2020 Ford F-150 Raptor
Starting at $55,150
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- Highs Powerful twin-turbo V-6, awesome long-travel suspension, imposing road presence.
- Lows More off-road truck than most buyers will ever use, can feel as big as a dump truck on the street.
- Verdict The ultimate, anabolic pickup for high-speed, off-road shenanigans.
Overview
The Ford F-150 Raptor owns the road—and pretty much anywhere else you drive it—thanks to its big all-terrain tires, lane-filling stance, and widened F-150 body. The Raptor's long-travel suspension gives it both awesome off-road capability and impressive ride comfort. Its 450-hp twin-turbo V-6 and 10-speed automatic transmission can shoot it to 60 mph in as little as 5.1 seconds. While its massive dimensions make it a bear to maneuver in tight quarters, it also can roll over pesky parking curbs with ease. Compared with conventional full-size pickups, the Raptor is on a whole other level—mixing serious capability and pure, dumb fun like no other.
What's New for 2020?
The Raptor goes unaltered for the 2020 model year, yet still benefits from updated adaptive Fox Racing dampers and minor trim changes that were added for 2019. Three new paint colors grace the pallete: Iconic Silver, Lead Foot, and Rapid Red.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Fancy, full-size pickups aren't cheap, and the Raptor is no different. But considering its versatility and breadth of performance that no other production vehicle can match, its starting price is a relative bargain. The larger SuperCrew model is our pick for its capacious back seat, and the optional 4.10:1 front axle with a Torsen limited-slip differential is a must. Adding the Equipment Group 801A Mid and its power-sliding rear window, power-folding exterior mirrors, blind-spot monitoring, and other driver-assistance features makes for a well-rounded and reasonably priced package.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
With Ford stuffing twin-turbo V-6 engines into everything from F-150s to its GT supercar, it's no surprise that the company chose to power its high-performance desert truck with one. While ditching the previous Raptor's thumping V-8 might seem blasphemous to purists, the new truck's 450-hp twin-turbo V-6 is bonkers. The paddle-shifted 10-speed automatic transmission is a workhorse, but it sometimes fumbles to find the right gear. Ford's pickup is pretty much a street-legal Trophy Truck. Its astonishing suspension allows composed cruising on the road as well as amazing control when you're barreling across the Mojave Desert or soaring over state-park sand dunes. We admired the Raptor's pothole-smoothing, family-transporting duality so much that we had one in our long-term fleet for a 40,000-mile test. On pavement, the brake pedal responds evenly to requests for deceleration. However, the soft suspension contributes to nose dive under hard braking. The sensation changes off-road, where its brakes and large all-terrain tires feel more reassuring.
Towing and Payload Capacity
While the Raptor is too much truck for most people, it can tow up to 8000 pounds and carry up to 1200 pounds in its bed.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The Raptor's rip-roaring power and unrivaled capability aren't diminished by poor fuel economy—at least not compared with its thirsty crew of competitors. Its EPA ratings also align with those of V-8 rivals. In our real-world testing, the Raptor matched its 18-mpg highway estimate, a number bettered by only one of its rivals. No competitor we tested exceeded its EPA figure, while the Nissan Titan and the GMC Sierra 1500 underperformed theirs by 3 mpg.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The 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 a touch of luxury. The Raptor's 5.5-foot cargo bed is as useful as those of its short-bed rivals, and its interior cubby storage is the best among rivals. Those needing a longer bed that's easier for loading should consider the regular F-150.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Raptor's touchscreen infotainment system—called Sync 3—is robust and easy to use. While it supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, we've tested rivals with speedier response times.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
The Raptor does its best to avoid passenger extinction with excellent crash-test ratings. While rivals have similar options for active safety, Ford's full-size pickups offer several driver-assistance technologies. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Available blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The Raptor has competitive limited and powertrain warranties that are only bettered by the Nissan Titan's 5 years or 100,000 miles. The Ford doesn't offer complimentary scheduled maintenance, unlike the Toyota Tundra and the GM pickups.
- Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- No complimentary maintenance