VW has reportedly delayed the launch of its vitally important ID.2 electric hatch from 2025 to 2026, but we’ll still learn plenty about it this fall because Cupra is pushing ahead with the reveal of the Raval, its version of the ID.2, which is seen here during testing.

The Raval, ID.2 hatch, an ID.2 crossover and Skoda’s upcoming Epiq SUV are all built around a new, shorter version of VW’s MEB electric car platform. In addition to being resized to suit cars smaller than the Golf-sized ID.3, the tiniest of VW’s current EVs, the new architecture also places a single motor at the front driving the front wheels, the reverse of the main MEB platform where the motor is at the rear.

Related: VW’s Cheapest EV Yet Hides In Plain Sight Behind Someone Else’s Face

Both the Raval and ID.2 have been shown in concept form powered by a  single 223 hp (225 PS / 166 kW) electric motor, and VW’s ID.GTI concept teased a 429 hp (435 PS / 250 kW) dual-motor configuration. However, most versions of both cars will be packing far less firepower because the key draw of the Raval and ID.2 won’t be big power figures but a low starting price: the pair is expected to start at around €25,000 (£21k, $29k).

To hit that target, the base models will reportedly come with a small 38 kWh battery whose 186-mile (300 km) range will make it best suited to urban work, while an available 56 kWh pack will be capable of running 273 miles (440 km) between charges. A 125 kW peak charge capacity means a 10-80 percent fill should take around 20 minutes.

This Raval prototype hasn’t dropped much disguise since we last saw one, but the close-up shot of the front end reveals plenty about how the finished car will look when the covers are pulled off at the IAA auto show in Germany this fall. Poking out from behind the fake headlight stickers are the real lights, which appear to be triangular, and different in shape to the ones seen on the Raval concept car.

The close-ups also show that Cupra’s engineers have tried to obscure both the vertical air vents at each corner and much of the large black grille with white-painted plastic. Another deviation from the concept is the hood, which is more inset and has a pronounced M-shape at its leading edge, a result of the V8-style twin hood bulges.

In keeping with its more flamboyant design, the Raval should also be a little sharper to driver than the ID.2 courtesy of Cupra’s traditionally more aggressive suspension setup. So, if you were in the market for a small EV, would you go for the Raval or wait for the ID.2?

SHProshots

Another cargo ship has gone under, and it’s taking hundreds of millions of dollars with it. The Morning Midas, a massive vessel hauling vehicles from China to Mexico, sank off the coast of Alaska last week after a fire broke out onboard. Now, analysts are beginning to tally up the damage, and the numbers aren’t looking pretty. According to early estimates, the loss could cost the automotive industry about $559 million.

Read: Burning Ship Full Of Cars Sinks After Mysterious Blaze Off Alaska`

This marks the third such incident in just a few years. The Morning Midas joins the Felicity Ace and the Fremantle Highway in a trio of maritime mishaps that have collectively sent around 11,000 vehicles to the ocean floor. Together, these wrecks have caused over $1.8 billion in losses, according to data from the Anderson Economic Group.

Zodiac Maritime, the ship’s operator, reported that smoke was first spotted coming from a deck carrying electrified vehicles before the situation escalated. In total, the ship was transporting 3,159 vehicles. Of those, roughly 681 to 861 are believed to have been hybrids, and another 65 to 70 were fully electric models. All of the vehicles lost were from Chinese car manufacturers, including Great Wall Motor and Chery.

Ripple Effects Beyond the Cargo

While Anderson Economic Group places the value of the destroyed cargo at around $120 million, the broader economic hit goes much further. Cleanup efforts, environmental damage, and the loss of future earnings for a range of people and industries are all part of the fallout.

This includes U.S. government agencies like the Coast Guard, Zodiac Maritime employees, port workers, the regional fishing industry, and residents living near the spill zone.

AEG’s estimate also includes projected costs for salvage operations and environmental remediation. However, it does not account for the losses auto dealers, logistics companies, or waiting customers might face due to disrupted supply chains.

The value of the lost cargo is far less than that of the Felicity Ace and Fremantle Highway disasters. In both cases, the ships were carrying more expensive cars, resulting in estimated cargo losses of $334.5 million for the Felicity Ace and $302.6 million for the Fremantle Highway.

