Beautiful picture with the sand swirling away from the front tire...

@Jake

Can you say Photoshop?

Figured it or the Honda Ridgeline would win.

The wifes 2011 Jeep has the same if not better 4x4 system and it is 7 years older...

Well of course...duh?...that was a given :-))

Right on cue, all the shaky GOVT motor & RAM fan-girls will come out of the woodwork and cry foul...it's all pure jealousy as their brands cannot come up with anything close to the Raptor...keep following the leader for 41 years & counting......HAHAHAHAHA!!!

This is typical of a Ford biased site. The rest of the world picked the Honda Ridgeline for NA truck of the year.

@ GMSUCKS; of course you'll back up Honda as shaky GOVT motors had nothing new to offer...HAHAHAHA!

The Ridgeline is not a real truck but an SUV with a bed. It's normal it wins awards else where as Honda incorporated some smart light weight truck abilities & all the panzy critics/writers will prefer the soft ride & amenities etc...DUH!?.

Thanks to PUTC for choosing a real truck!

FAKE NEWS!

So motortrend chooses the new super duty as best truck. Trucktrend chooses the titan. And cars.com chooses the raptor. I didn't like trucktrends reasoning. They seemed to base it mostly on which truck would make the best daily driver. If that was their most important consideration then the super duty and raptor never should have been considered in the first place. It's weird having these trucks compete against each other for an award anyways. It's not like people are trying to decide whether they should buy a raptor, a super duty, a titan, or a ridgeline. Different types of trucks for different types of people with different goals in mind. I wish they would choose the best trucks in certain categories each year out of all available. Not just newly redesigned. I guess pickuptrucks.com does that with the shootouts though so that is cool. Best half ton. Best work truck. Best midsize etc.

That's sure photoshopped alright! There's no dirt on the treads and no motion blur of the tire and wheel.

I think they picked the right truck!! Not only can you go desert running in the morning, and on your way home you can load that raptor up and tow 8000lbs. Can you do that with a Honda Ridgline? Not a chance!!! Theres not a factory built truck on the market that can perform aswell!!!!! So all you jealous haters!!!
EAT YOUR HARTS OUT!!! Blueoval rules!!!

Any one who knocks it!! In the words of EDDIE MURPHY
" you can't afford it" 😉

" Additionally, the new Raptor benefits from the upgraded and more powerful twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine that offers more horsepower and torque than any half ton sold in the U.S. (450 hp and 510 pounds-feet). "

Really?

Ram SRT10 has 500hp and 525lbtq
Tundra Supercharged has 500hp+ 550+lbtq
Titan XD(classed as a 1/2ton) has 555lbtq

Yea I realize they (the media outlets) all do this but declaring a Truck of 2017 10 days into 2017 seems pretty premature to me. At least a disclaimer of "most anticipated/interesting/exciting/buzzworthy" before the "Truck of 2017" would seem to be more appropriate. Just trying to keep it honest I guess.

Yes the raptor is the coolest most high performance off road truck ever offered from a manufacturer. So far as to even be considerd a "Super Truck". It is lliterally the Halo truck for the industry and has been since its debut and its fairly obvious it will continue to be. Not only does it take all the top of the class marks it also sells well even at a premium price. At some point this will change but until it does all hail the king. Fiat has kicked around some things almost this radical and probably nibbled at the market with some of its offerings. GM has chosen to stay out of it. This is a very small pool of customers and diluting it wouldn't serve much anyone any purpose unless its to finally end the press/marketing machine that this kind of performance garners. So until Ford messes it up, overprices it, the economy takes a hit, or someone else fields a real competitor the Raptor will rule.

A more interesting question is the neglect of the street truck market. All 3 of the big 3 minus 1 made excellent high performance street trucks and its not overly hard or complicated to do yet none are in at this time. Again another way to snag lots of attention.

The flying sand from the tires looks ridiculous.

@Uh-huh: For current model year trucks, the SC is not longer available from Toyota for the Tundra.

