2025 Ford Ranger Raptor Herrod Performance Edition Review

Even with something as potent as the Ranger Raptor, there’s always those that like a bit extra. And so the Herrod Performance Edition is here to sate their desires. 

Even out of the box, Ford’s Ranger Raptor is a bit of a weapon. With its 3.0-litre V6 poking out 292kW and 583Nm thanks to a pair of turbos, it’s no slouch. When it was a debutant, we clocked it hitting 100km/h from stopped in a tick over six seconds. And that’s despite it weighing 2.5 tonnes. The extra mass comes as part of the substantial transformation from mere Ranger to Raptor. It’s a lot wider than the regular ute, with myriad upgrades underneath. Those include the fitment of the famous Fox shockers that brush off big hits and help soften the landing when you find yourself flying off the dunes. While the petrol-fired Raptor is much quicker than the diesel version, for some it seems quick is never fast enough. So step forward Herrod Performance.

Long-time Ford collaborator Rob Herrod has applied his know-how to create the Ranger Raptor Herrod Performance Edition, an Aussie-engineered upgrade that turns the factory brute into more of a super-ute. The heart of the package is a Herrod Power Pack, unlocking a not too shabby 380kW and 780Nm from the familiar 3.0-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, an increase of 88kW and 197Nm over stock.

Herrod apparently worked with Ford engineers before the second-generation Raptor was even released, and was allowed direct access to the otherwise encrypted ECU. So this is no piggy back computer tune. The relationship means the upgrade retains Ford’s full five-year factory warranty, with all Herrod-modified components covered by their own matching warranty. To keep everything cool and reliable, Herrod fits a custom PWR intercooler and transmission cooler, both Australian-made and race-tested. It’s been available in Australia for a few years already but now it’s here in New Zealand too.

So how much quicker then? 

Alright, the number you really want to know. Yes, it’s a bit quicker when it comes to hitting 100km/h from stopped. Stall it up on the brake, and the Herrod Raptor strains at the leash, wanting to break out as the revs rise. Release the brake and bury the gas, the front wheels scratch for traction as it leans back on its haunches and punches off the line. The ten speed auto is quick with a couple of changes and it stops the clocks at 5.44sec, which makes it about 0.6sec quicker than stock. And it keeps hauling, the seamless power delivery keeps it trucking and the 80-120km/h time improves from 3.90sec to 3.41sec. So pretty damn quick considering the size of it.

Despite the additional power and torque, there’s no real negative effects on the nature of the Raptor. It behaves like the standard machine; no grumpy idling, hard starting or coughing and farting. It’s been awhile since we had driven a Raptor, but maybe the throttle response is a fraction sharper. But the best thing is, there’s no evidence of yawning lag time (apparently there is a small increase in boost), and the power is delivered smoothly. The increase in stonk is perhaps more noticeable as speeds increase, it will keep hauling that bit harder as the engine revs out towards its change up point just north of 6000rpm. That gets its thirst up however. The Raptor is a hungry mother, and we saw a high of 21L/100km, settling to around 17L. And the tune demands you feed it on 98 octane, so running expenses are going to be higher. 

Makes for a lively day out

The Raptor’s drive modes aren’t fouled by the changes, Sport mode still the go when a tarmac road becomes interesting. The gearbox is eager to tee up cogs that have the V6 spinning at the 4000rpm mark and right in the meat of the powerband. With ten ratios to play with, there’s always the right ratio for your corner exit. It’s a sharp transmission that is properly tuned for sporty driving here.

The engine is still a treat. There’s a raspy edge to its note and you can always dial up the drama with Baja mode if you fancy a bit more bark. A touch more induction noise wouldn’t go amiss, but there’s no denying it sounds like it means business.

What’s impressive is how comfortably the chassis handles the added energy. The Raptor feels well balanced while its long-travel suspension soaks up punishment without making it feel loose. The turn-in is confident though you’ve got to be measured in terms of how hot you enter a bend. Go in too heavy and the front end grip washes away, although it’s quick to let you know. It’s quite outstanding given the rubber has been picked more with off road work in mind. And a brief throttle lift is all that’s needed to get it quickly back online and settled as you bury the gas to power out of the turn. In Auto 4WD, it digs in and drives out of corners with authority. Given its turn of pace down the straight and the need to temper that velocity for the corners, the brakes get a workout and exhibit some heat fade after a spirited run; a set of meatier pads would likely sort that.

But you really have to give it a burst on a gravel road, which is where Raptor really does come into its own. Select Baja mode for the full effect of the suspension and barking exhaust, and let it go wild. Clicking it out of the default 4WD high and into rear-wheel drive mode ensures maximum fun factor. While the traction control is switched out, the stability control still lingers in the background for when that slip angle gets a little too loose and it gently brings it back into line. It dances along rutted gravel roads, the suspension soaking up hits that would rattle most utes to bits. The steering is accurate and communicative enough to remind you what those chunky tyres are up to, and the sheer grip on loose stuff is astonishing. It’s a riot, and bloody impressive.

The one minor downer is the cost. Where a regular old Raptor goes for $96,490, this Herrod, available via Hutchinson Ford in Christchurch, ups that to $109,980. Yep, that’s quite a lot, but it’s quite a lot of fun too.  

Ford Ranger Raptor Herrod Performance Edition
$109,980  /  12.8L/100km  /  292g/km
0-100 km/h 5.44s
Engine  2956cc / V6 / TT
Max power  380kW
Max torque  780Nm
Drivetrain  10-speed auto, 4×4
Weight (claimed)  2475kg