2025 Ford Raptor Test Drive: NMI Ford N1 City

On 21 October 2025, I joined NMI Ford N1 City in Goodwood to test drive the 2025 Next Gen Ford Raptor 3.0-Litre twin-turbo (petrol). It was an exhilarating experience, meeting friendly staff members while enjoying a fantastic drive in this beast of a vehicle.

Special thanks to Renny Bester (New Vehicle Sales Executive) for giving me this amazing 2025 Ford Raptor test drive opportunity, and to Joshua Overberg (New Vehicle Sales Executive) for joining me in the vehicle as we drove it on the N1 highway.

Let’s start the engine and begin the drive!

2025 Ford Raptor Quick Feature List

Before I dive into the 2025 Next Gen Ford Raptor 3.0-Litre Twin Turbo Petrol test drive experience, let’s take a quick look at its key specifications and features. Please note that while Ford offers several Ranger derivatives, this article focuses specifically on the high-performance Raptor variant.

Category	Details
Engine and Performance	3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol engine; FOX Live Valve adaptive performance suspension; 17” alloy wheels with BF Goodrich all-terrain KO2 tyres
Selectable Drive Modes	Rotary dial selector with Normal, Eco, Slippery, Mud, Sand, Baja, and Rock Crawl modes
Off-Road Mastery	Front and rear locking differentials; steel underbody protection for engine and transfer case; plastic fuel tank guard
Exterior Highlights	LED Matrix headlamps; two visible front tow hooks; cast alloy black side steps; bold, muscular design
Interior & Comfort	12″ colour touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto (Wi-Fi); B&O Premium Audio System (10 speakers); 12″ digital instrument cluster; wireless charging pad; electric parking brake; power windows with one-touch global open/close
Safety & Assistance	Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Lane Centering; Blind Spot Monitoring (BLIS) with trailer coverage; Cross Traffic Alert (CTA); Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS); front & rear parking sensors; Active Park Assist 2.0 (autonomous parallel/perpendicular parking)
Visibility & Control	360-degree camera system with front, side, and rear views
Special Additions	Upfitter Auxiliary 6-Switch Pack; selectable drive control for accessories
Price Range	From R1,221,700*

*Prices obtained from the official SA brand site at the time of this article and exclude all additions at the time of purchase. Prices are subject to change and may differ among dealerships. Check more of the sedan’s specifications on the NMI Ford website!

The Meet and Greet

When I arrived at NMI Ford N1 City, I noticed just how spacious the reception and waiting areas were. I was eager to meet Renny, who had called me during the weekend while I was at the EV Car show in Paarl (article still incoming) to arrange the test drive. Of course, I had to help myself to some coffee at the machine, which was a great start to the visit.

I had hardly placed the lid on the cup when Renny met with me. He introduced me to Joshua, who was taking me on the test drive and making sure I didn’t crash the Raptor (jokes). In all seriousness, both of them are friendly, and they made me feel welcome and excited for the drive ahead. We had a few quick laughs, and then it was time to drive.

Inspecting the 2025 Ford Raptor From the Outside

Before taking the wheel, I spent a few minutes walking around the 2025 Next Gen Ford Raptor, and the first impression was pure power and presence. The massive 17” alloy rims wrapped in all-terrain tyres immediately stood out. They’re not just stylish; they announce that this vehicle means business.

The bold black FORD lettering across the grille dominates the front, giving it that unmistakable Raptor attitude. The LED Matrix headlights add a fierce, modern look, while the flared wheel arches and sculpted body lines give off a muscular, athletic feel.

Along the sides, the Raptor graphics command attention, hinting at its off-road heritage and performance DNA. The cast alloy black side steps feel sturdy and practical, especially useful for climbing into that elevated cabin. At the back, the distinctive taillights and tough bed design complete the look — rugged yet refined.

Even without turning the ignition, you can tell this Raptor is built for adventure. It’s not just a vehicle; it’s a statement: every curve, contour, and badge reinforces Ford’s commitment to blending raw power with modern design.

Stunning Performance With Superb Acceleration

Climbing into the 2025 Next Gen Ford Raptor 3.0-litre Twin Turbo Petrol and hitting the road was an experience that completely redefined my expectations of what a bakkie can do. The moment I pressed the accelerator, the power delivery was instant. That 3.0-litre V6 engine doesn’t just move; it surges forward with precision and confidence. The twin-turbo setup gives it incredible responsiveness, yet it feels refined and controlled rather than aggressive.

