Skip to main content

An automotive photographer prowling the streets of Michigan got quite the shock when a Ford Bronco Sport “Raptor” rolled by. Ford is arguing the crossover is just for “fun.” But it’s awfully suspicious.

The story of the Ford Bronco Sport Raptor

The photographer snapped this Bronco Sport on its way from a Ford production facility to a testing facility, where you’d expect to spot a new prototype. What’s more, it’s wearing a Michigan “manufacturer” plate, which automakers use to test new prototypes on the streets. So is it an all-new trim destined for a dealership near you?

First and foremost, it has blatant “Raptor” badges on the tailgate and just ahead of the front doors, just like the regular Bronco Raptor. And it’s not wearing any of the camouflage you’d expect on a pre-production prototype. I suppose this could be because it shares all its bodywork with the regular Bronco Sport Bigfoot trim. But I’d think the manufacturer would at least hide the badges.

Secondly, it has a ton of unnecessary equipment, such as a rooftop tent. Yet it seems to have the stock engine, with the regular exhaust pipe. So this definitely isn’t a test mule for a unique platform—a signature of the Raptor lineup.

Finally, Ford flat-out said this isn’t a pre-production vehicle. A spokesperson told me, “This is our team having fun, not a Bronco Sport Raptor. Just like our customers, we encourage employees to leverage the customization superpowers of the Bronco family and continue to explore possibilities.”

Is Ford working on a Bronco Sport Raptor?

Ford keeps pushing boundaries with its Bronco Sport crossover. I tested the “Sasquatch” factory-lifted package last summer. I concluded it is the best testament yet to how far engineers have pushed a FWD-biased unibody chassis into off-roader territory. You might assume a Raptor would be the next step. But I don’t think so.

I doubt Ford can push the Bronco Sport’s powertrain much further. The Maverick Lobo, venerable street truck as it is, makes the same 250 horsepower as the standard I4. The Bronco Sport’s Sasquatch package has impressive suspension engineering and off-road driving aids, but no extra power. It doesn’t need it. And again, extra power is the Raptor signature.

In addition, the Raptor lineup is too crowded already. Ford just slashed the Bronco Raptor’s price to avoid competing with the F-150 Raptor and to get last year’s inventory off dealership lots. The Blue Oval has no reason to engineer yet another Raptor that might not sell.

Related

Three Reasons Not to Buy the 2020 Toyota 4Runner

Best in Compact SUVs
Avatar photo
Staff Writer

Henry Cesari

Henry Cesari is a MotorBiscuit Staff Writer who brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Henry covers Ford models daily, including the F-150. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. He’s an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts. Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont.

Want more news like this? Add MotorBiscuit as a preferred source on Google!
Preferred sources are prioritized in Top Stories, ensuring you never miss any of our editorial team's hard work.
Add as preferred source on Google