2023 Ford F-150 Raptor: Despite being the forerunner of the off-road, off-road muscle truck genre, the Ford F-150 Raptor has been somewhat eclipsed in recent years by more recent rivals, particularly Ram’s extravagant TRX and, to a lesser degree, a new generation of electric pickups. The V8-powered, 700-horsepower F-150 Raptor R, the Blue Oval’s second variation, unleashes a counteroffensive for 2023. Although it costs a whopping $30,000 more than the standard V6 version, those who like these things value having something to boast about, and the Raptor R has enough.
We drove the Raptor R up a muddy, snowy bypass full of water bars, twisted logs, stones, and tight turns. But this Ford chuckled its way through the endeavour; with a whopping 640 pound-feet of torque, enormous tires, a two-speed transfer case, and numerous settings (slippery, rock crawl, off-road, and Baja) that counter wheelspin, we may as well have been driving on the Interstate. It’s delightful to go and can reach 60 mph in 3.5 seconds once it’s on the pavement. In addition, the R has upgraded interior trim and 37-inch tires (normal Raptors have 35s).
A suspension and most off-road and interior components are shared by the R and the standard Raptor, which has 450 horsepower and is unchanged for this year. The R’s front end has a little spring rate increase, but that is the only change. The same Fox Racing trick dampers given a plethora of data, including the truck’s attitude, the speed at which you’re going over bumps, whether you’re in 4×4 mode, and more, are included with both. This is a Cadillac CT-4 V Blackwing’s off-road version of magnetic ride control, and much like the Caddy, it handles with grace.
This is the cosiest, most reliable vehicle we have ever tried, akin to a teddy bear. You may thank the massive tire capacity and the continuously adjustable dampers, which almost quadruple the rubber on the Ford F-150 Lightning. Bringing up the Lightning makes one think about the Raptor’s rivals. As we said in our evaluation of the Ram TRX, Rivian’s R1T is the new sheriff. That beast rivals Ford’s straight-line performance, uses no gasoline, and can raise or lower its suspension to ride lower on the highway and even higher than the Raptor on dirt.
Ford’s creation of the Raptor R is impressive, and driving one is an absolute blast, but this is essentially a can of Red Bull from the previous century. The best part? A Rivian R1T is $35,000 less expensive. If you’re an enormous lover of General Motors, there’s also the outrageous Hummer EV from GMC, which is equally quick and has some fantastic off-road capabilities like crab walking. Nevertheless, the Raptor is a recognized item that is available for pickup.
However, there are other warnings to place at Ford’s feet. The combined 12 mpg of the V8 is as terrible as the Hemi’s in the TRX. Although the V6 Raptor’s combined fuel economy of 16 mpg isn’t very impressive, you have to consider if you want to spend an estimated $4,200 on petrol per year, even if you can afford it. According to Tire Rack, replacing those BF Goodrich K0 wheels will cost $450 per spin again since you’ll always be tempted to burn rubber. If nothing else, you’ll enjoy yourself while working on it.
What’s New
- This year, Ford introduces a new Raptor model: the 5.2-liter supercharged V8-powered F-150 Raptor R, a formidable 700 horsepower machine targeted directly against Ram’s Hemi TRX.
- Recaro front seats and an 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system come standard with every Raptor R.
- The Raptor R comes standard with 37-inch A/T BF Goodrich KO tires mounted on 17 x 8.5-inch forged aluminium beadlock-capable wheels, an improvement over the common Raptor’s 35-inch tires.
- For 2023, the 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6-powered standard Raptor remains the same.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Raptor R claws back zero-to-60 bragging rights from the TRX
- Raptors are “lighter” than the TRX, too—if you can call 6,077 pounds light
- Instrument controls are excellent for use both on and off-road
Cons
- So-so fuel economy from regular Raptor, awful mpg from Raptor R
- A 50-foot turning circle is even slightly worse than the TRX’s 48.3
- V8 Raptor R yanks $30,575 more from your wallet vs. the V6 Raptor
Performance:2023 Ford F-150 Raptor
The Raptor R is the big news for 2023, but the standard Raptor is still available, so there are now two ways to own this powerful pickup.