The fire onboard Morning Midas broke out on June 3. All 22 crew members abandoned ship shortly after attempts to douse the fire failed. It eventually sank into the abyss on June 23.

US Coast Guard

In mid-June, Porsche revealed that the Taycan Turbo GT had set a new lap record at Road Atlanta for an EV. As it turns out, the automaker wasn’t satisfied with simply walking away with a single lap record that day and also managed to set new records for both an SUV and a sedan thanks to the Cayenne Turbo GT and Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid.

Renown racing driver Patrick Long was tasked with setting blistering laps in both models, and that’s precisely what he did. While we suspect there are very few Cayenne or Panamera owners who ever take their vehicles to the track (the Panamera is great on the track, as yours truly can attest – ed), we’re sure there’ll be plenty who love boasting to their friends about just how quick their uber-powerful grocery getters are.

Read: Fastest Electric Porsche Ever Just Annihilated a Track Record

Starting with the Cayenne Turbo GT, Long set a best lap of 1:34.38 while behind the wheel. That’s an impressive time and was just 7 seconds behind the Taycan Turbo GT’s 1:27.15. When you consider that the Cayenne Turbo GT is down 369 hp on the Taycan, and doesn’t benefit from the same instantaneous power delivery, this time proves that the SUV really can boogie.

From Super SUV To Super Sedan

Then came the turn of the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid. Prior to hitting the track, the 2021 Panamera Turbo S held the lap record with a 1:31.51 lap. But, whereas that car pumps out 621 hp, the new E-Hybrid delivers 771 hp and includes Porsche’s trick active hydraulic suspension system.

With Long behind the wheel, the E-Hybrid set a best time of 1:30.98. That’s only about half a second quicker than the former record, and perhaps shows that the added weight of the hybrid system offsets some of the horsepower gains. Even so, Porsche’s experienced pro driver was impressed with its on-track manners.

“The new generation Panamera is so much more seamless in the regen and boost transition, it makes it very easy to get right up to the edge,” he said. “When you think about how much braking is part of high-performance driving, the fact you can make energy for acceleration while improving stopping power is such a positive attribute, and one that you can use both on and off the track.”

The 2025 Ram HD lineup debuted earlier this year with updated styling and a new 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine producing 430 hp (321 kW / 436 PS) and 1,075 lb-ft (1,456 Nm) of torque. Now, roughly seven months later, the company has introduced the 2026 model, which features two new variants.

Kicking things off is the Ram 2500 Black Express, which will be offered with rear- and four-wheel drive as well as short and long beds. It’s based on the Tradesman and costs an additional $2,495, which brings the cost of entry to $53,735 including destination.

More: Ram Raises The Bar With The Longest Powertrain Warranty For Full-Size Trucks

So what does that get you? A more refined exterior with body-color bumpers and a matching grille surround. The truck also has a sport performance hood, tubular side steps, and 20-inch wheels with a black finish.

Rounding out the highlights are cloth bench seats, carpeted flooring, and floor mats. The Black Express also has front and rear ParkSense as well as power tow mirrors.

2026 Ram 2500 Black Express

Customers desiring rugged capability can get the 2026 Ram 2500 Warlock, which is also based on the Tradesman and costs an extra $2,995. This means you’re looking at $57,165 out the door.

While that’s not cheap, the crew cab pickup has a short bed, standard four-wheel drive, and 20-inch diamond cut wheels wrapped in 34-inch Goodyear Duratrac A/T tires. Other off-road goodies include an anti-spin rear differential, a transfer case skid plate, Bilstein shocks, and Hill Descent Control.

Buyers will also find a Warlock decal as well as numerous black accents, including the grille surround, fender flares, and bumpers. Other highlights include tow mirrors, all-weather floor mats, cloth bench seats, and carpeting.

2026 Ram 2500 Warlock

While the aforementioned diesel is optional, the trucks come standard with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 developing 405 hp (302 kW / 411 PS) and 429 lb-ft (581 Nm) of torque. Both engines are connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Ram is currently accepting orders and deliveries are slated to begin in the third quarter. Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis said, “Everyone likes a good-looking truck, but the challenge is making it affordable while adding value to the entire lineup.” He went on to say the two new models do this successfully as they combine “an attractive price with [a] custom appearance, while building on our sport truck leadership position.”

