Ford first introduced the off-road power house version of the F-150 called the Raptor in 2009 and now they've given it an overhaul for 2021 as it begins its third generation. This isn't just another lifted truck with off-road tires, the Raptor is the real deal and among the changes include a redesigned five-link coil-spring rear suspension paired with larger dampers to give it more control at higher speeds. Aesthetically, the truck looks similar, but includes notable changes up front with a new fascia, grille, and headlight design that remains rugged and tough in appearance. And for the first time ever, 35" or 37" tires are available for ultimate off-road grip. It is only offered with a crew-cab body style known as SuperCrew.
Under the hood of the Raptor is a single powertrain option with a 3.5L Ecoboost twin-turbo V6 that cranks out 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rumors continue to swirl in regards to a more powerful Raptor R version with a V8 that would exceed 700 HP on par with Ram's 702-HP TRX. In the meantime, the V6 feels plenty powerful and sounds great when you hit the gas. The Raptor comes standard with a fair number of goodies that starts at $65,840. Options include a Convenience Package for $6,150 that add features such a torsen package, tailgate applique, Bang & Olufsen sound system, interior work surface, tow package, LED lighting, and more. Also available is a Performance Package that adds carbon fiber accents, 37" tires, forged aluminum wheels, graphics, sport tuned shocks, Recaro leather and more for a $7,500 price increase. Combine these packages with other options such as a bedliner or the twin-panel moonroof and prices will climb into the $85,000+ range. Competition includes trucks such as the RAM TRX, Chevrolet Silverado ZR2, and Toyota Tundra TRD Pro. After a week in the 2021 Raptor, here's what stands out...
Aggressive Looks (+)
It was hard not to look twice at my Code Orange test truck as it stood out like a sore thumb in the school pick-up lines. This oversized, off-road ready truck screams "get out of the way" as it approaches. Up front its distinctive blacked-out grille boasts FORD spelled out across the center and is flanked by LED headlights that stretch from the hood to the bumper and around into the fenders. The daytime running LEDs light up in amber and are further emphasized by three amber marking lights across the top of the grille. Further down, available Rigid fog lights are paired in two on either side to light up the roadway or lack thereof. The hood also comes highly detailed with a new heat extractor and functional side vents which are further emphasized by the available Raptor graphics package.
The fenders flare out up front and in back to accommodate larger tires giving it a very wide but proportional stance. The side profile is fairly traditional with body cladding outlining the wheel arches for extra durability. There's plenty of space for wheel travel and the larger 37" tires. The side steps not only aid in climbing up into the truck but are slim and should be durable enough when traversing uneven rocky terrains to protect the bottom of the truck. Around back a blacked-out tailgate applique further identifies the Raptor flanked by LED tail lights. Overall, it is a wide truck with a solid stance outfitted with plenty of functional rugged accessories.
Tires / Wheels (+)
A signature and necessary component of any off-road vehicle is good tires. For the first time ever, Ford is offering the Raptor with the meatiest of tires which happen to be the largest factory-fitted to a production light-duty full-size truck. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2s are the choice tires in either 35 or 37" sizes. Fitted with the 35" tires, the Raptor can clear 12" obstacles with an approach angle of 31 degrees. Fitted with the 37" tires it will clear 13.1" with a 33.1 degree of approach angle. The 35" tires maximize wheel travel up to 14" up front and 15" in back which is a 25% improvement.
These tires wrap your choice of three different 17" aluminum wheels. Standard is a silver cast aluminum wheel. An optional forged aluminum bead-lock black wheel is available as a $1,895 option while the third option is an alternative styled forged aluminum bead-lock design that comes with the performance package.
Color Palette (+)
Extending beyond the basics, Ford offers some eye-popping colors on the Raptor. Colors such as Code Orange, Velocity Blue, Rapid Red, and Antimatter Blue balance out the more monotone colors of Lead Foot, Iconic Silver, Agate Black, and Oxford White. During my time in the Code Orange truck, I got used to a lot of head turns as it's hard to be anonymous in a bright orange truck. These colors all look great on, especially when paired with the available exterior graphics package that add even more character.
Performance (+)
Under the hood is a twin-turbo 3.5L V6 that generates 450 horsepower which packs enough power to get the Raptor from 0-60 in around 5 seconds. It will smoothly slide through the 10-speed automatic transmission on its own, but there is an available manual mode with heavy-duty steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. Despite being a truck built for off-road, it's surprisingly comfortable on the streets as well. Sheer size alone impacts its agility, but steering was controlled at high speeds. The wide stance is felt in the driver's seat as it takes up a lot of road space so features such as the lane-keep assist serve an even greater purpose and benefit in keeping it centered. Overall ride quality is good as it confidently conquers any kind of roadway. The suspension was built to take on imperfections and it performs well. There is road noise thanks to the chunky tires and loud exhaust, but that's all part of a performance truck package.
Inside a Terrain Management System includes seven selectable drive modes that include Slippery, Tow/Haul, Sport, Normal, Off-Road, Baja and Rock Crawl. The drive modes adjust steering feel, transfer case behavior, stability control, active valve exhaust, active damping system, throttle mapping and transmission shift points, as well as the display on the digital cluster.
Off-Road Performance Ready (+)
The aforementioned five-link rear suspension was the most notable improvement to enhance the Raptor's capabilities. The five-link rear suspension features extra-long trailing arms to better maintain axle position on rough terrain, a Panhard rod and 24-inch coil springs - the longest in the class. The suspension design combined with sophisticated engine management software means the truck can put more torque to the rear wheels for quicker starts off the line, faster acceleration and better throttle responsiveness while still delivering comfort, stability, handling, control and traction at speed.
