Just when you thought you’d seen it all, Ford is reportedly taking the Mustang where it’s never gone before – off-road. Yes, you read that right. Rumors are swirling about a 2026 Ford Mustang Raptor, a trail-conquering version of the iconic pony car, equipped with a robust 5.0-liter V-8 engine. This news, initially met with disbelief by some, suggests Ford is serious about “Raptorizing” its entire lineup, even its most legendary coupe.
The trend of transforming sports cars and even minivans into off-road machines has been gaining momentum. We’ve witnessed Porsche elevate the 911 into the dirt-slinging Dakar, and Lamborghini gear up to get gritty with the Huracán Sterrato. Even Toyota has joined the fray with a lifted Sienna minivan, the Woodland Edition. Now, it appears Ford is ready to unleash its own unexpected off-road beast: the Mustang Raptor.
Ford’s fascination with the Raptor concept began with the F-150 Raptor, a desert racing-inspired truck that redefined off-road performance. The Bronco Raptor followed, a natural extension of this rugged philosophy. The upcoming Ranger Raptor further solidifies this trend, and even Raptor versions of the Explorer and Expedition SUVs seem plausible. However, applying the Raptor treatment to the Mustang, a car synonymous with speed and asphalt, initially sounds like a radical departure.
Yet, perhaps this off-road Mustang isn’t as far-fetched as it seems. Hints of this direction may have been subtly present for years. The sixth-generation Mustang featured splined front hubs, initially interpreted as a precursor to all-wheel drive for enhanced on-road acceleration. However, these features could also pave the way for venturing beyond paved roads and into rally-style terrains.
Under the hood, the Mustang Raptor is expected to pack a punch with a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-8 engine, delivering close to 500 horsepower. This powertrain aligns with what many Bronco enthusiasts desire and promises ample power for off-road adventures. While a manual transmission won’t be offered, a 10-speed automatic transmission will efficiently manage the power, distributing torque to all four wheels via an electronically controlled center differential. For those craving even more power, a Mustang Raptor R, boasting a supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 with over 700 horsepower, is also rumored to be in the works.
Staying true to the Raptor lineage, the Mustang Raptor will incorporate high-performance Fox Live Valve dampers, crucial for absorbing impacts during off-road excursions. A 2.0-inch lift, achieved through bespoke suspension components and elongated springs, will enhance ground clearance. Essential underbody bash plates will safeguard the Mustang’s vital components from rocks and debris. All-terrain tires, nestled within cladding-protected fenders, will complete the rugged transformation, ensuring grip and durability on challenging trails.
As the seventh-generation Mustang prepares to hit dealerships, with performance-oriented street models to follow, the off-road Raptor variant is anticipated to arrive in 2026. Like its Raptor siblings, it won’t be budget-friendly, but it’s projected to be considerably more accessible than exotic off-road sports cars like a lifted Lamborghini. The price for this limited-run off-road Mustang is estimated to start around $90,000, with additional costs for accessories like mud flaps.
Interestingly, the concept of a Mustang tackling off-road terrain isn’t entirely new. Back in 1992, Car and Driver humorously compared a Mustang GT convertible against a real horse on a dirt track. While the horse, named Tang, completed the quarter-mile in 34.3 seconds, the Mustang GT blazed through it in 17.0 seconds. This playful comparison highlights the Mustang’s inherent speed, but now, with the Raptor version, Ford seems ready to test its pony car’s mettle in a completely different environment – the wild.
