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 expensive, but always worth it for a regular Raptor owner. Pilots who want speed, performance and all the other attributes the Raptor range offers usually want complete control. We are talking about using a manual transmission. Does it have manual transmission?
2023 Ford Bronco Raptor: Drivetrain and Engine
According to , 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 manual transmission isn’t present in a Bronco with the Raptor engine under the hood. By the way, you’ll find a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 stuffed into the Bronco Raptor, good for 418 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque. Luckily, it packs a big enough punch that you’ll forget about the manual transmission in no time.
(Goes on any terrain) mode. Next, the Raptor variant has an upgraded suspension over the standard Bronco, allowing drivers to crush healthy dunes or even blow themselves up. In addition, the track is wider for better stability at high speeds. The Bronco Raptor has Fox adaptive shock absorbers and 37-inch BFGoodrich K02 off-road tires for added off-road ability.
Do any Ford Broncos have a manual transmission?
If you are interested in a manual transmission, but it is a must, the Raptor variant is not for you. However, there are other ways to get one within the regular Bronco lineup. While no Bronco without the word Raptor following its name delivers as much horsepower 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-litre four-cylinder and turbocharged 2.7-litre V6 can both also use a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Buying a base Bronco with a smaller engine is a letdown if you want a Raptor. Only 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque will power your Bronco, a far cry from the Raptor. However, all Bronco SUV models are capable of off-roading. For example, the base model features hill start assist, hill descent control, trail turn assist, tow hooks and a basic terrain management system with five riding modes. Buying a pricier or off-road oriented Bronco adds a lot more, but the more basic Bronco isn’t all that bad.
How much does a 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor cost?
Although customizable with options, only a “Raptor” trim is available. It starts at $75,375, not unlike other off-road performance models. The new F-150 Raptor costs a few thousand dollars more and offers a Raptor R variant that exceeds six figures. Thankfully, the SUV version isn’t quite that expensive yet, but it certainly isn’t cheap. Thankfully, it comes with most of the equipment you could ask for with the standard model.
According to , the Bronco Raptor includes everything with the Badlands trim, plus the Sasquatch and High packs. First, Badlands models get updated LED headlights, a unique suspension, and a front stabilizer bar disconnect. Next, the Sasquatch package adds 17-inch Beadlock-compatible alloy wheels, a shorter final drive ratio with electronically lockable front and rear axles, and modified fenders. Finally, the High package includes a 12-inch infotainment screen, a 360-degree camera system, extra soundproofing, front parking sensors, and mirror-mounted approach lights and beacons.
This is all in addition to the exclusive Raptor equipment. For example, 17-inch wheels with 37-inch off-road tires, heavy-duty rear axle, Fox shock absorbers, active exhaust, unique exterior and interior styling, and paddle shifters.
No manual gearbox
Bottom line, the 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor doesn’t have a . Unfortunately, the powerful off-road high-performance SUV only uses a 10-speed automatic transmission. However, other Bronco models in the range can be equipped with a seven-speed manual gearbox. Those models are exclusively the ones with the least powerful engine, a disappointment to power-hungry manual drivers everywhere. Still, even the most basic Bronco is off-road ready and capable, even if it falls short of the pricey Raptor.
