Who says you need a Raptor badge to enjoy some serious horsepower in a Ford pickup truck? Apparently, Ford has other ideas for the 2027 Ranger, and we’re certainly not complaining. Imagine a reasonably equipped midsize truck packing nearly 400 horsepower straight from the factory, without the added expense of specialized off-road suspension and all the other Raptor goodies. That could soon become a reality, as a newly surfaced order guide suggests Ford is preparing to replace the Ranger’s optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 with a more muscular twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. According to Autoevolution, which uncovered the order-guide details, and additional reporting from Car and Driver, the engine is closely related to the powerhouse found in the Bronco Raptor and recently introduced in the updated 2027 Bronco lineup. If everything comes together as expected, Ford could have a rather entertaining midsize pickup on its hands.
The new 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 is expected to produce approximately 380 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque, matching the output of the updated 2027 Bronco. If those figures carry over to the Ranger, buyers would see a healthy increase of 65 horsepower and 40 lb-ft compared with the outgoing 2.7-liter V6, which currently produces 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft. The larger engine will reportedly be offered in the XLT and Lariat trims, exclusively with four-wheel drive and paired with Ford’s familiar 10-speed automatic transmission. Meanwhile, the entry-level XL will retain the standard 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which produces 270 horsepower. Interestingly, the expected 440 lb-ft of torque would even exceed the current Ranger Raptor’s 430 lb-ft, although the Raptor would still maintain an advantage in horsepower and specialized off-road hardware. For buyers who simply want a powerful everyday truck without all the Raptor-specific equipment, this could be an ideal combination.
Beyond the additional power, the 2027 Ranger is expected to receive several smaller updates aimed at keeping the truck fresh. The order-guide details reported by Autoevolution point to new wheel designs across the lineup, revised grille finishes for the XLT and Lariat, and a reshuffling of available exterior colors. Velocity Blue will reportedly be replaced by Neptune Blue, while Carbonized Gray is being discontinued. These changes should give the Ranger a slightly different appearance without altering its already attractive styling. We think Ford has done a solid job with the current Ranger’s design, which strikes a nice balance between rugged truck styling and everyday usability. There’s really no need for a dramatic redesign when a few tasteful updates and a more powerful engine can make an already competitive pickup that much more desirable.
Inside, Ford is reportedly making some worthwhile improvements, particularly to the entry-level XL model. According to the information covered by Car and Driver, the base Ranger will gain a standard 12-inch infotainment touchscreen in place of the current 10.1-inch unit, along with standard dual-zone automatic climate control. That’s a nice equipment upgrade for a truck traditionally aimed at buyers who prioritize affordability and basic utility. Ford is also expected to replace the Sandstone interior color option with a new Space Gray treatment. These updates may not sound especially dramatic, but they reflect how modern pickup buyers increasingly expect the same technology and convenience features found in passenger cars and SUVs, even when shopping for more affordable work-oriented models.
Ford Ranger Raptor
Pricing for the 2027 Ford Ranger hasn’t been announced, but hopefully Ford can keep any increases relatively modest. The current Ranger XL starts at approximately $35,445, including destination, while upgrading to the existing 2.7-liter V6 and required four-wheel-drive configuration adds $7,545 to the XLT and $5,795 to the Lariat. As both Autoevolution and Car and Driver have reported, the anticipated 3.0-liter upgrade could make the Ranger a considerably stronger contender against rivals like the Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Nissan Frontier. We particularly like the idea of a Ranger XLT or Lariat delivering nearly 400 horsepower without requiring buyers to spend Ranger Raptor money. Of course, we’ll have to see how Ford officially prices and equips the new engine once the 2027 model-year details are finalized. If the expected power figures hold true and pricing remains reasonable, the new Ranger could offer one of the most attractive powertrain options in the midsize pickup market.
Darryl Taylor Dowe is a seasoned automotive professional with a proven track record of leading successful ventures and providing strategic consultation across the automotive industry. With years of hands-on experience in both business operations and market development, Darryl has played a key role in helping automotive brands grow and adapt in a rapidly evolving landscape. His insight and leadership have earned him recognition as a trusted expert, and his contributions to Automotive Addicts reflect his deep knowledge and passion for the business side of the car world.
