Trucks are huge business and the Ford F-150 has been the best-selling truck for 41 years.
But not all F-150s are equal.
The Raptor is built tough and ready for some serious off-roading with a trick suspension system with massive shocks. The special suspension was upgraded in 2019 to be even more capable than before.
While it’s very comfortable spending a day in the dirt off-road, that suspension also pays off with a smooth road on the pavement. Bumps are soaked up nicely to a near luxury car feel and it seems the quicker you hit the bumps the smoother the ride is.
Power isn’t a problem with 450hp from a twin turbo V6. It might not have the best sounding engine, but it’s a quick truck. The Raptor is even wider than the normal F-150 so it can be a bit of chore in tighter spaces and it takes up most of the lane it occupies.
The Raptor I drove was a smaller Supercab model with less space in the rear for passengers. If you plan on hauling people around, I recommend you look at the larger Super Crew cab with normal rear doors and plenty of space for adults.
The Raptor is not a cheap truck. It has a high-end interior and killer good looks to help justify the cost. The Raptor looks like it’s ready to cause a little trouble or jump over something; it’s like a toy that they happened to make a real-life pickup.
Cost: $54,800; as tested $69,575
MPG: 15 city/18 highway; I saw 15.8 mpg of premium over 219 miles of mixed driving
Safety: Pre-Collision Assist, Reverse Sensing, Advancetrac, BLIS w/trailer tow monitor, Adaptive Cruise/w stop/go & pre collision.
Options: $9,365 802A Luxury package; $1,075 Raptor Exterior Graphics package; $2,395 Interior Color Accent package; $1,695 Raptor Technology package; $595 bed liner spray-in
Things to know: The Ford F-150 Raptor is the performance version of the most popular vehicle in America. With a go-anywhere off road suspension and plenty of power, the Raptor is ready for just about anything. And the special suspension turns the rough and tough Raptor into a comfortable cruiser.
Pros:
- Ready to tackle just about any off-road or on-road situation in comfort
- Plenty of power from Twin Turbo V6 and smooth 10-speed automatic
- Looks cool with tough exterior styling
Cons:
- Big and wide can be a hassle to park and drive in the city or on narrow streets
- Not the best MPG and premium fuel is recommended
- Supercab models have limited rear seat space