Nadim Mehanna and his MotorShow team took the Ford Bronco Raptor for a comprehensive drive through the desert of the UAE, experiencing one of the most extreme production off-road SUVs currently available.

Developed by Ford Performance as the world’s first Ultra4 Racing-inspired SUV, the Bronco Raptor brings the philosophy of desert racing and extreme rock crawling to a road-legal vehicle.

From the first glance, the Raptor makes its intentions clear. Its widened body, aggressive grille, high-clearance fenders, reinforced underbody protection and imposing stance give it a presence unlike a conventional SUV. The standard 37-inch all-terrain tyres are particularly significant, not only giving the Bronco an unmistakable appearance but also providing the grip, clearance and durability required for demanding off-road driving.

Under the bonnet is Ford’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6, producing 418 hp and 596 Nm of torque. It is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a sophisticated four-wheel-drive system, giving the Raptor the ability to transition between high-speed desert running and slower, more technical terrain.

The real engineering story, however, lies underneath. Ford Performance developed the Raptor-exclusive HOSS 4.0 suspension system around high-speed off-road stability. FOX Live Valve 3.1 semi-active dampers continuously monitor changing terrain and adjust their behaviour, while the suspension provides up to 13 inches of wheel travel at the front and 14 inches at the rear. This allows the Bronco to absorb severe impacts while maintaining control and stability.

That Ultra4 influence becomes especially apparent in the desert. In Baja mode, the Raptor is capable of attacking loose surfaces at speed, with its suspension, tyres, four-wheel-drive system and throttle calibration working together to maintain momentum. On rocky trails, Rock Crawl mode changes the vehicle’s responses to maximise control and traction. With seven G.O.A.T. Modes available, the driver can tailor the Bronco to everything from everyday roads to sand, rocks and other challenging surfaces.

For the UAE, this character makes perfect sense. The country’s combination of vast desert landscapes, dunes and technical off-road routes provides an ideal environment for the Raptor’s abilities. Rather than simply being an SUV that can survive an occasional trip into the desert, the Bronco Raptor is engineered around the idea of making that environment its natural playground.

Despite its extreme hardware, the Raptor remains surprisingly usable on the road. The commanding driving position provides excellent visibility, while modern connectivity, driver-assistance systems and a more sophisticated cabin make it practical enough for everyday life. The wide body and enormous tyres may make its dimensions feel substantial in urban surroundings, but they are part of the price of achieving its exceptional off-road capability.

Inside, the Bronco retains its rugged and functional personality while adding the technology expected from a modern performance SUV. The upright dashboard, digital displays and large central screen are complemented by performance-oriented details, while the available open-air configuration reinforces the connection between the vehicle and its surroundings. It is an interior designed to be used rather than treated as something precious.

The Raptor also retains a useful level of practicality. Its four-door configuration provides proper passenger space, while the rear cargo area can accommodate equipment for longer adventures. When properly equipped, the 2026 Bronco Raptor can tow up to approximately 2,041 kg, further expanding its usefulness beyond recreational off-road driving.

What ultimately makes the Bronco Raptor special is that its extreme appearance is backed by equally serious engineering. The 418 hp V6, 596 Nm of torque, 37-inch tyres, HOSS 4.0 suspension and selectable drive modes are not simply marketing features; they are components of a vehicle designed around the demanding combination of desert speed and technical rock crawling that defines Ultra4 competition.

The Ford Bronco Raptor therefore occupies a fascinating position in the performance SUV world. It is not trying to be the most luxurious or refined vehicle in its class. Instead, it delivers something much more focused: genuine off-road capability combined with enough comfort and technology to be driven every day.

In the UAE, where desert driving is part of automotive culture, the Bronco Raptor feels particularly appropriate, a road-legal machine that was built with the road ending firmly in mind.