Latest news with #FordRangerRaptor
Miami Herald
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
2025 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Vs. 2025 Ford Ranger Raptor: 5 Major Differences
While they aren't as large and in charge as their full-size siblings, the Chevy Colorado and Ford Ranger are plenty capable all on their own. At the top of the range lies an off-road variant of each pickup. Designed to stand out from the rest of the segment, the Chevy Colorado ZR2 and Ford Ranger Raptor wield an aggressive stance accented by trim-exclusive features. While they're capable on the trails less traveled and wear a rugged design, these off-road midsize pickups have some major differences between them that could make one the better option for some drivers. The 2025 Chevy Colorado ZR2 and Ford Ranger Raptor are both fully capable on the trails, but towing is another story. Due to the extra equipment that makes these midsize monsters great off-road, Chevy and Ford's top-spec pickups offer less in the way of towing capability. Notably, however, both models can tow a small boat or camper with ease. While a standard Chevy Colorado offers best-in-class towing capacity at 7,700 lbs., the ZR2 model sees its maximum towing capacity drop to 6,000 lbs. Tacking on the more off-road-capable ZR2 Bison package drops towing capacity to just 5,500 lbs. The stock Ford Ranger is nearly as capable as its bowtie-wearing rival, with towing capacity topping out at 7,500 lbs. The Ranger Raptor sees its towing capabilities drop to 5,510 lbs. Chevy nixed the Colorado's weaker four-cylinder engine for the 2025 model year, leaving just the 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder as the sole powerhouse. Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, all Colorado models hit the road with 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Unfortunately, the ZR2 model gets the same powertrain as all other Colorado models, which is a bit of a letdown, really. The Ford Ranger is typically available with a 2.3-liter turbo four cylinder or 2.7-liter turbo V6, but the Ranger Raptor gets an engine all its own. The off-road variant boasts a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that produces 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission. As you might expect, neither off-road truck is particularly efficient. The 2025 Ford Ranger Raptor earns up to 16 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway. The 2025 Chevy Colorado ZR2 earns 17 mpg across the board. Adding the ZR2 Bison package drops fuel economy by one mile per gallon. If you're in the market for a midsize truck capable of heading off-road for under $55,000, then the Chevy Colorado ZR2 is your best option. Priced from $49,600, the Colorado ZR2 model includes five selectable drive modes complemented by an off-road performance display. The Ford Ranger Raptor includes seven drive modes, but costs thousands of dollars more, starting at $56,070. While the Ford Ranger Raptor is somewhat limited on optional equipment, the Chevy Colorado ZR2 is quite the opposite. The available ZR2 Bison package adds a whole suite of off-road equipment, much of it from American Expedition Vehicles (AEV). Opting for the ZR2 Bison package nets you AEV stamped steel front, transfer case, fuel tank, and rear differential skid plates. You'll also get AEV stamped steel front and rear bumpers, wheel flares, and black AEV and Colorado badging. Colorado models equipped with the ZR2 Bison package get upgraded to 17-inch wheels wrapped in 35-inch tires. The beadlock wheels stop the tire from slipping off the rim, even at low tire pressure. A bed-mounted spare tire comes standard as well. Inside, the Colorado ZR2 Bison packs AEV all-weather floor mats and front head restraints. Slapping on the ZR2 Bison package will cost you to the tune of $11,700, making Chevy's off-road pickup more expensive than the Ford Ranger Raptor. Suspension is a major component in everyday driving, and even more so when adventuring off-road. Notably, both midsize trucks offer around 10.7 inches of ground clearance, with the ZR2 Bison package upping the Colorado's ground clearance to 12.2 inches. The Chevy Colorado ZR2 features Multimatic DSSV dampers and a solid rear axle with leaf springs that make it the ideal truck for taking on more technical trails and rock crawling. When paired with the ZR2 Bison's five skid plates, it all comes together to make the Colorado ZR2 an absolute monster for weekend warriors and thrill seekers alike. The Ford Ranger Raptor taps in with Fox 2.5-inch shocks with live valve technology. That suspension, combined with the high-powered twin-turbo V6 engine, makes the Ranger Raptor the midsize