If you’re a fan of obscure Japanese classics, especially those that never officially left the country’s shore, this one will grab your attention. A 1989 Soarer 3.0 GT Aerocabin has surfaced on an internet auction site giving US Toyota geeks a rare chance to own one of the brand’s most exclusive 1980s creations.

To the untrained eye, this might just look like another squared-off, luxury coupe from Japan’s bubble era. But the Aerocabin was anything but ordinary. Built as a limited-run special, only 500 examples were ever produced – all destined for the Japanese domestic market.

Related: Toyota’s New JDM Crown Estate Gets A Pull-Out Deck Chair And 302 HP

Its standout feature is a fully power-retractable hardtop roof and rear window, transforming the car into a BMW Bauer-style pseudo-convertible at the push of a button. Retractable hardtops were still a few years from their heyday at this point, and though you could reasonably argue that it’s a poor convertible since it has fully-framed door glass, what really impresses is how neat the whole installation is.

The roof and rear window stow in a compartment on the rear deck when not needed, but when they’re in place, protecting the driver and passenger from the elements, the Aerocabin looks almost indistinguishable from a stock Soarer GT-Limited. Toyota experts, though, would notice the two-seat-only layout, the rear seats having been sacrificed to make room for the trick roof’s mechanism, and the Crystal Pearl over metallic beige paint, a mandatory combo for Aerocabins.

Under the hood, all Aerocabins came equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter 7M-GTE inline-six engine, which was the top-spec motor for Soarers. The M-series was the forerunner to the legendary JZ used in cars like the MkIV Supra, and while it didn’t punch as hard, it still developed up to 237 hp (240 PS), which was a solid showing for the day. The Soarer wasn’t a hardcore sports car anyway, it was a refined GT, making the four-speed auto a natural fit.

BaT

In keeping with the luxury GT theme and the late 1980s build date, the interior is loaded with a digital dashboard, automatic climate control and wall-to-wall leather thats ruched on the doors and seen better days on the driver’s chair.

Anyone wanting to return this Aerocabin to tip-top shape will want to treat the seats to some fresh cow, and sticklers for originality might want to replace the aftermarket coilovers and Blitz exhaust. But whoever buys it might be equally happy to enjoy this rare slice of JDM history just as it is, and ignore the curious mention of flood damage reference on the title.

Because with fewer than 500 ever made, and only a handful imported to North America under the 25-year import rule at most, this Soarer Aerocabin is sure to ignite conversations and make friends wherever it goes. View the Bring a Trailer auction listing here.

BaT

Hyundai’s performance arm is evolving fast, and Europe is about to see a major shift. The N division’s electric ambitions are picking up speed with a growing lineup of EV-only models, starting with the Ioniq 5 N that’ll soon be joined by the Ioniq 6 N. That doesn’t mean the combustion engine is getting kicked to the curb just yet, though, as Hyundai’s go-fast sub-brand isn’t ready to shut the door on other powertrain options.

More: Kia Is Done With Gas GT Performance Cars

While the Elantra N continues to wave the ICE flag in North America, Europe has taken a stricter turn. Emissions regulations have already pushed the i20 N and i30 N hot hatches off the map, sparking speculation that Hyundai N would go fully electric, much like Kia appears to be doing with its GT-badged performance cars.

EVs Are Just One Part of the Plan

Speaking to Autocar, Joon Park, Vice President of Hyundai N and head of the Global Marketing Strategy Team, pushed back on the assumption that N is going EV-exclusive. “The problem that we have is that there is a perception from the media and our fans that Hyundai N is only focusing on the EV world, which is not true,” Park said. “Even though we are going to introduce the Ioniq 6 N at Goodwood Festival of Speed, we are not limiting ourselves to EVs.”

Park added that the division is open to exploring a wide range of ideas: “We’re going forward with EVs, of course, as well as all the other proposals we could do. Because for N, imagination and courage are the words we need to remember.”

