Truck Overview: F-150 Ford Raptor

Since its inception, the Ford F-Collection has been designed to be a workhorse truck. The F-150 is an American traditional, however by 2010, Ford was sad with the established order. Ford was trying to discover new methods to assist its prospects get jobs performed sooner, higher, and extra effectively whereas incorporating trendy applied sciences and creature comforts into a brand new design. Whereas its dedication to the ever-present F-150 by no means wavered, the American automaker took the platform subsequent degree and launched the F-150 SVT Raptor, an off-road monster.

Over the previous decade, Ford steadily improved the Raptor, dropping “SVT” from the identify alongside the way in which. With the Raptor now in its third era, this latest model of the truck stays true to the unique SVT idea. Ford’s execution matches off-road functionality with extra consolation and comfort than any half-ton truck it has ever produced.

The Raptor: A New Idea

The F-150 Raptor is an surprising evolution of the road truck wars of the Nineteen Nineties and early 2000s. Developed by Ford’s Particular Car’s Group (SVT), the F-150 Raptor betrayed a want to push the efficiency truck envelope by growing one thing new and completely different. After a decade producing two generations of the F-150 Lightning (decidedly not a piece truck), Ford wished to up its sport and create one thing no different automaker had constructed earlier than.

The unique Raptor seemed and carried out like a avenue authorized Baja 1000 race truck with out sacrificing many creature comforts. It was designed for pace off street, leading to a wider truck with extra energy, extra torque, extra floor clearance, and extra suspension journey. Whereas a manufacturing facility Raptor would wish a little bit tweaking earlier than racing throughout the desert at scorching speeds, Ford’s first-gen Raptor was a powerful beast that even caught the U.S. Border Patrol’s attention. It was a devoted off-roader that reworked the trendy truck market, forcing Ford’s rivals to play catch up and produce vans such because the Ram 1500 TRX, Toyota Tundra TRD Professional, and the GMC Sierra AT4X.

Ford Raptor Specs

• Engine: V6 3.5-liter 450 horsepower
• Torque: 500 lb-ft
• Transmission: 10-speed shiftable automated
• Drive Kind: 4-wheel drive
• Mixed MPG: 16 MPG
• Complete Seating: 5
• Fundamental Guarantee: 3 yr./ 36,000 miles
• Vary: 360 (metropolis) / 480 (freeway)
• Gasoline tank: 26 gallons
• Tow capability: 8,200
• Payload capability: 1,410
• Mattress size: 5-foot, 7 inches
• Floor clearance: 12 inches
• MSRP: $70,555

First Impressions of the Ford Raptor

Upon first encountering the aggressive third-gen Raptor, I instantly seen its large base and boulder-like 37-inch tires, The large grille and black-out headlights give it a disproportionately sprawling entrance finish which I discovered off-putting in comparison with older Raptors. My take a look at truck had a daring orange exterior which contrasted properly with the black wheels and trim.

Inside, the truck boasted an eye catching blue inside, an costly but refreshing improve in comparison with the extra conventional fundamental black present in most vans. The cab was fairly spacious with out feeling cavernous. The seats, leg room, and entrance head room had been greater than ample for my 6-foot-plus body. On the flip facet, I used to be not a fan of the 12-inch touchscreen, though I did admire the horizontal orientation as in comparison with vertical screens discovered on older automobiles. On the overhead console, the Raptor sported six auxiliary switches which is a really good contact.

Upon startup, the Raptor conjures up a sense of energy, though the dual turbo V6 lacks the rumble of a V8. Whereas youthful drivers won’t care as a lot, I discovered this fairly disappointing contemplating the truck’s eight-cylinder roots. (Fortunately, a V8-powered Raptor R is slated to return out in 2023 however anticipate a excessive price ticket.) As soon as I hit the accelerator, nonetheless, any tears spilled over Ford’s engine selection cleared up immediately.

Energy and Suspension Give Raptor an Edge

Clearly, the Raptor isn’t any abnormal F-150, nevertheless it’s honest to ask what makes this Raptor particular. Whereas Ford did embrace loads of technological and design upgrades to the truck, the engine and shocks make all of the distinction.

The high-output twin turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 isn’t new to the Raptor, nevertheless it does stand out from the competitors. In comparison with the unique eight-cylinder choices of the first-gen Raptor, this powerplant is a step above. The unique providing’s 5.4-liter (310 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque) and 6.2-liter (411 horsepower and 434 lb-ft of torque) V8s put out much less energy and torque than the high-output EcoBoost’s 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Actually, any half-ton truck placing out greater than 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque is respectable, however the brand new Raptor’s output is downright ridiculous.

The opposite main efficiency enchancment are the upgraded Fox shocks. Many off-roaders rely closely on Fox to supply them with high-end shocks, however the brand new ones on the Raptor are the results of a novel collaboration between Fox and Ford. The Raptor’s new shocks construct on the success of the second gen’s Fox Dwell Valve suspension system. Briefly, the brand new shocks mix off-road racing shocks with truck-mounted sensors and an on-board laptop to regulate the truck’s journey primarily based on driver enter and terrain modifications. It’s a bit complicated, however if you wish to perceive the system higher, Fox has each a Live Valve overview in addition to a technical breakdown price trying out.

What the F-150 Raptor Does Proper

The third-generation Raptor is an achieved rig that continues to construct upon its popularity.

