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The Ford F-150 Raptor performance pickups have been popular for a while, but did you know there’s an SUV version? Most people like them for their can-do attitude, off-road performance, and on-road luxury. A model like the new 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor is costly, but it’s always worth it to a regular Raptor owner. Drivers craving speed, performance, and all other attributes the Raptor lineup offers usually want complete control. We’re talking about using a manual transmission. Does the 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor have a manual transmission?

2023 Ford Bronco Raptor: Transmission and engine

A 2023 Ford Bronco without doors ripping through the desert with no manual transmission.
2023 Ford Bronco Raptor | Ford

According to Car and Driver, the 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor is available exclusively with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Those interested in a manual can look elsewhere in the lineup, but the stick shift isn’t present in a Bronco with the Raptor engine under the hood. Speaking of which, you’ll find a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 stuffed into the Bronco Raptor, good for 418 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque. Fortunately, it packs a big enough punch you’ll forget about the manual transmission in no time.

Additionally, every Bronco Raptor comes with four-wheel drive and selectable G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of terrain) modes. Next, the Raptor variant has an upgraded suspension over the standard Bronco, allowing drivers to crush sane dunes or even jumping into the air. Moreover, the track is wider for better high-speed stability. The Bronco Raptor has Fox adaptive dampers and 37-inch BFGoodrich K02 all-terrain tires for more off-roading prowess.

Does any Ford Bronco have a manual transmission?

If you’re interested in a 2023 Ford Bronco but a manual transmission is a must, the Raptor variant isn’t for you. However, there are other ways to get one within the regular Bronco lineup. Although no Bronco without the word Raptor following its name provides as much power as one with, it does have a manual transmission. C/D says the smaller of the two base engines is available with a seven-speed manual. The turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder and turbo 2.7-liter V6 can both also use a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Buying a basic Bronco with a smaller engine is disappointing if you want a Raptor. Just 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque will power your Bronco, a far fall from the Raptor. However, all Bronco SUV models are capable of off-roading. For example, the base model comes with hill start assist, hill descent control, trail turn assist, tow hooks, and a basic terrain management system with five drive modes. Buying a more costly or off-road-oriented Bronco adds much more, but the most basic Bronco isn’t too bad.

How much is a 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor?

an eruption green 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor does not have a manual transmission SUV
2023 Ford Bronco Raptor | Ford

Although the 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor is customizable with options, only one “Raptor” trim is available. It starts at $75,375, not unlike other off-road performance models. The new F-150 Raptor is a few thousand dollars more and offers a Raptor R variant that exceeds six figures. Thankfully, the SUV version isn’t quite as costly yet, but it certainly isn’t budget-friendly. Thankfully, it comes with most equipment you could ask for with the standard model.

According to Edmunds, the Bronco Raptor includes everything with the Badlands trim, plus the Sasquatch and High packages. First, Badlands models get upgraded LED headlights, a unique suspension, and a front stabilizer bar disconnect. Next, the Sasquatch package adds 17-inch Beadlock-capable alloy wheels, a shorter final drive ratio with electronically locking front and rear axles, and modified fender flares. Lastly, the High package includes a 12-inch infotainment screen, a 360-degree camera system, extra sound deadening, front parking sensors, and mirror-mounted approach lights and spotlights.

This is all in addition to the Raptor-exclusive equipment. For example, 17-inch wheels with 37-inch all-terrain tires, a heavy-duty rear axle, Fox shock absorbers, active exhaust, unique exterior and interior styling, and paddle shifters.

No manual transmission

In conclusion, the 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor does not have a manual transmission. Unfortunately, the powerful performance off-road SUV only uses a 10-speed automatic. However, other Bronco models in the lineup can get equipped with a seven-speed manual transmission. Those models are exclusively ones with the least potent engine, a disappointment to power-craving manual drivers everywhere. Still, even the most basic Bronco is off-road ready and capable, even if it falls short of the costly Raptor.

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