Room for Hybrids and More

The performance division’s boss, a self-declared fan of combustion-powered sports cars, didn’t go into detail about what kinds of powertrains future Hyundai N models might use. Still, it’s reasonable to think the brand could align with its parent company’s multi-pathway strategy.

More: Genesis Says Its New Hybrids Will Surprise You

The Hyundai Group has already confirmed it’s developing a variety of models with hybrid and EREV (extended range electric vehicle) systems. These are meant to complement its growing battery-electric lineup while reducing reliance on charging infrastructure.

Not every one of those platforms will be a fit for Hyundai N’s performance focus, but the direction is clear. A similar approach is also in the works at Genesis, where the newly launched Magma sub-brand is expected to blend performance with a mix of powertrain technologies.

What’s Coming Next

The Hyundai i30 N, which launched in 2017, kicked off the sub-brand’s journey with a proper hot hatch that set the tone for future N models. Since then, the performance treatment has been applied to the i20, Kona, Veloster, Elantra, and more recently, the Ioniq 5.

Now, the Ioniq 6 N is getting ready for its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it will serve as a showcase for what the next all-electric N car will look and feel like.

Another model that could join the lineup in the coming years is a production version of the Vision N 74 Concept, positioned as a low-volume halo car. The concept featured a hydrogen-electric hybrid setup delivering 670 hp (500 kW / 680 PS), though it’s still unclear whether a similar powertrain would make it into a road-going version.

It feels like automotive history is becoming a revolving door these days, with old names cycling back into the spotlight faster than you can say “retro-futuristic reboot.” Every few years, another long-dead car brand or nameplate gets yanked from the archives, bolted to a new EV chassis and paraded in front of an audience that’s either thrilled or baffled (or, if you’re a true petrolhead, indifferent).

More: Which Concept Car Are You Happy Never Hit Production?

Sometimes, the results are surprisingly solid, like Hummer’s electric comeback seems to have found its footing, and Scout looks promising. But not every revival lands smoothly. DeLorean, Hispano Suiza, and Detroit Electric have all taken their stabs and, well, let’s just say the results haven’t exactly electrified the market.

But let’s flip the script for a second. What if the decision was yours? You get the pick of the litter, any defunct automaker, any direction you want. Which brand would you bring back from the grave, and how would you turn it into a thriving EV startup?

Saab Still Makes Sense

In a recent Reddit forum asking a similar question, the poster specifically called out Saab. No doubt, that innovative, safety-focused company could align well with EV talking points. The flexibility on offer from a packaging standpoint with EVs is vast. It could enable a new Saab to get even more creative. The brand always stood out before it died; even when it badge-engineered cars, they were unique among its corporate siblings.

Maybe the best answer is the one shown in the image above. Pontiac died as a result of the 2008 financial crisis, and it did so at a terrible time. Bob Lutz was committed to making the brand a BMW rival with rear-wheel drive cars at the focus. It never came to be, though. What an impact it could make if Pontiac came back to life with a car that outscored the new Dodge Charger Daytona in every metric. That would be a resounding success.

AMC Was Ahead of Its Time

On the flip side, AMC could be an enticing option. The small American automaker could’ve been historically successful had a few different things happened in history. It was no doubt an innovative brand with lots of good ideas. Today, lifted Eagles go for top dollar, and the Cherokee remains a major victory that heavily contributed to the compact crossover movement.

We could continue to throw different brands against the wall. Edsel, Mercury, Cizeta, Jensen, Studebaker, Packard, Imperial, and more are all available here. If I personally had to pick one, it would be none other than TVR. We can all use a little insanity in our lives, and if TVR could position itself as a McMurtry rival with similarly batty tech, I think it could be a real winner.

So what do you think? Which long-dead automaker deserves another shot, this time with electrons instead of gasoline? Let your imagination run with it, this is fantasy, after all. There are no wrong answers. Okay, maybe Fisker. It’s had its chances – and blew them all…

Audi launched its new Q3 compact SUV this month, and you don’t need to be a savant to know that if there’s a new Q3, then a new Q3 Sportback must be right around the corner. And here it is, in prototype form negotiating one of more than 100 corners at the Nurburgring.

