Eric Stafford, with CARandDRIVER WROTEThe Ford F-150 Raptor is a SCORE off-road trophy truck living in an asphalt world. It wears extra-wide fenders, long-travel suspension, big tires, and the high-performance demeanor of a Baja-bashing race truck. It even earned a place on our 10Best Trucks and SUVs list for 2023. Most Raptors are powered by a twin-turbo 450-hp V-6 bolted to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Standard rubber for twin-turbo V-6 models measures at 35 inches, but 37s are optional. Despite the Raptors enormity, it has one of the smoothest rides We have experienced in a full-size pickup. That long-travel suspension, which is specifically designed to absorb the bumps, dips, and jumps of high-speed off-roading, is wonderfully soft and forgiving over every day potholes and lumpy pavement. Rocks and dunes aside, fitting this size-XXL F-150 down a narrow road or into a parking spot might well be the Raptors biggest obstacle.
Beneath the F-150 Raptors new hood, which now features a prominent heat extractor, is the familiar high-output version of Ford's 450-hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6. It breathes through a new 3.0-inch exhaust system that reportedly enhances the trucks V-6 soundtrack. The engine still pairs with a paddle-shifted 10-speed automatic transmission that feeds all four wheels through a standard all-wheel-drive system. The version we tested showcased the truck's incredible traction and ride quality on even the most treacherous terrain.
Dominating the Raptors dashboard is a huge 12.0-inch touchscreen that supports the truck's standard Sync 4 infotainment system. Along with the ability to interact with Amazon Alexa and receive over-the-air updates, it features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. We also appreciate that Ford included physical volume and tuning knobs to complement the steering-wheel controls and voice commands.