I’ve never really felt inclined to drive a truck, not because I dislike them per se, but more because I have always viewed them as vocational; tools to be used for a specific cause, a means to an end. Then up stepped Ford’s Ranger Raptor. 

To look at there can be no debate – this car turns heads. Perhaps not in the way that the blocky Mercedes G-Wagon does, but I would argue more authentically with its format being inline with other cars in the same automotive segment. It’s the scale of this vehicle that causes onlookers draw a sharp intake of breath, making conventional cars seem like mere toys in comparison.

Other details, such as the aggressive contrast black grille boasting the emboldened “F O R D” lettering on the front, the die cast aluminium alloy side steps and the specialist 33inch BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres, lend weight to its visual argument. This is not simply a repurposed Ford Ranger, but a whole new augmented 4×4 vehicle, masterminded by the Ford Performance team.

Yes, it does have a relatively meagre top speed of 105mph, but rather surprisingly you don’t feel the need to go faster, with the 10speed gearbox ensuring motorway driving was smooth and painless, making light work of the 400mile journey up north. The seats — a combination of leather and a suede-like material — are ergonomically contoured, mimicking the shape of your body whilst gently cajoling you throughout the journey, regardless of the terrain.

The interior also had all your modern comforts, such as heated seats, an entertainment system with full connectivity and very importantly, a decent Sat-Nav. Look around the interior you couldn’t help but notice nods to the Raptor’s true function as genuine off-road capable truck, from features such as the red marker on the steering wheel informing you of when the wheels are straight, to the 4-Wheel drive selection knob, giving you a choice between three modes; Two-Wheel Drive (2H), Four Wheel Drive (4H) and Low-Range Four-Wheel drive (4L).

We took the Raptor off-road in Colintraive, not on “other-worldly” terrain but on a steep decline with unsettled moss, slippery seaweed and mud, and the in 4H mode (see above) the car coped with a similar ease to how it handled the roads; with minimal fuss and with utmost comfort. The discussion of “space” is not one you need to have regarding the Ranger Raptor, as it comfortably seats five passengers, with the ample — and deep — boot space, functional yet convenient.

The biggest compliment I can pay the Ranger Raptor is that while there is no denying its scale and presence, once inside you completely forget it is a truck; it’s not too dissimilar from being in any premium SUV. There is no doubting Raptor is an animal, but I’d rather look at it as a very enjoyable way to get from A-to-B, regardless of the terrain you choose.