7 Things You Need to Know About the New Ford Raptor

If you have any interest in a pickup truck that can go off-road, then you’ve certainly heard of the Ford F-150 Raptor before now. We were introduced to the original Ford Raptor back in 2010, with a second-generation model in 2015. Since then, however, we’ve been (not-so) patiently waiting for an updated version, especially after the all-new Ford F-150 was released for the model year 2021. Fortunately, the wait is nearly over as Ford has officially revealed their all-new Raptor, and as your Ford dealer, we have all the details.

While we don’t know every last spec yet, what we do know is enough to demonstrate that the F-150 Raptor is going to once again be the dominant full-size off-road truck on the market. It’s large, powerful, and features some of the most impressive off-road systems and technology we’ve ever seen. Plus, with a Raptor R model coming next year, it seems that Ford has set its sights on dethroning the Ram 1500 TRX as the most powerful truck on the trail. Let’s go over some of the highlights that you need to know about this amazing new pickup.

1 – Excellent Performance

So, before we even get into the incredible off-road features and new options on the Ford Raptor (don’t get us wrong, you definitely need to know about them, but we’ll get there), let’s take a look at overall performance. For starters, the Ford F-150 Raptor will feature a specially-tuned High Output 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine that is twin-turbocharged for as much power as it can possibly deliver. Unfortunately, we don’t have specifics on horsepower and torque for this engine yet, because Ford’s engineers are still fine-tuning it.

This engine will come with a 10-speed automatic transmission for a very smooth driving experience, as well as a four-mode exhaust system. You’ll be able to set the exhaust on Normal, Sport, or Baja to choose the sound you’ll hear from your engine. And there’s even a Quiet mode for it so that your neighbors don’t have to hear you coming from halfway down the street.

2 – Amazing Off-Road Features

If you’re interested in the Ford Raptor, it’s probably to use it as a full-size off-road truck because that’s what it is. The all-new Raptor definitely doesn’t disappoint in this regard, and we’re going to take this one bit at a time. For starters, the Raptor has four-wheel drive (of course) and features high-output, gas-pressurized FOX Racing Shox shock absorbers. These are truly amazing, and the suspension is designed with 14 inches of front travel and 15 inches of rear travel. Plus, the Terrain Management system features seven different terrain modes, including Off-Road, Slippery, and Rock Crawl. This puts you in total control and lets you switch traction settings on the fly to handle whatever the trail throws at you.

3 – Huge Tires and Clearance

Speaking of handling anything the trail throws at you: Ford has gone all-out with some of the best tires we’ve ever seen on an off-road vehicle. The available 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels can come with 37-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires that are being made exclusively for the Ford Raptor. That wasn’t a typo: 37-inch tires!

With these tires strapped on, the all-new Ford Raptor will have more than 13 inches of ground clearance available to it. Plus, it will have an approach angle of 33.1 degrees, a departure angle of 24.9 degrees, and a breakover angle of 24.4 degrees. Even with the standard 35-inch tires, the Raptor will still have a full 12 inches of clearance and a 31-degree approach angle. If you like trails with a lot of rocks, logs, and other debris to navigate, then this is the truck for you.

4 – The Trail Control System

Speaking of handling rock crawling and other rough trail conditions, let’s talk about the first of two new off-road technologies the Ford Raptor will include. The all-new Trail Control system is essentially cruise control for going off-road. You set your speed to where you want it to be, activate Trail Control, and the Raptor will worry about throttle and braking to keep you at that speed. This allows you to focus on steering and navigation, making life a lot easier when working your way over rough terrain and crawling on rocks.

5 – The 1-Pedal Drive System

The second all-new off-road feature that we’re incredibly excited to get to try out is the 1-Pedal Drive system being introduced with the Ford Raptor. This is similar to a feature found in a lot of electric vehicles that let you accelerate and slow down using a single pedal, which applies brake pressure when you ease off the pedal. While the all-new Ford Raptor certainly isn’t an EV model, Ford has used some of its experience in designing electric cars to create this new feature.

At low speeds, you’ll be able to use the 1-Pedal Drive system to apply brake and throttle with a single pedal. So, when you’re crawling on rocks or easing your way through tight spaces, you only need to use one pedal to control the vehicle. Combine this with the new Trail Control system – both of which are standard on every model – and you have impressive new tools to help you conquer the trail.

6 – Incredible Tech Features

These new off-road systems are very impressive, but there are plenty of other pieces of new tech in the Ford Raptor that we’re excited about. For starters, the Raptor will utilize over-the-air updates for the SYNC 4 system, which lets you easily keep your vehicle updated and allows Ford to provide you with upgrades on the fly. In addition to that, an available 360-degree camera package can provide you with an unbeatable view around your vehicle, so you can rely less on spotters and conquer the trail on your own.

The F-150 Raptor will include a 12-inch Infotainment display and a 12-inch digital driver information display, which are both standard in every model. These are both customizable, so you can display exactly the information you need, and they’re absolutely stunning. Pair them with a keyless entry pad, Intelligent Access with push-button start, and an available 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, and you can see just how amazing this truck is going to be.

7 – Even More Power is Coming

While we’re ridiculously excited about the standard Ford F-150 Raptor that was unveiled, we’re already champing at the bit for more information about another model that Ford teased: the Raptor R. This will be a more powerful version of the Raptor, providing incredible off-road functionality along with an engine that will almost certainly make us weep. Just like with the standard Raptor, we don’t have any specs yet, but we do have some guesses at what to expect.

You see, the Raptor R is said to be Ford’s direct shot at the impressive Ram 1500 TRX. The Ram TRX is an off-road pickup that features a 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 engine, which delivers up to 702 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. It’s an absolute beast, and the Raptor R is going to need some serious power to compete with that. Rumors going around are that it might utilize the Supercharged 5.2L V8 Predator engine featured in the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, which provides a massive 760 hp. When we know more, you will too.

Ready to Find Out More?

As you can see, the upcoming F-150 Raptor is going to be amazing, and as your Ford dealer, we’re more than ready for it. We can’t wait to see these models start rolling out and conquering the trails. Come visit us at The Faricy Boys Ford today to find out more and see if the Raptor is right for you.