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2023 Ford F-150 Raptor
Starting at $78.385
Highs Gnarly performance, unbeatable off-road capability, why can’t every pickup ride this smoothly?
Lows Lousy V-6 exhaust note, expensive gas bill, there’s a limit to how big a truck can be- and this is it.
Verdict The F-150 Raptor is one seriously intense truck, but it’s surprisingly amenable to everyday use as long as you don’t expect it to fit into normal-size parking spots.
Overview
The 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. Most Raptors are powered by a twin-turbo 450-hp V-6 bolted to a 10-speed automatic transmission and will remain so in 2023. However, an even wilder, more powerful Raptor R is coming for 2023 using a version 700-hp version of the Mustang Shelby GT500’s supercharged 5.2-liter V-8, which will finally give the 702-hp Ram TRX something intimidating to snort at. While the R comes standard with 37-inch BFGoodrich K02 tires, standard rubber for twin-turbo V-6 models measures at 35 inches, but 37s are optional. Despite the Raptor’s enormity, it has one of the smoothest rides we’ve 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 everyday 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 Raptor’s biggest obstacle.
What's New for 2023?
Ford adds the mega-horsepower F-150 Raptor R for 2023. The Raptor R uses a 700-hp supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 Predator engine from the Mustang GT500. Underneath, a 9.75-inch rear axle with an electronically controlled locking rear differential with a 4:10:1 ratio will come standard. While 37-inch tires are standard equipment, Ford also gives the R stiffer front springs and specially tuned dampers to handle the extra weight. Raptor R's come standard with carbon-fiber accents throughout the cabin and an upholstery mixed with black leather and microsuede with Recaro front seats.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
F-150 Raptor: $78,385
F-150 Raptor R: $109,145
The F-150 Raptor is only offered with a crew-cab body style called SuperCrew. While there are a variety of individual options and packages, we'd recommend the comprehensive 801A High package that is made up of several other packages and includes features such as a 4.10 front-axle ratio, an 18-speaker B&O sound system, an interior work surface, a heated steering wheel, high-tech trailering assists, upgraded headlights, wireless charging, and more. The only other option we'd suggest is the Power Tech pack that, most notably, includes a 2-kW ProPower onboard generator.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Beneath the F-150 Raptor's 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 truck's 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. If that's not enough for you, just wait. The Raptor R is an even bigger predator. It uses a 700-hp version of the supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 from the Shelby GT500, but with 640 pound-feet of torque. Every Raptor rides on a sophisticated suspension that includes larger internal-bypass dampers and a five-link rear coil-spring setup. The version we tested showcased the truck's incredible traction and ride quality on even the most treacherous terrain. Along with other chassis enhancements, a selection of 17-inch rims, and a standard set of 35-inch tires, the Raptor is also available with a set of 37-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires for better approach, departure, and breakover angles as well as ground clearance that increases from 12.0 to 13.1 inches. The Raptor R comes standard with 37-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A K02 tires.
Read More www.caranddriver.com/ford/f-1...
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