As with the previous model’s range, the new Q3 Sportback is 85 percent identical to the regular version of the SUV, but swaps that car’s fairly upright tail for a more sloping one that gives off a coupe-like feel. The roof, rear doors, rear quarters and hatch are all unique to the Sportback.

Related: Audi Will Keep Combustion Engines Alive Beyond 2032

We’ll have to wait for the Q3 Sportback’s debut sometime later this summer to know exactly what the exact trade-off is for the sportier profile in terms of interior dimensions, but a small reduction in rear headroom and less cargo space above the window line are a given.

What we don’t have to wait for is information about the rest of the Q3 Sportback package, because it should be identical to the Q3 unveiled last week. The new face features two-deck lights, with Audi’s segmented DRLs mounted above bumper line and the real headlights located in a dark section of the bumper itself.

At the back, posher trims will get an illuminated Audi badge and LED light bar running across the hatch, though if the Q3 Sportback follows the Q3’s lead, base models might be denied those features. There’s a good chance though that the Sportback will be pitched more upmarket and not be available in poverty-spec.

All versions should get the same supersized dashboard display comprising an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch infotainment system, and new tech features include an AI assistant and controversial multi-function column stalk that handles both turn signal and wiper control, leaving space on the right side of the wheel for a new gear-shift lever.

Familiar ICE Powertrains

Exactly what powertrain that lever controls will vary by market, some countries getting the option of 2.0 diesel or 1.5-liter TFSI petrol engines (both making 148 hp / 150 PS) and the US skipping both in favor of a 2.0-liter TSFI that pumps out 261 hp (265 PS).

There’s also the option of plug-in power via the Q3 e-hybrid, which generates 268 hp (272 PS), can travel up to 74 miles (119 km) on electricity alone and can charge at up to 50 kW, boosting the battery from 10-80 percent in less than 30 minutes.

Baldauf

Buying a new car can be one of the most exciting (and expensive) purchases one can make. It’s even more exciting when that car is something you’ve spent years dreaming about. Now imagine the frustration of making that deal, only to then learn that you can’t take the car home. That’s the reality one individual is dealing with two months after purchasing an Alfa Romeo Tonale.

Review: Our $60K Alfa Romeo Tonale Is Looking For Love In All The Wrong Places

The story came to light on Reddit, where the frustrated buyer said they signed paperwork for the Tonale on April 26. That timing turned out to be unfortunate. Just days earlier, Alfa Romeo had issued a recall affecting 8,122 Tonales, all due to a backup camera issue that requires repair.

The buyer found out about the recall online, and after checking in with the dealership, they confirmed that the car couldn’t be delivered with an open safety campaign. Since then, the vehicle has been sitting untouched.

A Dream Car, A Stalled Deal

This was what the poster calls a dream car brand for him, but this situation sounds like a total nightmare. Evidently, the additional features he paid for, like ceramic coating and a full detail, aren’t done either. It’s as if the dealer doesn’t plan on the car going anywhere anytime soon. That sort of tracks, since Alfa Romeo itself clarified that it didn’t have a solution for the recall at the time of filing.

Thankfully for the customer, many on Reddit have offered some good advice. “I would call every single day and make their life hell,” said one. “I’d call Alfa/Stellantis directly,” said another. That type of dogged determination appears to be helping, too. The buyer reports that he’s picking up a loaner car on the 24th and that he’s also reaching out to corporate.

What To Watch Before You Sign

Let this be a good lesson for all of us. Signing on the dotted line for any car with an open recall requires some due diligence. This would be different if Alfa Romeo had a clear fix for the issue. Then, the customer could’ve inquired about parts availability, timelines, and more. Without that, he’s stuck waiting around for his dream car to roll up. At least until then, he’ll be putting free miles on the dealer’s loaner, if that’s any consolation…

Photo Stephen Rivers

Not every truck buyer is chasing mud-slinging heroics or Baja-style bravado like you get with the Raptor. Some just want something that looks sharp, drives well on the road, and still hauls a trailer on the weekend. For those folks, Ford’s got a niche answer hidden in its growing Ranger lineup across the pond.