What surprised me most was how smooth and composed the Raptor felt. Despite its size and off-road capability, the drive was incredibly balanced; it handled city corners and open-road stretches with sedan-like ease. The FOX Live Valve suspension deserves special credit here; it absorbs bumps and uneven terrain so effectively that you’d never guess you were behind the wheel of such a large and powerful off-roader.

Acceleration is seamless, and the engine emits a deep, satisfying growl that hints at the power beneath the hood without ever becoming intrusive. It’s the kind of vehicle that makes you forget its weight and bulk, offering agility, comfort, and control that rivals even luxury SUVs. The 2025 Next Gen Ford Raptor truly blurs the line between rugged performance and refined everyday driving.

Comfortable Seats and Spacious Interior

Stepping inside the 2025 Next Gen Ford Raptor immediately gives you a sense of strength and refinement combined. The cabin feels roomy and commanding, with plenty of space for both the driver and passengers. The seats are firm yet incredibly comfortable, designed to keep you supported whether you’re cruising through city streets or tackling rough terrain. Joshua even showed me how to heat the driver’s seat from the console.

Ford has clearly put thought into the interior design. The 12-inch touchscreen dominates the centre console, perfectly complemented by the digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. The layout is clean and intuitive, and with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, everything you need is just a touch away. The B&O Premium Audio System surrounds the cabin in crisp, clear sound, adding to the premium atmosphere.

Even though this is a performance-focused off-roader, it feels surprisingly refined inside. The driving position is high and confident, giving you a full view of the road ahead, while the soft ambient lighting and textured finishes create a sophisticated environment. It’s that rare mix of rugged practicality and modern luxury, proof that the 2025 Next Gen Ford Raptor isn’t just built for power, but for comfort too.

Technology and Safety at Its Best

The 2025 Next Gen Ford Raptor 3.0-litre Twin Turbo Petrol doesn’t just impress with brute strength. It’s also one of the smartest bakkies I’ve ever driven. Ford has seamlessly blended performance engineering with advanced technology, creating a driving experience that feels futuristic yet intuitive.

The large 12-inch infotainment screen is crisp, responsive, and easy to navigate, while the digital instrument cluster delivers all essential driving information with clarity and precision. From here, you can switch between multiple drive modes, including Baja, Mud, Sand, and Rock Crawl, and instantly feel the vehicle adjust its suspension and throttle response to match the terrain.

On the safety side, Ford went all out. The Raptor includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Centering, and Blind Spot Monitoring (BLIS), which even extends its coverage to trailers, a feature that’s a real bonus for towing. The 360-degree camera system provides an all-around view, making parking or navigating tight off-road trails surprisingly easy.

Other highlights include Active Park Assist 2.0, which can handle parallel and perpendicular parking for you, and Cross Traffic Alert, which warns you of approaching vehicles when reversing. These systems all work quietly in the background, giving you total confidence whether you’re driving through city traffic or exploring uncharted paths.

With its mix of intelligence, precision, and safety, the 2025 Next Gen Ford Raptor proves that raw power doesn’t have to come at the expense of comfort or control; it’s a modern beast that’s as smart as it is strong.

Head to NMI Ford N1 City for a 2025 Next Gen Ford Raptor Today!

As you can tell, I thoroughly enjoyed my time behind the wheel of the 2025 Next Gen Ford Raptor 3.0L Twin Turbo Petrol. This bakkie is pure excitement, a perfect mix of strength, comfort, and advanced engineering that makes every drive feel special. From its incredible acceleration to its surprisingly smooth handling, the Raptor delivers performance that has to be experienced to be believed.

If you’re ready to feel that same rush of power, head over to NMI Ford N1 City and book a test drive for yourself. The team there brings real passion to what they do, and their welcoming atmosphere makes every visit a pleasure. Let them know that Driver Digest SA sent you!

Whether you’re exploring your next adventure vehicle or simply curious about Ford’s latest innovation, you’ll leave with a smile, and maybe, just maybe, the keys to a new Raptor in your hand.