Wrong.
The LED headlights are terrible. Far too much blue, the false narrative of "closer to sunlight=better" is wrong.
There is too much latency with the turbochargers. Ford could/should have used a supercharged 5.0 V8.
The wheels are too small for adequate brake cooling-should be 18".
The interior synthesized engine 'note' is childish.
The exterior exhaust note is not exceptional.
The "lightning rod" antenna is extremely dated, and not car wash friendly.
Red turn signals are not safe, and soon won't be legal.
The rear differential would be better if it were torque sensitive/lockable versus open/lockable. {the Jeep Wrangle Rubicon had that many years ago}

For those regular PUTC readers and commenters, don't worry! PUTC will retread the "truck of the year" riff at least monthly from now till next January.

Car of the Year (and Truck of the...) are headlines that Motor Trend has published since I was a boy--a long damn time-- an PUTC knows that a lot of innocent web-surfers will Google that phrase looking for specific content about cars and trucks.

Not terribly nefarious and certainly not the first time a publisher has gamed the gullible, but it's hardly anything for regular visitors to PUTC to get their Calvin Kleins in a knot about. Yes, Ken, everybody knows you love Calvins.

The fact that PUTC chose the Raptor for TOY (truck of year) is perfect, because the Raptor is a toy.

It's a rich boy's toy. Expect millionaire sports figures to buy one. Expect some clown who gets lucky in Vegas to buy one.

All hat and no ranch.

Then likewise, anyone who buys any truck or large SUV and only uses it for the drive to work or shopping has a toy. Lots of toys on the roads these days.

Excellent Job Ford, way to quiet the crowd (GMS is really "shaking" now)

Seriously great truck, great read!

@NoQDRTundra,
True, the supercharged tundra is no longer available, nor is the Ram SRT10 but that has nothing to do with the claim of the Raptor having the most HP and TQ of any halfton sold in the US.

The Craptor is weak, can't even out do a 30 year old open dif Chevy. If you want a real off road truck, Ram Power Wagon and Chevy Colorado ZR2 is your only choices. Narrow and lockers all the way around. No one but skinny jean, flat hat brim hipsters buy Ford Craptors, with their dad or gf's money. The Torsen front dif is for soccer moms at best on the Craptor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLCJ5AtkUOc&t=50s

Ford your be better off make a 70s highboy, cause your Craptor is just for, that high little California boys spending daddies money on a soccer mom truck for the mall parking lot.

https://www.google.com/search?q=hat+brim&biw=1193&bih=718&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiFzoLCpLrRAhVDNSYKHforCWgQ_AUIBigB#tbm=isch&q=ford+high+boy

It's funny,like PUTC completely skipped a real first generation of raptors with anemic 5.4 triton and bending frames and pretends,that one with the Ecoboost is the first one. Everyone from the ford group tries to forget about that . PUTC is no exception.

@RAM, no we have moved on from that, there is a difference, just like GMS/Johnny love of GM, yet they will never tell you what they love, only bash Ford. Us Ford guys can and will always admit when things go bad, but we also move on, you know, what the Democrats need to do but cant,,,,,move on

Us Ford guys can and will always admit when things go bad, but we also move on, you know, what the Democrats need to do but cant

Posted by: Nitro | Jan 11, 2017 9:21:08 AM

Guess you best admin and move on then, ZR2 can run the sand at high speed, and rock crawl on tighter trails better then the Craptor. Something you Ford/Hillary supporters should know if you had the tiniest bit of common sense.

@NoQDRTundra,
Of course who ever the writer is of this blog... could be playing word games... So the 2017 3.5L V6 twin turbo Ecoboost Raptor does indeed have the most HP and TQ of any halfton because no other halfton offers a twin turbo V6.

PUTC should off a tissue box for each of you poster, bunch of whining in here. Thanks god it's not the FORD Guys.

What yah know Ford going broke asking for money, and begging investors to invest with what little they got left. While GM keeps on raking in the profits along with FCA. HAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.autonews.com/article/20170111/OEM/170119948/gms-buyback-fords-dividend-show-confidence-even-as-sales-peak

What yah know Ford going broke asking for money, and begging investors to invest with what little they got left. While GM keeps on raking in the profits along with FCA. HAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.autonews.com/article/20170111/OEM/170119948/gms-buyback-fords-dividend-show-confidence-even-as-sales-peak

Posted by: johnny doe | Jan 11, 2017 9:39:56 AM

Can you not read or just don't know what your reading. It clearly states Ford is investing and putting profits into future tech. It is clear as a sunny day.

Ford Motor Co. added $200 million cash to its regular first-quarter dividend -- a sweetener for investors to begin a temporary one-year profit drop due to spending on robotic and electric cars.