A 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque powers the standard Raptor. It is connected to a ten-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters. The regular version of the Raptor is still suitable for zero to sixty runs in the low five-second range, even if it is now the “lesser” variant.
We now have the Raptor R, which employs the 5.2-liter “Predator” V8 from the Shelby Mustang GT500 since that time was much slower than the TRX’s 3.7-second time. The vehicle has a ten-speed automatic transmission and can reach 60 mph in 3.5 seconds with 700 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. It also has even greater off-road power because of the bigger tires it uses—37-inch all-terrains as opposed to the ordinary truck’s 35s. Both include a four-wheel drive, of course, and a 4.10 electronic locking rear axle.
Interestingly, neither Raptor seems uncivilized when you’re driving around town. The perfectly calibrated ride of the truck has a Bentley-esque wafting feel; the scrum between the tire and the macadam appears to be taking place in a separate region. Although the Ford seems to be the reverse of the TRX—capable without the brag—you can drive it like a thug. Desire to? After that, choose LOUD Baja mode for the exhaust. If not, switch that pipe to a more bearable “quiet” mode.
Even if the Ram TRX can’t match the R’s incredible 700 horsepower in a straight line, don’t acquire either if you’re searching for quick acceleration. Here, the advantage held by electricians will only increase. The Lightning model from Ford will provide seamless highway passing, similar to all other electric trucks available, like the Rivian and the Hummer.
Abroad, the Raptor’s remarkably long-legged suspension travel—13 inches up front and 14.1 inches down the back—makes it unexpectedly supple and forgiving. You might argue it’s a bit cut-and-dry compared to a Chevy Silverado ZR2 pickup, but we evaluated that vehicle right after the Ford. Its handling is a little less accurate and not nearly as isolated.
The Hummer and Rivian have advantages off-road, especially in terms of mobility. Still, if you want to stay with gas, Toyota’s Tundra is a closer foe thanks to its new factory lift package, which raises it to 13.2 inches—magically above the Raptor’s 13.1 inches. The taller Tundra barely beats the standard Raptor’s 23.9 departure with a 26-degree approach and 25-degree departure behind the Raptor’s 31-degree strategy.
Even with this off-road refinement, the Raptor performs like a regular truck. It has a payload capability of 1,400 pounds and can pull up to 8,700 pounds.
Fuel Economy:2023 Ford F-150 Raptor
The EPA forecasts that the 16-mpg combined V6 Raptor (15 city, 18 highway) would save you $900 on fill-ups per year compared to the V8’s wallet-draining 12 mpg combined (10 city, 15 highway). Call it conjecture that Raptor purchasers are less sensitive to gas costs. The ten cities and 14 streets of the TRX merely lessen the stakes. With just 420 horsepower, you would assume the Silverado 1500 ZR2 would chain smoke fuel instead of puffing it, but 14 city and 17 highway miles per year argue in favour of sticking with the base Raptor.
The Tundra TRD Pro, equipped with Toyota’s new i-FORCE MAX twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid, achieves 19 mpg combined (18 cities, 20 highways) if you are, in fact, more interested in an off-road vehicle. You won’t have tire-obliterating burnouts like the Raptor R or TRX, but the EPA claims that you will save $8,750 on fuel over five years. That money could be used for a ton of modifications on that Yoda. Naturally, the F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T are the true energy champions here, and they will eventually use even less fuel.
Safety & Driver Assistance:
The Raptor’s 12-inch touchscreen is helpful since it allows you to divide the camera views. Use it to provide a 360-degree panorama and front or back bumper views while parking in a constrained space. When travelling off-road, the system overlays your tire path over the landscape, a handy feature if you carefully navigate uneven terrain.