Fox Live Valve shocks with electronic control technology offer position-sensitive damping adjustability. These are the largest shocks ever utilized on the Raptor which react faster to terrain changes. The shocks allow for up to 1,000 pounds of damping per corner at desert speeds... meaning the Raptor is highly capable of some sand jumping. Other features such as Trail 1-Pedal Drive helps make rock crawling easier by combining throttle and brake simultaneously to advance the truck...press to move forward, release to brake. The truck applies the brakes proportionally as the driver lifts off the accelerator. It also comes with standard Trail Control, which operates like cruise control for off-road use. Drivers select a set speed and the truck manages throttle and braking to allow them to focus on steering through challenging off-road conditions.
Exhaust (+)
I love starting up a vehicle and hearing a throaty tone come from the exhaust. The Raptor boasts 3" exhaust pipes on either side that feature a patent-pending built-in X-pipe with active valves (for the first time). The system and design work to produce four different sound level modes known as quiet, normal, sport, and baja (in order of loudness). Controls for adjusting the tone are found on the steering wheel with controls to adjust the dampers and steering as well. There are notable differences in each and it defaults back to normal. Keep that in mind if you starting it up early in the morning and need to make a quick adjustment to quiet mode.
Fuel Economy (+/-)
When the Raptor arrived with a full 36-gallon tank it offered just over 500 miles of range. EPA estimates are 16/15/18 MPG combined/city/highway. After a week of primarily suburban driving, I averaged 14 MPG. The Raptor will run on regular grade fuel, but premium maximizes its performance. While ratings are certainly low, it is more efficient than some competitors.
Driver Positioning (+)
Hopping inside, drivers will face an all-digital cluster that is bright and in high-resolution. Both the start-up graphics and chosen fonts match the vibe of the Raptor well. The steering wheel, seats, and pedals are all power-adjustable via well placed buttons. It's easy to find a position that caters to your size and view preferences. The steering wheel also features a new laser-etched logo, orange top centering mark, aluminum paddle shifters, and many push-button controls all at your fingertips.
Interior Layout (+)
The freshly updated interior uses new, unique materials that feel industrial, but premium. On either end of the dash are a brushed silver trim with orange accents that outline the lower portion of the dash. At the center is a large 12" horizontal touchscreen that can be customized to highlight various information. The system utilizes SYNC 4 that wirelessly integrates with Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay. Sound is enhanced with the available Bang & Olufsen sound system that drops in 18 speakers. Integration with a 360-degree camera provides clear views of the area around the truck. Using the cameras to guide the truck in busy parking lots was beneficial as its overall size and width can make it difficult to navigate in tight areas.
Below the touchscreen are knobs for volume, tuning, and temperature adjustment for the climate systems. A wireless device charger is available, but is slightly tucked back. A traditional gear-selector, cup holders, and large center console storage round out the space which offers plenty of breathing room while keeping controls within reach. Ford also offers over-the-air updates which opens up the opportunity for your Raptor to get even smarter.
Mobile Work Space (+)
Ford has put a lot of emphasis on function when designing this truck. Knowing how buyers utilize their trucks as mobile offices, they have developed a power gear shifter that folds flat at the touch of a button. The center console storage lid can then flip backwards to create a fully flat surface suitable for a laptop. Alternatively, Ford could have opted for a push button gear selector but they polled existing owners who said they preferred having a traditional shift lever. Inside, it has plenty of storage with a dual glovebox, center console storage, and rear under seat locking storage. As an added bonus the front seats fully recline back for maximum relaxation.
Passenger Space (+)
The SuperCrew seats five passengers comfortably with plenty of room to stretch out. The seats provided plenty of support and comfort suitable for both on or off-road driving. Front passengers could easily adjust the available heated and ventilated seats to accommodate their comfort. The optional performance package will upgrade the seats to Recaro unique leather and Alcantara suede seats with blue accents for more flare and comfort off-road. Heated and ventilated rear seats are also available and three adults will comfortably fit across the rear bench with plenty of leg and head room.
Truck Bed Work Space (+)
Similar to all other F-150s, the tailgate doubles as a work surface with built-in ruler, mobile device holder and new clamp pockets to hold down materials for precise work. The fold out step system is also available. Consumers can work into the night with the available zone lighting that allows you to light up sections of the exterior bed. And perhaps one of the most beneficial features in the truck bed is the Pro Power Onboard generator system which includes power outlets in the bed that can provide power for all those tools. The power features 2.0-kilowatt output on the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6. Power is accessible through in-cabin outlets and up to four cargo bed-mounted 120-volt 20-amp outlets. The system even provides power on the move to charge tool batteries in between jobs. If you're taking this one on an overlanding adventure, it will surely come in handy.
Final Statement (+)
It's hard to find many downsides to the F-150 Raptor outside of the expected low fuel economy. Ford built a tough truck that has gotten better with each generation. This version is refined, but still very much wild. Improved technology works together seamlessly to deliver a solid truck that performs well on and off the pavement. The inside is durable, functional, and modern with unique materials and advanced technology. The Raptor has definitely evolved over the past eleven years and competitors have taken notice which ought to make for some fun head-to-head battles ahead.
First Impression Summary:
Test Vehicle: 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor
Exterior Color: Code Orange
Interior Color: Black Leather
Notable Options: Equipment Group 801A ($6,150), Power Tech Package ($1,995), Raptor Exterior Graphics ($1,075), Raptor Carbon Fiber ($995), 17" forged Aluminum Wheels ($1,895), Bedliner ToughBed Sprayin ($595)
MSRP as tested: $78,545 (with destination)
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