Unleash the Beast: 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor Review

The Ford F-150 Raptor starts at a price of $79,975, offering an adrenaline-packed driving experience with its powerful engine and off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor delivers an exhilarating experience that's larger than life, making it seem like a wild and outlawed beast from the automotive world. Picture a full-size F-150 that has been pumped full of creatine, lifted weights, and guzzled gallons of Bang Energy drinks during its development. The result is a powerhouse, churning out a hefty 450 horsepower from a twin-turbocharged V-6 engine paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission. For those seeking the ultimate in brute force, there's the Raptor R, a bodybuilder in the family, with a thunderous 700-hp supercharged V-8 engine. This behemoth leaves a resounding roar in its wake.

The Raptor doesn't just rely on muscle; it's equipped with cutting-edge technology. Its Fox Dual Live Valve dampers and long-travel suspension turn rough terrain into a marshmallow-soft playground. Even on regular roads, it manages to provide an incredibly comfortable ride, rivaling high-end luxury cars in smoothness.

In the world of high-horsepower pickups, the Raptor faces a shrinking pool of competitors, with the discontinuation of the 702-hp Ram 1500 TRX. Only the 835-hp all-electric Rivian R1T stands as a somewhat obscure rival. The 2024 F-150 Raptor receives a fresh update, aligning it with the standard F-150's visual enhancements and minor equipment tweaks. Under the skin, it remains rooted in the same architecture as the fourteenth-generation F-series pickup that debuted in 2021. The Raptor now boasts available Fox Dual Live Valve shocks, an evolution of the dampers introduced back in 2019. Models equipped with 37-inch tires feature modified bumper caps, increasing off-road capability. Additionally, an optional LED lightbar can be mounted on the stylish modular bumper. Wider front tow hooks and new headlights contribute to a more aggressive appearance, and a new color, Shelter Green, is introduced. While Ford hints at more power for the Raptor R in 2024, official numbers are yet to be revealed.

The F-150 Raptor comes exclusively in the SuperCrew body style, offering a choice between the more budget-friendly EcoBoost V-6 model and the high-performance V-8 Raptor R. From a cost perspective, the R package commands about a 40% premium over the base Raptor but delivers a staggering 55% more horsepower. If you crave heart-pounding acceleration and top-tier performance, the choice is clear. Opting for the R package also brings distinctive Raptor R graphics, appliques, badging, and opens doors to additional options, including the Raptor Carbon Fiber Package. The spine-tingling sound of the supercharged V-8 is the proverbial icing on the cake.

Under the hood of the F-150 Raptor resides the familiar high-output version of Ford's 450-hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6, which exhales through a 3.0-inch exhaust system, producing a deep growl. However, the V-8's thunderous roar dwarfs it. The V-6 engine pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels via a standard four-wheel-drive system. The Raptor R, a bigger beast, employs the supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 from the Shelby GT500, tuned for around 700 horsepower and 640 pound-feet of torque, with room for improvement. The Raptor also offers 17-inch rims, standard 35-inch tires, and an option for 37-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A K02 all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road capabilities. Models equipped with 37-inch tires come with the new Fox Dual Live Valve shocks, offering a smarter and smoother ride, courtesy of Ford Performance's tuning expertise.

In terms of towing and payload capacity, the Ford F-150 Raptor R can tow up to 8700 pounds, while the regular Raptor maxes out at 8200 pounds. Both can handle a maximum payload of 1400 pounds. In comparison, non-Raptor F-150s have significantly higher towing capacities, with the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 variant towing up to 14,000 pounds, the 5.0-liter V-8 model managing 13,000 pounds, and the hybrid model capable of towing up to 12,700 pounds. Payload capacity in non-Raptor F-150s ranges from 1840 to 3250 pounds. However, none of these models can match the Raptor's cool factor.

Regarding fuel economy, the 2024 F-150 Raptor's official EPA ratings are yet to be released, but it's expected to be similar to the previous year's model. The 2023 Raptor achieved up to 15 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway. Opting for the larger 37-inch tires resulted in slightly lower figures of 14 mpg city and 16 mpg highway. The V-8-powered 2023 Raptor R had the least fuel-efficient estimates, with 10 mpg in the city and 15 mpg on the highway. In a real-world highway test, last year's Raptor R with 37-inch tires managed 16 mpg. All Raptor and Raptor R models feature a 36-gallon fuel tank.

Inside the cabin, the Raptor shares its design and passenger space with the regular F-150 SuperCrew. The high-performance version includes a 12.0-inch digital gauge cluster as standard, along with enhanced interior storage and premium materials. The steering wheel features a laser-etched logo and a race car-style orange mark at the 12 o'clock position, while substantial aluminum paddle shifters lurk behind the spokes. Additionally, the Raptor can be equipped with optional carbon-fiber interior accents and more aggressively bolstered Recaro front seats. The SuperCrew crew cab version offers ample rear-seat space and pairs with a 5.5-foot cargo box.

The Raptor's dashboard showcases a massive 12.0-inch touchscreen that supports the Sync 4 infotainment system. It offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the physical volume and tuning knobs, along with steering-wheel controls and voice commands, make for a user-friendly experience. An optional 18-speaker B&O sound system is available, and the Raptor can be equipped with a practical 2.0-kW mobile generator mounted in the cargo bed, capable of powering tools and equipment.

In terms of safety, the high-performance Raptor offers a range of driver-assistance technologies, mirroring the regular F-150. It features assists designed to make off-road driving more manageable, including Trail Control and Trail 1-Pedal Drive, which act as low-speed cruise control for challenging off-road situations.

For information on the Raptor's crash-test results, you can consult the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include standard forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist.

While Ford doesn't offer the complimentary maintenance programs of some competitors, the company provides a competitive limited and powertrain warranty. The Raptor also comes with five years or 60,000

 miles of roadside assistance coverage, consisting of:

- Limited warranty: Three years or 36,000 miles

- Powertrain warranty: Five years or 60,000 miles

- No complimentary scheduled maintenance