Ford F-150 Raptor

Living with the Raptor

Review by Jacob Lerklint

The Ford F-150 Raptor pioneered the category of Baja ready trucks straight from the factory. It is designed to be an ultra-capable vehicle for high-speed off-roading, without the need for modification or upgrading. The impressive specs include FOX 3.1 off-road shocks with position-sensing dampers and remote reservoirs. Other high-performance off-road features include optional bead-lock capable wheels, underbody skid plates, BF Goodrich all-terrain tires, and a re-engineered front frame to better absorb the blows of off-road driving.

The Raptor is aimed at buyers who want one of the most capable off-road trucks on the market, whether or not they plan to use those capabilities or not. Plenty of Raptors will never see so much as a dirt road, but that does not mean the truck can not handle real off-road conditions. Ford was smart enough to give the Raptor plenty of styling upgrades as well. Drivers of a Raptor are unlikely to be confused with someone in just a regular F-150

The segment has become more crowded recently with the introduction of the Ram TRX, another no-holds-barred off-road truck, which is equipped with a 700-plus horsepower supercharged V8. The only true competition for the Raptor is the TRX. The upcoming Bronco Raptor and rumored Ranger Raptor may attract some buyers who traditionally would have gravitated to the F-150 Raptor.

The twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 delivers plenty of power, running to 0-100kmh in just over five seconds, and through the quarter-mile in under 14. For high-speed off-roading, the Raptor has the oomph to get airborne or shred the sand dunes. That said, it is not nearly as silly-fast as the TRX which rockets to 100kmh in under four seconds, thanks to its 702-horsepower supercharged V8.

Brakes, steering geometry, and suspension have been dialed in with this extreme off-roading in mind. The Raptor soaks up large bumps and even small jumps without becoming unsettled.

Yet for all its supposed off-road prowess, we were particularly impressed with how well-mannered and comfortable the Raptor is on the road.

A five-link coil-spring rear suspension replaces rear leaf springs from the previous generation and delivers a better off- and on-road ride.

The interior is as comfortable for five passengers as pretty much any full-sized SUV. Head, hip, and legroom are plenty for most adults regardless of where they are seated. The off-road suspension also delivers a supple ride when driving on the pavement.

The upright windshield and large windows give the Raptor excellent visibility. The high hood and beltline do compromise visibility close to the truck, so be extra careful looking out for children or small objects near the truck.

The Raptors exhaust note is improved in the newest iteration. Sure it doesn't quite have the character of a growly V8, but it's been smartly tuned by the gearheads at Ford to give off a hearty, athletic sound. Ford carefully designed the new 3-inch exhaust system, including a trombone loop, to create a more enjoyable soundtrack. It sounds more like a twin-turbo V6 sports car than a burly off-road truck.

The Raptor includes a massive 12.0-inch touchscreen to run the infotainment system. Ford's Sync 4 user interface is well regarded for its intuitiveness and ease of use.

Wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, as well as Amazon Alexa connectivity are included.

The Raptor makes good use of physical buttons as well, with key features controlled by knobs. Steering wheel-mounted buttons and voice controls also make it easy to control the system.

Off-road tech features include multiple drive modes and one-pedal off-road cruise control.

The quality of the F-150's interior is class-leading in both material choice and ergonomics. Everything is pleasant to the touch and where it should be. The Raptors upscale interior is near-luxury in every way.

Overall, the Raptor delivers on the promise of being both a luxury truck and a Baja-ready off-roader. The TRX is similar, but more gimmicky and overstated in every way. The Raptor is more serious in its attitude than any of the competition.