Overview
The Ford F-150 Raptor pumps out so much fun and such oversize thrills, you’d assume that it had been outlawed years ago. Think of it as a full-size F-150 that’s been fed nothing but creatine, dumbbells, and gallons of Bang Energy drink during development. The Raptor muscles out 450 horsepower from a twin-turbocharged V-6 bolted to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Raptor R is the bodybuilder in the family, with a more glorious roar from its 700-hp supercharged V-8. With every tool in the box besides subtly, the Raptor’s Fox Dual Live Valve dampers and long-travel suspension make flying over rough terrain marshmallow soft, and even when it isn’t blasting down ORV trails doing its best WRC rally-car impression, the Raptor’s incredibly comfortable ride makes it feel as smooth as an absurdly tall luxury car. The Raptor is on the endangered species list of high-horsepower pickups now that the 702-hp Ram 1500 TRX is to be discontinued, leaving the 835-hp all-electric Rivian R1T as a somewhat obscure competitor.
What’s New for 2024?
The F-150 Raptor goes under the knife for 2024, joining the normal F-150 with a visual refresh and minor equipment update. It’s still using the same bones as the fourteenth-generation F-series pickup that went on sale in 2021. The Raptor now gets available Fox Dual Live Valve shocks, which are an evolution of the dampers installed on the Raptor back in 2019. Raptors with 37-inch tires come with modified bumper caps that Ford says increase capability, and an optional LED lightbar can also be mounted to this fancy modular bumper. Wider front tow hooks, as well as new headlights make for a meaner-looking pickup. Shelter Green is also added as a new color for Raptor. Ford has teased that the Raptor R will see an increase in horsepower and torque for 2024, but hasn’t released any official numbers on that yet. When the company does, we’ll update this story with the latest info.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The F-150 Raptor is only offered with a crew-cab body style called SuperCrew. Deciding between the more affordable EcoBoost V-6 model and the mega-motor V-8 Raptor R is a tough call. If we take an objective look at the math, the numbers show that the base price for the Raptor R is about 40 percent more expensive than the base price for the ‘regular’ Raptor. However, the R also puts out about 55 percent more horsepower. If you’re after frightening acceleration and peak performance, then the choice is a no-brainer. Opting for the R package also means Raptor R graphics, appliques, and badging, plus it opens up other options, including the Raptor Carbon Fiber Package. The glorious wail of that supercharged V-8 is the cherry on top.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Beneath the F-150 Raptor’s hood, is the familiar high-output version of Ford’s 450-hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6. It breathes through a 3.0-inch exhaust system that gives the V-6 a deep growl, but its exhalations still pale in comparison to the V-8’s thunder. The V-6 still pairs with a paddle-shifted 10-speed automatic transmission that feeds all four wheels through a standard four-wheel-drive system. The Raptor R is an even bigger predator. It uses the supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 from the Shelby GT500, tuned for approximately 700 horsepower and 640 pound-feet of torque. (That number will likely edge slightly upward this year.) Along with other chassis enhancements, a selection of 17-inch rims, and standard 35-inch tires, the Raptor is also available with a set of 37-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A K02 all-terrain tires for better approach, departure, and breakover angles. The Raptor R comes standard with the 37s, which add 1.1 inches of ground clearance, raising the Raptor R’s belly to a height 13 inches above the Earth. Every Raptor rides on a sophisticated suspension that includes Fox internal-bypass dampers and a five-link rear coil-spring setup. Only those optioned with 37-inch tires, however, get the new Fox Dual Live Valve shocks with continuously variable rebound control. Tuned by the Ford Performance folks, the dampers promise a smarter and smoother ride. The last Raptor we tested showcased the truck’s incredible traction and ride quality on even the most treacherous terrain. The Raptor R we tested shot to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds.
Towing and Payload Capacity
The Ford F-150 Raptor R can tow up to 8700 pounds while the maximum pulling capacity of the normal Raptor is 8200 pounds. Max payload is 1400 pounds for both. Compare that to the normal F-150’s specs, and you’ll notice the Raptor has given up towing capability for its off-road righteousness. By comparison, the F-150 with the 400-hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 can tow up to 14,000 pounds, the F-150 with the 5.0-liter V-8 moves 13,000 pounds, and the hybrid model can tow up to 12,700. Payload capacity ranges from 1840 to 3250 pounds in the non-Raptor versions. But they certainly don’t look as cool as the Raptor.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The 2024 F-150 Raptor hasn’t been rated for fuel economy by the EPA yet, but we doubt it’s dramatically different than last year’s model. For the 2023, the Raptor earned up to 15 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway. Opting for the larger 37-inch tires reduced those figures to 14 mpg city and 16 highway. The V-8-powered 2023 Raptor R—predictably—had the lowest estimates at 10 mpg city and 15 highway. Last year’s Raptor R with 37-inch tires completed our 75-mph highway route fuel economy test to the tune of 16 mpg. All Ford F-150 Raptor and Raptor R models come with a 36-gallon fuel tank. For more information about the F-150 Raptor’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Raptor’s cabin enjoys the same design layout and passenger space as the regular F-150 SuperCrew. The high-performance version comes standard with a 12.0-inch digital gauge cluster and boasts more interior storage space as well as nicer materials. The steering wheel wears a laser-etched logo and has a race car-style orange mark at the 12 o’clock position; prominent aluminum paddle shifters lurk behind the spokes. Along with the standard aluminum interior trim, the Raptor is available with optional carbon-fiber interior accents and more aggressively bolstered Recaro front buckets. The high-flying pickup will no longer be offered in the extended cab (a.k.a. SuperCab) body style. At least the SuperCrew crew cab version offers more back-seat space. It pairs with a 5.5-foot cargo box.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Dominating the Raptor’s dashboard is a huge 12.0-inch touchscreen that supports the truck’s standard Sync 4 infotainment system. Along with the ability to interact with Amazon Alexa and receive over-the-air updates, it features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. We also appreciate that Ford included physical volume and tuning knobs to complement the steering-wheel controls and voice commands. Those who want to improve the audio experience can opt for the 18-speaker B&O sound system. The Raptor can also be equipped with a useful 2.0-kW mobile generator that’s mounted in the cargo bed and can run power tools and other equipment.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
As with the regular F-150, the high-performance variant offers a variety of driver-assistance technology. Likewise, it has assists that’ll make tackling the trails easier, including what Ford calls Trail Control and Trail 1-Pedal Drive. Both are standard and act as a low-speed cruise control for challenging off-road situations.
For more information about the Raptor’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
While Ford doesn’t offer the complimentary maintenance that rivals from Chevy, GMC, and Toyota do, the company does provide a competitive limited and powertrain warranty. The Raptor is also sold with five years or 60,000 miles of roadside assistance coverage.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Source: www.caranddriver.com