Did Ford drop diesel power for 2022 Ranger Raptor?

Ranger Raptor fans, mark your calendars. Ford has confirmed that the next-generation Ranger Raptor will debut on February 22, 2022.

To show that the all-new high-performance pick-up truck is ready to debut, the Blue Oval released a teaser video of the Ranger Raptor in action. Set against the backdrop of what looks to be the Australian Outback, the camouflaged truck is seen going over dirt roads and uneven terrain at significant speeds.

What really surprised us with the teaser video is the sound of the all-new Ranger Raptor. Instead of a turbo-diesel engine chugging along, it sounds like the next-generation Ranger Raptor could be powered by a new turbo-gasoline engine. This somewhat confirms what we first heard last November when the Blue Oval released a teaser video of the Ranger Raptor’s new twin-turbo powertrain.

While Ford has yet to exactly confirm what engine powers the all-new pick-up truck, there are rumors suggesting it might use a new twin-turbo EcoBoost V6. This means the high-performance pick-up could get either the 2.7-liter V6 from the regular Bronco or the more powerful 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 from the Bronco Raptor.

For reference, the former puts out 310 PS with 542 Nm of torque, while the latter generates more at 400 PS with 600 Nm of torque. Both engines are then paired to a 10-speed automatic gearbox with manual select.

While we have yet to see more of the Ranger Raptor’s new exterior, a prototype with less camo was seen in Thailand a couple of weeks ago. If the pictures are to be believed, the new Ranger Raptor will look similar to the latest Ranger, albeit wider, taller, and equipped with larger wheels and tires.

With the Ranger Raptor seemingly powered by a new twin-turbo gasoline engine, does this mean the bi-turbo diesel will no longer be available? We’ll find out once Ford officially reveals the new pick-up on February 22.