Hey Johnny Moron, you're a MORON.

GMSGREAT:

[CLICK HERE] for a tissue.

" Additionally, the new Raptor benefits from the upgraded and more powerful twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine that offers more horsepower and torque than any half ton sold in the U.S. (450 hp and 510 pounds-feet). "

Really?

Ram SRT10 has 500hp and 525lbtq
Tundra Supercharged has 500hp+ 550+lbtq
Titan XD(classed as a 1/2ton) has 555lbtq

Posted by: uh huh | Jan 11, 2017 6:34:16 AM

Yes, really.

Ram SRT10 has 500hp and 525lbtq - NO LONGER IN PRODCUTION
Tundra Supercharged has 500hp+ 550+lbtq - NO LONGER IN PRODUCTION
Titan XD(classed as a 1/2ton) has 555lbtq - THOSE ARE DIESEL NUMBERS.

"It is so purpose-built,"

For me as a potential buyer that is one of the reasons for not buying a Raptor. For the money (value) you don't get enough truck. Raptor is a one trick. If i wanted a one hit wonder i would buy a Rubicon.

Recent off roading testing in the dunes where the truck is purpose built "IT WAS A DISAPPOINTMENT." According to the testers. Four wheeler magazine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFT1lPbNWyI&t=4s

"It is so purpose-built,"

For me as a potential buyer that is one of the reasons for not buying a Raptor. For the money (value) you don't get enough truck. Raptor is a one trick. If i wanted a one hit wonder i would buy a Rubicon.

Recent off roading testing in the dunes where the truck is purpose built "IT WAS A DISAPPOINTMENT." According to the testers. Four wheeler magazine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFT1lPbNWyI&t=4s

Posted by: HEMI V8 | Jan 11, 2017 11:14:45 AM

Hahahahahahahah, FYI, bonehead!!!!

Raptor is the only truck with increasing resale value. No other truck can touch it, not even TWO Ram Ecowiesels

Raptor has less towing capacity then a Colorado Diesel. Wow!

Raptor has less towing capacity then a Colorado Diesel. Wow!

Posted by: GMSRGREAT | Jan 11, 2017 11:29:33 AM

FYI, bonehead!!!

Colorado Diesel - 7700 LB Towing

Raptor - 8000 LB Towing

I think you're as much of a moron as your little brother. Good Luck in life for you.

"Can you say Photoshop?" -- Posted by: papajim | Jan 10, 2017 7:14:11 PM

Yes, I think you can. It's too obvious.

Correction: Colorado Diesel is 7000 LB

@GMS, is that taken into account that GM twins remove half the truck to get their towing numbers? Remember they were called out on that but many,

"The Ridgeline is not a real truck but an SUV with a bed. It's normal it wins awards else where as Honda incorporated some smart light weight truck abilities & all the panzy critics/writers will prefer the soft ride & amenities etc...DUH!?."
-- Posted by: Lionel | Jan 10, 2017 9:27:37 PM

Unlike many here, perhaps most, I have to disagree with this statement. First off, you have to remember that the SUV as we once knew it came from "real trucks" and whether any of us likes it or not they are still considered "trucks" for legislative purposes.

Secondly, for all intents and purposes, the Ridgeline is as much a half-ton pickup as any of the others, offering the same carrying capacity by volume (if not by weight) as those current half-tons and notably superior to their ancestors where half-ton truly meant "1,000 pound cargo capacity," regardless of its size or features. And it is, effectively, the same size as pre-1990 US long-bed pickup trucks.

The only difference is the fact that it uses a hybrid monocoque or "unibody" chassis vs body-on-frame construction. The advantages of monocoque over BoF are well known, as are their disadvantages. Most obviously, it's far easier to replace a destroyed bed on BoF where a monocoque bed would have the entire vehicle totaled by an insurance company.

Outside of that, the Ridgeline offers features no other pickup has, like an in-bed 'trunk' for lockable storage somewhat similar to the old cab-over pickups like the VW pickup, Ford Econoline and yes, Chevy Corvair pickups of the early '60s. Even with its AWD capability, the Ridgeline carries that trunk where no other brand, anywhere, does. This despite having plenty of obvious space to do so, even if not quite so conveniently. Only the Ram's Rambox™ storage bins in the bed sides offers anything similar.

