--- title: "Forbidden Fruit: Shop Builds a Midsize Ford Raptor SUV From a Ford Everest" description: "When you can't just buy a Bronco Raptor, you make your own off-road Ford SUV with whatever you can get your hands on." date: "2023-07-06" modified: "2023-07-06" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/thailand-shop-envisions-what-a-ford-raptor-suv-would-look-like" categories: - "Ford News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "F-150 Raptor" - "Ford" - "suv/crossover" --- # Forbidden Fruit: Shop Builds a Midsize Ford Raptor SUV From a Ford Everest ![]() For any Americans looking at this rig like a confused puppy, other countries get a Ford SUV called the [Everest](). It's based on the same T6 platform as the[ Ford Ranger]() with turbodiesel engines and a two-speed transfer case, but it isn't available in the United States. Fans in Australia and Asia have long wondered what a Raptor version would be like, so a shop in Thailand decided to find out by building one. Sort of. [Shana E-sport ]()in Chon Buri, Thailand, built an Everest to have flared fenders and a wider track like an[ F-150 Raptor R](). It also has a lifted ride height, more aggressive all-terrain tires, a Raptor R front end, and plenty of decals. It essentially shows us what it would look like if Ford decided to Raptor-ize an SUV that isn't the Bronco. Admittedly, this is only a Raptor in appearance. While it certainly looks tough, it doesn't have the [Fox Live Valve suspension]() like a proper Raptor does. That's just as much a part of the formula as tall tires and wide fenders, and there's no chance it could run wide-open across the desert, soaking up every whoop like an authentic baja machine built by Ford Performance. There's also no word on what sort of powertrain this build uses. Normally, the Everest packs either a 2.0-liter, twin-turbocharged, four-cylinder diesel or an optional 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6. Both lumps get a ten-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, and a two-speed transfer case. It's still pretty capable off-road, then. This isn't the only shop in Thailand turning different Fords into Raptor lookalikes. [At least one other]() specializes in making midsize Ranger pickups resemble their full-size F-150 brethren and even Super Dutys. Because they don't get all the same trucks we do, Thai enthusiasts have to get crafty if they want anything other than [the Ranger Raptor](). That truck is no slouch, of course, but its looks just aren't enough for some people, apparently. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()