• Regardless of its huge dimension, the Raptor feels narrower than it’s which makes it far more driver-friendly than anticipated.
• The three.5-liter twin turbo V6 is a high-output engine. With 450 horsepower (5800 RPM) and 510 lb-ft of torque (3000 RPM) and a 4.10 to 1 rear axle ratio, this truck accelerates very properly and is a blast to drive.
• With tons of off-road goodies (commonplace and non-obligatory), elevated floor clearance, and superb under-truck angles (method, breakover, and departure), the Raptor performs very properly off-road. Commonplace options embrace a two-speed digital switch case, tons of skid plates, twin entrance and twin rear tow hooks, and an digital locking rear differential. Non-compulsory upgrades embrace a Torsen restricted slip entrance differential and 37-inch BF Goodrich KO2 tires on 17-inch wheels.
• According to different F-150s, the brand new Raptor consists of a number of drive modes which can be simple to make use of, together with two 4×4-only modes: Baja (4 Hello) and Rock Crawl (4 Lo). Ford managed to strike a stable stability between mode specificity and ease of use.
• The brand new Fox shocks make for an extremely comfy but appropriately agency journey with good suggestions in all of the street and path situations I skilled with the truck.
• This half-ton’s steering wheel controls are plentiful, however I discovered most of them simple to make use of with out being too distracting.
• The truck has each seat and steering wheel reminiscence techniques that save settings for as much as three completely different drivers.
• The built-in folding under-seat cargo bin within the rear is useful for odds and ends, though I can’t assist questioning how properly it would deal with heavy use.
• The Raptor has loads of help for electronics and energy equipment. Energy retailers and USB ports are plentiful contained in the cab, and the pre-wired auxiliary change panel on the overhead console can accommodate as much as six energy equipment.
• Tech-lovers will admire the truck’s built-in 4G Wi-Fi in addition to the expansive 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
• Ford provides tons of choices for the Raptor, together with an built-in navigation system (three-year service included), the Raptor 37 Efficiency Bundle (37-inch tires as an alternative of the usual 35s), a tow bundle, an influence tailgate, rear seat heaters, a bed-mounted energy outlet, the useful Pro Trailer Backup Assist system, an 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, and the Comfort Bundle which incorporates folding console lid/workspace/desk, a characteristic I notably preferred.

The place the F-150 Raptor Falls Quick

As awe-inspiring because the Raptor is, it does fail to fulfill expectations in a handful of areas.

• The Raptor is an costly truck. An optionless 2022 mannequin registers at $70,555 with out supply charges, incentives, and so forth.
• Regardless of the sensation behind the wheel, that is nonetheless a large truck which implies it merely can not go sure locations.
• Sure, the EcoBoost is a V6, however no, it doesn’t get good gas financial system. It earned an EPA score of 15 MPG within the metropolis and 16 MPG on the freeway for a mixed 15 MPG, dismal by as we speak’s half-ton requirements.
• By way of each payload and tow rankings, the Raptor underperforms. Whereas it does beat out the Ram 1500 TRX, the Ford’s 1,410-pounds max payload and eight,200-pound max towing capability fail to match even the most budget-conscious half-tons on the market. A big disadvantage for hunters in want of a truck that may haul or carry a variety of gear.
• This F-150’s paddle shifters are a little bit gradual to reply. Whereas most hunters doubtless gained’t thoughts an excessive amount of, it does imply that “guide” shifts on mountain roads may trigger irritation for a choose few.
• The roof above the rear seat is a bit low, and taller people sitting again of their seats actually will discover.
• As with every turbocharged (or supercharged) engine, the EcoBoost won’t ever be a DIYers favourite restore topic. The motor takes up a lot of house within the engine bay which is able to make some repairs extra sophisticated than non-boosted engines. Notably, Ram’s 5.7 Hemi with eTorque takes up a lot much less house, making it a lot simpler to entry.
• I dislike Ford’s Automated Lane Centering characteristic. The characteristic activates any time adaptive cruise is engaged, giving the Raptor a form of finances model of Ford’s BlueCruise or GM’s extra superior SuperCruise however with out the true advantages of both system. I discovered that the centering characteristic interfered with my freeway driving by routinely adjusting the steering wheel when it felt I used to be too near a lane marker. Generally, it was proper, and whereas it by no means left me feeling unsafe, it did make me really feel as if I used to be not in full management of the automobile.
• The touchscreen a bit distracting whereas driving. Fortunately, the display may be turned off till you want it, at which level, a easy contact will flip it again on.

Ought to Hunters and Anglers Purchase a Raptor?

Whereas the Raptor actually has the off-road chops to deal with most trails and grime roads, its width, low payload and towing rankings, and excessive price ticket are a poor mixture for many hunters, making a standard F-150, such because the Tremor, a significantly better match. Nonetheless, it’s a blast to drive, so in order for you a toy that may double as a instrument, the Raptor is a advantageous selection, nevertheless it’s not meant to be weighed down by a trailer load of decoys or a mattress stuffed with elk meat.

Construct the Good Ford Raptor

Should you determine to drag the set off on an F-150 Raptor as your subsequent searching rig, be certain to decide on your extras fastidiously as every add-on chips away on the truck’s already miniscule payload score. By way of manufacturing facility upgrades, I like to recommend sticking with a spray-in bedliner ($595), TruXedo XLP Gentle Roll-up Tonneau Cowl ($549), and the Comfort Bundle ($1,670) with the Tow Know-how Bundle, navigation system, rear beneath seat folding storage bin, and console-mounted folding work floor. When you find yourself able to make the leap, you can begin by visiting Ford’s Build & Price page.