So honestly, the best NEW truck is the Ridgeline, not an overpriced sport truck that offers so much less in real capability as a truck.

Raptor has less payload capacity then a Colorado Diesel. Wow!

Love it or hate it, it's a marketing tool. It gets chatter through the industry for Ford. It's just a bouns that Ford will indeed cash in on this toy. It's bada$$, and gets people talking F150 - good and bad. Even though few will ever really use it as intended. Not many places East if the Mississippi to really use the full capabilities.

@gms.....HAHAHA classic, cant answer can you?

Anyway, i'm gald you brought up the towing, cuz man I would really love to be able to tow 7k through the rocks in the mountains.....geez, you guys try anything dont you?

Ford Motor Co. added $200 million cash to its regular first-quarter dividend -- a sweetener for investors
Posted by: Johhny boy | Jan 11, 2017 9:50:18 AM

Yeah I read the story, and also read the story on AL trucks and watched Ford fall lower and lower on profits. https://corporate.ford.com/investors/reports-and-filings/quarterly-reports.html#/2016 LOL They begging for more money, and reeling in on the stupid people for driverless tech that is gonna fail. No one wants a computer to say when to kill someone vs a tree. Stupid libtards are just to damn dumb to see the big picture. Wait to see Ford ask for a bail out soon as share hover around 11 - 12 bucks vs GM's 36 - 38 bucks, and FCA 11 - 12 bucks . Which is up for them down for Ford. Dark dark days ahead for Ford. Tr%mp picks new EPA leader to lessen all the dumb emission rules while Ford keeps build new weak soccer mom v6 engines. Make sure to remember Mark Fields name, he'll have Ford broke my 2018, and in bailout mode.

Hahahahahahahah, FYI, bonehead!!!!

Raptor is the only truck with increasing resale value. No other truck can touch it, not even TWO Ram Ecowiesels
Posted by: Frank | Jan 11, 2017 11:29:20 AM

Yeah filling the fuel tank is the only way to add value to the fleet/rental queen Ford line up hahahahahahahahahaha! FYI its true to, how lame of Ford.

Wow johnny, you are way off and don't have a clue do. I guess we all can understand why you don't get it. Even though the words are easy to understand and comprehend.

@GMS, is that taken into account that GM twins remove half the truck to get their towing numbers? Remember they were called out on that but many,

Posted by: Nitro | Jan 11, 2017 12:09:51 PM

We been other this kid, Your the one who said admit and move on, Ford is the only one left removing stuff to push numbers.

"Ford, which also deletes certain parts when calculating towing and payload numbers, has not said it will stop the practice."

http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2014/08/gm-commits-to-standard-payload-calculations.html

It was proven in the max tow of Texas when the f150 was dragging the rear bumper damn near off the ground yet had the so call highest "payload rating"

http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2016/01/texas-truck-showdown-2016-max-towing-overview.html

Ford is like Hillary ,all talk but the facts to it, all lead to lies false claims, and poor brain died people like Nitro believe it.

Wow johnny, you are way off and don't have a clue do. I guess we all can understand why you don't get it. Even though the words are easy to understand and comprehend.

Posted by: Johhny boy | Jan 11, 2017 3:09:05 PM

Yup sad to see you can't understand it clearly says it sweeting the deals for investors "begging for money" as they clearly are losing profit.

https://corporate.ford.com/investors/reports-and-filings/quarterly-reports.html#/2016

Johnny, do you purposely try and say stuff as fact when it is in fact not? Your weight post is way off. In fact GM was the last one to stop the practice of removing parts for higher payload and towing. You have never been even close to being correct about Fords financials. They have been investing huge money in tech and plants for the future.

Put 2 and 2 together your beloved Ford is clearly falling under the hands of Mark Fields.

Johnny, do you purposely try and say stuff as fact when it is in fact not? Your weight post is way off. In fact GM was the last one to stop the practice of removing parts for higher payload and towing. You have never been even close to being correct about Fords financials. They have been investing huge money in tech and plants for the future.

Posted by: Johhny boy | Jan 11, 2017 3:26:01 PM

Can you not read? The news link said GM stopped and Ford didn't back up by AutoNews.com! The Quarterly profit report is strait from Ford. Got damn you must be a libtard, or just one real butthurt Ford loser.