truck of choice for rampaging through desert sands. Add in the dedicated Baja driving mode, and there's no arguing which midsize truck can tackle off-road terrain at high speeds. Chevy and Ford did well making their off-road trucks stand out from the rest of the range, with rugged styling complemented by a more aggressive aesthetic. This time around, Chevy seems to have put an emphasis on slow rolling off-road adventures, while Ford has given its midsize entry a more energetic setup. Regardless, both trucks pack plenty of power, with Ford's offering getting a slight edge. While they aren't as tough as their full-size counterparts, the Chevy Colorado ZR2 and Ford Ranger Raptor have carved out a place for themselves among off-road greats. In some cases, their smaller size is an advantage, especially when navigating narrow trails and canyons. No matter your truck of choice, rest assured, these midsize pickups come geared for off-road adventures. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The Citizen
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Arctic Trucks' muscle handed to Isuzu's facelift anti-Raptor rival
As with the current model, the facelift D-Max AT35 isn't aimed at the Ford Ranger Raptor, but rather the Toyota Hilux GR Sport III and the Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior. D-Max AT35 has been unveiled in facelift form in the UK. Image: Isuzu UK Having debuted its first all-electric bakkie in April this year, Isuzu has removed the wraps from the third iteration of the D-Max AT35 in the United Kingdom. The work, once again, of Icelandic firm Arctic Trucks, the AT35 continues to use the top-spec double cab version of the D-Max as a base, but this time the facelift variant that made its world debut in Thailand just under two years ago. AT touches Not available in South Africa, the AT35 receives the same exterior changes as the regular D-Max, but as before, with the addition of extended wheel arches to accommodate the 35-inch all-terrain tyres, Bilstein shock absorbers, revised suspensions and dampers, and a 40 mm lift kit. ALSO READ: Isuzu removes wraps from improved, facelift D-Max Its wheels wrapped around special 17-inch matte black alloys with red AT centre caps, the AT35's additional changes include AT badges on the front wings and on the side-steps, Arctic Truck mudflaps, a special tyre pressure graphic integrated into the front wheel arches, a standard sports bar, tonneau cover, roof rails and tow bar. As per its name, the D-Max AT35 sports extended wheel arches to accommodate the 35-inch all-terrain tyres. Image: Isuzu UK Still able to tow 3 500 kg and carry a 1 000 kg, the widened track and uprated suspension has come with improved approach, breakover and departure angles of 35°, 34° and 29° respectively. Inside As with the current South African-spec AT35, the UK version's interior changes are limited and inclusive of AT embroidery work on the headrests and leather upholstered seats that are heated at the front. Interior has the same spec as the conventional D-Max. Image: Isuzu UK Carried over is specification from the regular D-Max consisting of an eight-speaker sound system, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, the Rough Terrain mode selector, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster and the nine-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Interior has been overhauled with AT embroidery work on the headrests. Image: Isuzu UK Taking care of safety are front and rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, cruise control, Driver Attention Alert, Traffic Jam Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. No extra punch Up front, and again unlike in South Africa or indeed the standard variant in Thailand fitted with the new 2.2-litre MaxForce unit, the UK market D-Max AT35 makes exclusive use of the 1.9-litre BluePower turbodiesel engine that does with the latter suffix locally. Producing 110kW/360Nm, the oil-burner is paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox, with drive going to the rear wheels or all four via a part-time four-wheel-drive system. A rear diff-lock is once again standard. Not for us, yet Priced from £57 005, which equates to R1 376 167 when directly converted, the D-Max AT35 can be had in eight colours; Splash White, Mercury Silver Metallic, Biarritz Blue Metallic, Onyx Black Mica, Obsidian Grey Mica, Spinel Red Mica, Sienna Orange Mica and Dolomite White Pearl. As it stands, the AT35 has not been confirmed for South Africa as a result of Isuzu not having approved the facelift D-Max for the local market just yet. At present, the pre-facelift South African D-Max remains available with the six-speed automatic 'box, and the stalwart 4JJ3-TCX 3.0-litre DDI turbodiesel outputting 140kW/450Nm. Based on the top-spec V-Cross, the AT35 has a listed price tag of R1 182 100. NOW READ: WATCH: Isuzu D-Max AT35 takes to the mud like a duck to water
