highly doubt Ford would go so far as to equip it with a V6, but a more potent engine like the 2.3-liter turbocharged unit from the Mustang could certainly be a contender. That powertrain delivers 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque numbers that would no doubt be appreciated in the Bronco Sport.

We could also expect a reinforced suspension system and tires specifically designed for extreme off-road driving. For now, it remains a dream but who knows? Maybe Ford will one day consider launching a Bronco Sport Raptor.

Jean-Sébastien Poudrier