More: 2025 Ford Maverick Lobo Is A Street Truck Begging For More Power

The Ranger MS-RT stands out as Ford’s only street-tuned pickup in Europe and the UK. Think of it as the Ranger Lobo North America didn’t get, at least not yet. It wears a wide bodykit, sits lower than any other Ranger, and brings a sportier attitude without ditching the core capabilities.

Developed with rally experts M-Sport, the Ranger MS-RT (short for M-Sport Road Technology) targets buyers who want the look and feel of a performance vehicle but have no interest in crawling over rocks or fording streams.

To see how that M-Sport DNA plays out in the real world, we visited a Ford dealer in Greece for a closer look, and importantly, a back-to-back drive with the high-flying Raptor.

QUICK FACTS

What Sets It Apart From the Regular Ranger

What immediately sets the MS-RT apart is the new bodywork. Thanks to swollen front and rear fenders, the truck is 164 mm (6.5 inches) wider than its siblings. Filling those bulging arches are massive 21-inch alloy wheels, the largest ever offered on a production Ranger.

A new front bumper with a deeper lower section and a honeycomb grille gives the face a sportier vibe, while motorsport-style vents on the fenders and more sculpted side skirts lean further into the street-truck look.

At the rear, the styling effort continues with an integrated ducktail spoiler on the tailgate and a secondary roof-mounted spoiler above the cab. The rear bumper houses a decorative diffuser flanked by honeycomb textures. The one thing missing? Real exhaust tips. The Raptor gets twin pipes, and it’s hard not to notice the absence here, especially on something pitched as a high-performance street truck.

Our tester wore the subdued Command Grey paint, but brighter options are available, including Fast Blue, Yellow Green, Frozen White, Metallic Carbonised Grey, and Metallic Agate Black.

Interior Tweaks and Equipment

Photos Thanos Pappas / Carscoops

Inside the MS-RT, the changes are subtle but noticeable. Heavily bolstered bucket seats with integrated headrests and blue-stitched Eco Leather upholstery give the cabin a sportier feel. A thicker steering wheel rim and several MS-RT logos round out the special treatment.

More: New Ford Ranger Super Duty Tows Nearly 5 Tons But You Can’t Have It

Beyond the visual updates, it’s standard Ranger fare with a solid list of equipment: a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen, an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, heated front seats, and a suite of active safety features. It’s well-equipped, but not over the top.

So, Is It The Sportiest Truck?

Let’s talk about the obvious thing that sets the MS-RT apart: its lowered stance. Sitting 40 mm (1.6 inches) closer to the pavement than the Ranger Wildtrak, it rides on a revised suspension setup with firmer front dampers, retuned rear leaf springs, and wider tracks, all tuned for sharper handling. Ground clearance now lands somewhere in SUV territory, not quite car-low, but far from off-roader tall. That, paired with its road-biased tires, makes it clear this Ranger isn’t meant for trails or terrain.

From the moment you get behind the wheel of the Ranger MS-RT, you feel like you’re driving a hot SUV rather than a ladder-frame pickup. You’re still sitting high with great visibility all around the vehicle, but body roll has been significantly reduced and the steering feels quicker and more direct.

On the downside, the stiffer suspension and the 21-inch wheels with the low-profile tires (275/45R21) result in ride comfort taking a toll, with most road imperfections being felt in the cabin. Of course, the street truck is not as stiff as a hot hatch, but not nearly as comfortable as other members of the Ranger lineup either.

Some might argue that a fully independent rear suspension would better suit a road-focused truck like this. But the MS-RT keeps its solid rear axle and leaf springs, which help preserve the full 1,000 kg payload and 3,500 kg towing figures. For buyers who need utility with their style, that’s a tradeoff worth making.

The Engine: Familiar but Untouched

Photos Thanos Pappas / Carscoops

Under the hood is the same 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel found in the Wildtrak, producing 237 hp and 600 Nm of torque. It’s paired with a 10-speed automatic and Ford’s e4WD full-time all-wheel drive system. It works well, but here’s the thing; the styling promises more than the powertrain delivers.

