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- Highs Muscular looks, bonkers twin-turbo V-6 engine, serious off-road capability.
- Lows Too off-road oriented for many buyers, glitchy 10-speed automatic transmission, feels its size on the street.
- Verdict The F-150 Raptor is the ideal toy for roughhousing in the dirt while also offering a bit of everyday practicality.
Overview
The high-velocity, gravity-defying F-150 Raptor blends menacing looks and dominating off-road performance with day-to-day practicality. This 10Best Trucks and SUVs winner fits a 5.5-foot bed to an extended SuperCab or a slightly larger four-door SuperCrew. A rip-roaring twin-turbo V-6 belts out 450 horsepower and comes mated to a paddle-shifted 10-speed automatic transmission. Specialized equipment includes a long-travel suspension, beefy racing shocks, oversized all-terrain tires, and protective skid plates. The Raptor’s capability is so great that it has no direct competition; most of its closest rivals are equipped with far less comprehensive off-road packages. The Raptor may be more truck than most people can ever fully utilize—but, damn, is it a lot of fun!
What's New for 2017?
All new for 2017, the Raptor is based on the current Ford F-150, but the dedicated off-roader is 6.4 inches wider and flaunts unique styling and exclusive equipment. Along with an aluminum bed and body, the Raptor has a twin-turbo V-6 and a 10-speed automatic. Its Fox dampers are larger and help add two inches of height. A set of gnarly BFGoodrich knobby tires, adjustable steering settings, and an advanced all-wheel-drive system with individual terrain modes complete the transformation.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- Base: $50,560
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
With Ford pushing EcoBoost V-6 engines into everything from pickups to GT supercars, it’s no surprise that the company chose to power its high-performance desert truck with one. The F-150 Raptor's twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 is bonkers. It pumps out 450 horsepower and generates 510 pound-feet of torque. Compared to the regular F-150 V-6 it features higher-boost turbos, enhanced cooling systems, and a better-breathing dual exhaust. In our testing, the new engine catapulted the giant Raptor SuperCrew from zero to 60 mph in an astonishing 5.1 seconds—much quicker than its V-8 rivals. The paddle-shifted 10-speed automatic transmission is a workhorse, but it sometimes fumbles to find the right gear. The Raptor's astonishing suspension allows composed cruising on the highway as well as amazing control when venturing far off-road. The truck’s long-travel suspension isn’t unstable, but it takes a few miles to adjust to its roly-poly nature.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The F-150 Raptor’s comfy, laid-back interior is at odds with its macho visage. It’s utilitarian in base form, but available features such as heated and cooled front seats, leather seating surfaces, and unique color choices can add opulence. Although the upper dash has soft-touch materials, the abundance of hard plastics looks cheaper on the more exclusive Raptor. Likewise, the standard single-zone manual climate control is lackluster at this price, but an automatic dual-zone unit is optional. An overhead panel of auxiliary switches is standard; it’s perfect for aftermarket add-ons such as off-road lights. The Raptor’s 5.5-foot cargo bed is just as useful as those of its rivals, and its interior cubby storage is among the best in its class.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The F-150 Raptor’s available Sync 3 infotainment system is robust and easy to use. The standard six-speaker stereo has a single-disc CD player, Bluetooth connectivity, and a complimentary six-month subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio. A 10-speaker Sony stereo is optional, as is a Kicker subwoofer. Buyers should opt for the Sync 3 system, with its 8.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and extra USB ports. The upgraded unit has clean-looking, simple menus, and it's available with integrated navigation.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
For more information about the Ford F-150 Raptor’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.