You may reduce this large vehicle’s 50-foot turning radius off-road by using Trail Turn Assist, which utilizes ABS to grasp the inner rear wheel—much like a sluggish e-braking around a bend. However, it cannot turn all four wheels like the Hummer.
Lifting off the throttle to activate maximum regeneration is a feature of another system dubbed Trail 1 Pedal Drive, which simulates what is already quite common with EVs. In this case, however, raising applies the brakes, allowing for much more accuracy, mainly while rock crawling.
The F-150 Crew Cab has a Top Safety Pick rating from the insurance company. Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is one spot behind Top Safety Pick Plus, the IIHS’s top rating. Ford Co-Pilot 360 Assist 2.0, which includes lane centring, lane maintenance, auto high beams, emergency braking and pedestrian recognition, rear cross-traffic warnings, front, side, knee, and ceiling airbags, is one of the Raptor’s many safety features.
Coziness & Space:
Yes, darling, a truck with Recaro seats! Although the Raptor’s standard seats are identical to those of the ordinary F-150, the R comes standard with Recaro units, an optional feature on the regular Raptor, and other decorations.
According to Ford, the standard perches in the R are intended to provide more traction to prevent your hide from sliding. The cabin accommodations are relatively comfortable regardless of whether you choose the R. Like the Ram TRX, Ford incorporates ostentatious aspects into the R model, such as “RaptoR” badges engraved on the centre console and seats. Additionally, using it is awkward since you have to twist your body to fold over the rear half of the centre armrest to create a long, flat work surface. This is made possible by a switch that enables the shift lever to duck into a cutout. Instead, go to the back and start typing.
However, there’s no denying that the Raptor has larger quarters than the Ram TRX, with 43.9 inches of knee space in the front seat. However, the Ram has more room in the back, with 45.2 inches of legroom, as opposed to 43.6 inches in the Ford’s second row.
Infotainment:2023 Ford F-150 Raptor
The 12-inch colour touchscreen on the Raptor is clear and easy to read. It comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a free trial of SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and Ford’s SYNC 4 system with improved speech recognition. Two of the eighteen speakers in the rig’s Bang & Olufsen sound system are located in the headrests of the Raptor and Raptor R. You’ll love this system even more than anything in your house, I’m sure of it. Just be smart and adjust the exhaust to be quiet.
Because SYNC 4 has so many additional menus for off-roading, it might be a bit confusing initially. However, you can operate all the essential functions with redundant switchgear on the steering wheel or simple controls like volume and tuning mounted on the dash. Because physical controls are more tactile than those that cram everything into the screen, pilots can multitask much more easily with the Raptor than with the screen-heavy Rivian’s R1T.
Along with typical features like WiFi, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, there are USB C and USB B connections, wireless phone charging, a 400V “wall” socket, and 12V outlets on the passenger side of the central touchscreen.
Storage & Cargo Space:
Ford refers to these Raptors as SuperCrew crew cabs with 5.5-foot beds. The cargo box, which measures 67 inches in length and is similar to the TRX’s, has a little less capacity (52.8 cubic feet) than the Ram’s (53.9 cubic feet). This is likely partly due to the cargo box’s slight narrowing at the wheelhouses (50.6 inches against 51 inches). In any case, are you browsing the play-truck aisle for work-truck utility?
The truck’s back seats are split 60-40, and you can get a ton of additional storage for things you may not be able to fit in the bed if you remove the seat bottoms. When you flip up the seat, you’ll uncover an intelligent plastic mechanism that collapses into a rectangular grocery container. That box is practical. However, it can’t be used to re-lock the bench in the lowered position while in the open state.
The centre console’s two front cupholders securely hold coffee cups, and the doors’ enormous outboard bins are a nice nod to the F-150’s more humble parts bin. They’re big, simple to clean, and have a split slot big enough to accommodate a litre-sized water bottle.
Design:2023 Ford F-150 Raptor
The standard model had a nice appearance, and this truck is much better with the R makeover. Ford equipped its powerful Raptor R with real carbon fibre trim above the instrument panel, on the doors, and in the centre media slot. It probably says something about this era: trucks almost as fast as a Porsche 911 or a Mustang Shelby GT500 now have trim similar to those vehicles.