Auto Blog
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Kia Tasman Proves Its Off-Roading Prowess On Video
The Ford Ranger Raptor couldn't do it. The BYD Shark couldn't either. But the new kid on the block, the Kia Tasman, just made it up Beer O'Clock Hill, one of the most notorious off-road climbs in the world. Team Bree Offroad recently gave the Tasman a chance to conquer the hill, and performed far better than you'd expect. Conquering Beer O'Clock Hill Source: YouTube @Team Bree Offroad Beer O'Clock Hill is a brutal 100-meter climb (109 yards) with a 50-degree incline and holes as deep as half a meter (1.6 feet). With loose gravel and sharp rocks scattered across the path, it presents a serious challenge even for high-end off-roaders. When the Ranger Raptor tried to dash up the hill, the steering rod snapped. The BYD Shark didn't fare much better, suffering a destroyed radiator and a bent chassis. While driver skill matters, build quality makes a difference too. When Team Bree's Lucas took the Tasman up the hill, he kept a steady pace and reached the top without too much drama. Afterward, they lifted the truck to inspect it. Surprisingly, there was no major damage — only a few expected scrapes on the plastic undertray, as expected Tasman's Off-Road Hardware Source: YouTube @Team Bree Offroad The all-wheel-drive Kia Tasman is powered by a 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel engine that makes 207 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offers a 47 cubic-foot bed, a 2,200-lb payload capacity, and a towing capacity of up to 7,700 lbs. In X-Pro trim, the Tasman rides on 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. It boasts a 32.2-degree approach angle, a 26.2-degree departure angle, and 9.9 inches of ground clearance. A rear-locking differential, impressive traction control, and Kia's Ground View Monitor system — which displays the terrain directly ahead — all play a role in its Beer O'Clock peformance. The Redefined Brand Image Source: Kia Just a few years ago, Kia was seen as a brand that made unremarkable cars for everyday drivers. That has changed. With performance cars like the Stinger GT, genuinely attractive-looking SUVs like the Telluride, and cool EVs like the EV6, Kia means business. The rugged new Tasman pickup is proof that Kia plans to keep pushing boundaries. It won't be coming to the US market anytime soon, but if it ever does, the Tasman might give the Ford Maverick, and even the Ranger, a serious run for their money. About the Author Marnus Moolman View Profile
The Citizen
28-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
PODCAST: How long can BYD Shark stay SA's fastest bakkie?
After beating Ford Ranger Raptor, double cab will have a hard time holding onto its crown. The BYD Shark this month put its money where its mouth is and dethroned the Ford Ranger Raptor in spectacular fashion as the fastest production bakkie in South Africa. The 321kW/650Nm BYD Shark, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) which showed up for the fight as the most powerful local bakkie, destroyed the Raptor on the drag strip. It clocked a 0 to 100km/h time of 5.66 seconds to better the 6.90 seconds set by the Ford Ranger Raptor two years ago. The 292kW/583Nm Raptor took the crown from the 190kW VW Amarok back in 2021. Compared to the new benchmark, the Amarok's 8.14 seconds seems very modest. ALSO READ: Sub-R1m BYD Shark becomes South Africa's most powerful bakkie BYD Shark makes a Pitstop In this week's episode of the Pitstop podcast, we analyse the data from the BYD Shark's high-performance test. Road Test Editor Mark Jones explains how the Chinese bakkie managed to top the Ford Ranger Raptor is almost every aspect of the test. It must be said that the Raptor's real forte is not on tarmac, but off-road. It is a performance off-roader, which just happened to the fastest on the tarmac too because of its sheer power. At the time of its introduction, it featured a full 102kW of power more than the Amarok and The Citizen Motoring did not see its record in any danger any time soon. ALSO READ: BYD Shark dethrones Ford Ranger Raptor as fastest bakkie in SA The power game But we will not make that mistake again, especially not with what is in the pipeline in terms of Chinese products. The JAC T9 PHEV produces 290kW/670Nm, while the range-extending electric Riddara RD6 features 315kW/595Nm. The Maxus eTerron 9 is a full electric bakkie that produces 325kW of power and 700Nm of torque.