More: Jim Farley Wants Ford To Be The “Porsche Of Off-Road”

There are no performance upgrades, no tuning changes, and no added grunt. For a truck that looks this mean, it feels like a missed opportunity not to push the numbers a bit higher. At the very least, a gasoline option would spice things up and better match the MS-RT’s visual drama.

The engine is paired exclusively with a 10-speed automatic, sending power to all four wheels through the Ranger’s familiar full-time 4WD system. It also keeps the standard drive mode lineup that includes Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, and Sand, even if most of those won’t see much use here.

During our time with the MS-RT, we stuck to tarmac, which felt like the right call given the soft, road-focused Continental ContiSportContact 5 tires that would probably flinch at the sight of a gravel path.

How Does Is Compare To The Raptor?

Photos Thanos Pappas / Carscoops

Climbing into the Raptor right after the MS-RT makes the height difference immediately obvious. You’re no longer stepping in, you’re climbing up. The Raptor’s cabin also goes for a flashier vibe, with bright orange accents and Ford Performance scuff plates adding some extra flair. The MS-RT skips the theatrics, but its interior still holds up just fine without the extra color or branding.

Driving the Raptor feels like floating, thanks to its Baja-ready suspension with long-travel geometry and plush Fox shocks that soak up just about anything. In a quick side-by-side test, I rolled both trucks over a curb. I barely noticed it in the Raptor, definitely felt it in the MS-RT. That said, the Raptor’s soft setup comes with trade-offs. There’s noticeable body roll in corners and some front-end dive under hard braking, which makes the MS-RT the more entertaining option when the road gets twisty.

Review: 2025 Ford Ranger Raptor – No Pickup Should Be This Fun , Yet Here We Are

When it comes to the powertrain, the Raptor clearly has the upper hand. Its 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 gasoline engine feels far more at home in a performance truck, thanks to its extra horsepower and a soundtrack that’s actually worth hearing, unlike the quieter, slightly torquier diesel in the MS-RT.

That said, this is the EU-spec Raptor we’re talking about, so output is capped at 288 hp (215 kW / 292 PS), well below the full 405 hp (302 kW / 411 PS) available in the North American version. Even so, it still outshines the MS-RT’s setup in both punch and personality.

Overall, it wouldn’t hurt if Ford gave the MS-RT a gasoline option, or at the very least, bumped up the output of the existing 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel to help it stand apart from the rest of the V6-powered lineup. As it stands, the performance just doesn’t quite match the truck’s aggressive looks.

It’s Expensive

And then there’s the pricing, keeping in mind this is Greece, where car taxes are among the highest in Europe. For example, the base Ranger Raptor starts at €54,350 (about US$61,000) before taxes and fees, but that figure jumps to €71,742 (around US$80,600) once everything is included. In the States, the 405 hp Ranger Raptor starts from $56,070 (around €52,000) before taxes (in Massachusetts, that’s 6.25%) and delivery fees.

The dealer quoted us €77,352 ($87,000) for this specific Raptor and a discounted €73,612 ($82,800) for the MS-RT, taxes included. That’s a €3,740 ($4,200) gap between the two, mostly due to the markdown on the MS-RT. Worth noting: the Raptor we were photographing was already spoken for, which says a lot about where the demand is. The MS-RT? Still waiting for its moment.

Verdict

The Ranger MS-RT is a rare breed, a proper street truck with real presence, and we’re glad it’s part of Ford’s lineup in Europe. With its 21-inch wheels, flared fenders, and reworked front end, it’s arguably the best-looking Ranger trim you can get. Period. On top of that, the lowered suspension and chassis tweaks give it the sharpest on-road handling of any midsize pickup in Ford’s catalog.

That said, it’s not without compromises. The V6 turbodiesel remains untouched under the hood, and the drop in ride height comes at the expense of comfort and off-road ability. Then there’s the price, which edges it dangerously close to the Raptor, a truck that offers more power, more versatility, and a reputation that’s hard to beat.

Still, for buyers in Europe and the UK who want a distinctive, low-slung midsize truck with road-focused dynamics and standout styling, the MS-RT delivers something genuinely different.

Special thanks to Ford Hantzos in Kalamata, Greece, for giving us access to the Ranger lineup.

Photos and Videos: Thanos Pappas for CarScoops