Additionally, it states that even though Ford provides nine exterior colours and you may order your Raptor in “signature Ford Performance Code Orange,” you can remove the decals from any vehicle.
This is common sense: You may not want the truck to seem like a carnival bus parked at the grocery store, even if you’re purchasing for the show. With its enormous tires, flared fenders, raised body, and protruding hood, it will still look great, but you may want to turn the volume down from 11 to 8.5 on your Raptor. As far as earth roamers go, Ford has captured the vehicle’s spirit.
Which Raptor is the Best Value?
Without a doubt, the twin-turbocharged V-6 Raptor ($78,580 plus a $1,895 delivery fee) delivers a superior bargain with minimal sacrifice in off-road performance unless you have a neighbour who drives a TRX and you detest them. It won’t seem “less-than” until you’re genuinely racing across the desert, which is seldom true for civilian owners. Granted, the V6’s more refined torque makes it more practical day in and day out on pavement; it can go 576 miles between fill-ups as opposed to the R’s 432.
However, Ford charges $109,245 for the fully equipped Raptor R, while the TRX is $78,790. When it comes down to it, the Rivian R1T needs to be considered since, at $67,500, it is much less expensive while being just as quick on the road and even more competent off. It can’t operate at 50 mph in the desert, so why wouldn’t you cross-shop for a GMC Hummer if your only concern is bragging rights? Although it costs $108,700, it is not less expensive than the Raptor R, but it is just as extravagant.
How Much Does Ford F-150 Raptor Insurance Cost 2023?
The F-150 Raptor is an expensive, high-performance vehicle meant to be driven hard, and insurance for one is similarly pricey. Our analysis indicates that, on average, a 30-year-old female driver with a spotless record should pay an annual premium of $3,091, but this figure applies to all 50 states. Though individual drivers’ figures may differ, they are much more than the $1,970 for the Rivian R1T, $2,030 for the Ram TRX, or $2,020 for the Jeep Gladiator.
Ford F-150 Raptor Generations
Third Generation
2021 to Present
A revamped Raptor debuted for the 2021 model year, based on the fourteenth-generation F-150. While specific components were drastically altered, the 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, which produced 450 horsepower, was carried over from the previous model. This Raptor has a more advanced coil spring and five-link suspension instead of the rear leaf springs for improved ride and handling performance. Ford debuted the Raptor R in 2023, equipped with the same 5.2-litre “Predator” V8 engine that produces 700 horsepower, making it the most potent Mustang model.
Second Generation
2017 to 2020
The second-generation F-150 Raptor, constructed on the thirteenth-generation F-150 platform, debuted for the 2017 model year with a military-grade aluminium body sitting on a high-strength steel box chassis that increased torsional stiffness and reduced weight.
First Generation
2010 to 2014
Ford introduced the Raptor SVT for the 2010 model year to cater to the demands of off-road vehicle fans. The SVT division of Ford, which creates its high-performance lineup of automobiles, designed the Raptor with the ability to handle both paved highways and off-road terrain at high speeds. It was constructed on the twelfth-generation Ford F-150 chassis. It had a longer suspension travel distance, FOX Racing Shocks, Torson front differentials, and a 5.4- or 6.2-litre V8 engine with six-speed automated transmissions.
Verdict
No one purchases a “mere” 450 horsepower standard Raptor, much less a Raptor R or its competitor, the Ram TRX, to blend in. You get the Raptors, who rule the planet, since you are an off-road enthusiast. Additionally, compared to the TRX, both Raptor flavours provide superior approach, departure, break-over angles and greater ground clearance. The 700-horsepower Raptor R is the result of this improvement. From the bespoke Fox Racing shocks to the six-foot-eight-inch towering cab looming over the road, the formula is all about conquering. The delusional one? On the tarmac, the Raptors provide an enjoyable ride.