The Citizen
21-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
BYD Shark dethrones Ford Ranger Raptor as fastest bakkie in SA
Plug-in hybrid double cab reaches 100km/h from a standstill in a mere 5.66 seconds. I was really looking forward to driving the BYD Shark. It's South Africa's first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) bakkie. It makes stupid power, and I wanted to see if all the hype was justified. There are videos online showing how it takes out the Ford Ranger Raptor. On the road that is, something I honestly thought I would never see. The BYD Shark has all the tech, luxury and safety any owner could want in a bakkie. But this we have already covered and today is about the highly-anticipated road test. Now, before you say who cares how fast a bakkie is, just remember that every Ford Ranger Raptor that lands here is sold. ALSO READ: BYD Shark banks on credentials to take down Ford Ranger Raptor BYD Shark raises the bar Nobody needs a 300kW bakkie, but seemingly everybody wants a 300kW bakkie. Talking of which, the BYD Shark PHEV produces a combined 321kW and 650Nm from a 135kW/260 Nm 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine up front, plus a 170kW/310Nm electric motor on the front axle and a 150kW/340Nm motor at the rear. The Ford Ranger Raptor makes 292kW and 650Nm for those that want to know. There is a new boss in town. Picture: Mark Jones Racelogic VBOX test equipment loaded. A claim of 5.70 seconds to 100km/h from BYD for the Shark. Which would make it by far the fastest bakkie The Citizen Motoring has tested. And that includes the Ford Ranger Raptor that ran a time of 6.90 seconds. Select Sport Mode. Hit the accelerator, and with just a hint of hesitation as the computers let the hardware know it's go-time, the BYD Shark bolts off the line. Cold-blooded Raptor killer There is no emotion, no sound, no sense of real speed like with the Ford Ranger Raptor. Yet the BYD Shark hit 100km/h in a mere 5.66 seconds. And just like that, the king was gone, and a new king had his crown. BYD claim an electronically limited top speed of 160km/h for the Shark. I got to this speed in just 14 seconds after covering only 400m of road. Then the surprise came, it did not stop pulling. 170km/h came along, then 180km/h, which is where the Ford Ranger Raptor stops. And finally, just before the 800m mark, the speed limiter kicked in at 185km/h, as seen in the chart below. The obvious question now is what happens when the battery goes flat? The BYD Shark is quite clever in that driving in pure EV mode or intelligent HEV Mode, the bakkie won't let the battery go below 25%. You will always have that combined power when you need it. ALSO READ: Sub-R1m BYD Shark becomes South Africa's most powerful bakkie The BYD Shark features an aircraft-like starter button. Picture: Mark Jones Clever battery tech We ran the bakkie for as long as we could flat out in Sport Mode in attempt to try kill the battery. It eventually got it down to 13%, but nothing lower. I would have run out of fuel first and that number would still not have changed. Sure, once you have tried to kill the battery like this, the BYD Shark is then a sitting duck for the Ford Ranger Raptor, but it's still faster than almost all the other bakkies on the market today. And the moment you stop trying to be stupid, it starts charging the battery up again for full performance and increased EV range. Which brings me to the topic of fuel consumption. BYD claim a figure of 9.6 litres per 100km and I averaged 9.8L/100km. Which I thought was more than acceptable. But it could have been way better. I don't have a BYD installed wall charger at home, but if I did, the Shark would almost always be fully charged, and that meant I would have been able to do around 85km on electricity alone. And that for me most days would mean I would not be stopping at a filling station. Value for money The BYD Shark is priced at R959 900. If you look at what's on offer at this price point, this is not a bad deal. If you are still obsessing over this being an out and out war with the Ford Ranger Raptor, it comes in some R300 000 more expensive at R1 270 000. That a big chunk of change. Especially when you consider that the BYD Shark comes with a five-year/100 000km vehicle warranty, eight-year/200 000km battery warranty and five-year maintenance plan. This is something no other manufacturer offers on their bakkies as standard. Clever tech ensures the battery never goes flat. Picture: Mark Jones ALSO READ: VIDEO: BYD Shark leaps into SA, guns for Raptor's crown The BYD Shark is well-appointed with a premium feel interior. The ride quality is okay, if not a bit firm for what is a luxury bakkie. It is faster on road than the Ford Ranger Raptor, and anything else on the market right now. But you can't dismiss the sound and emotion that the Ford Ranger Raptor brings to the table. And if hardcore off-roading, or high-speed dirt is your thing, then it is still the bakkie to beat. You know it, I know it, and BYD knows it too. The Shark is more city slicker than cowboy. It's up to you which one you are. And which bakkie you want. BYD Shark road test data
