2017 Ford F-150 Raptor: Review
We've spent quite a bit of time behind the wheel of the all-new 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor. From very early on in the design process, we've been able to watch this new Ford during many of its building stages before its actual debut. That said, our most comprehensive driving and testing was done during our most recent PickupTrucks.com comparison test: the 2017 Monster Factory Off-Road Challenge.
As you may already know, the new Raptor retained its legendary status by beating some of the most impressive 4x4 players out there. One of those lucky test drivers and expert judges was Joe Bruzek, Cars.com senior road test editor. Bruzek has been doing this for several years and is one of the most intuitive hot shoes we've ever seen.
Now he's taken the time, after our massive comparison test, to put some of his thoughts and observations in a full review on the Raptor at Cars.com for your enjoyment. For those who know about his automotive analysis, you know he likes his numbers — especially when they back up his perception and experience.
Even so, we've included more than just a good read. We decided to include some of the best photography from our Challenge, taken by our lead photographer, who kept snapping photos of the Raptor as it tackled seemingly impossible, rocky off-camber trails, went screaming down the quarter-mile track, and performed gazelle-like runs through the open desert and on two-track dirt roads.
To read the full story, click here. And to enjoy more details regarding this new Raptor, keep scrolling down.
Cars.com photos by Evan Sears
Comments
Excellent article on a truly phenomenal truck! Love those pics, inside and out! Great job Ford.
I like the Supercab configuration better than the Crew. Also prefer the earlier 6.2 over the six.
Would really appreciate a quick and easy way to utilize the rear of the cab and easily remove the rear seats because they simply get in the way and no sensible person would want to ride in the back of that cab in those little seats
Would also love to see a highway version of the Raptor. A muscle car approach with a 2wd config and the big V8
Great Review, the Raptor is one-of-a-kind.
wish I had a use for a Raptor, nice that it has the awd feature now, so it will not be spinning tires at a stop sign on wet pavement.
I'm waiting for the ZR2 to come out, (mini-Raptor) but since sense most roads are all paved around here, Do not really need that much truck to go hunting in...
Wow. "Massive offroad comparison test" and not even one video, how Raptor and Power Wagon handles the most difficult obstacles.
Did all of you push the Raptor from behind to the picture taking position?
I'm waiting for the ZR2 to come out, (mini-Raptor) but since sense most roads are all paved around here, Do not really need that much truck to go hunting in...
Posted by: Dave | Feb 2, 2017 10:04:50 AM
I wouldn't ever call it a Mini-Raptor. LMFAO!!
Once again, this site shows its Ford bias with so many pics of this over priced yuppie truck vs other makes!
Still way cheaper and better to by a close to stock truck and build it yourself!
Especially with a weak payload as this thing!
It is a yuppie drive around town truck so owners can think they have a pair!
At least my Tacoma is original and still turns heads and can carry more off-road than this yuppie truck!
@ Dave,
A Colorado as a mini-Raptor?
A ZR-2 Colorado is no competition to a Tacoma TRD Pro...
I believe the payload and towing is limited due to the soft spring rates. You can't have stiff springs and go off-road as this thing was designed. Look at the nose dive under hard braking. That's why it can run 80+ mph over rough terrain
This thing is sweet, but I wish they would have a V8 option.
Can't wait for FCA to put the 575-HP V-8 Ram Rebel TRX into production. Bye-bye, Raptor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TEXXWpyI9w
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Can't wait for FCA to put the 575-HP V-8 Ram Rebel TRX into production. Bye-bye, Raptor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TEXXWpyI9w
===================
Posted by: NMGOM | Feb 2, 2017 11:22:12 AM
Not going to happen, FCA needs to fix the ecodiesel first.
Not much ground clearance under that IFS.
Yup, just 4 TO 5 more inches of ground clearance, under the front end, due to the IFS.
It's a good deal more if you find yourself beating up the front differential of a straight axle truck.
But as usual, there's pros and cons to everything.
The raptor may be an incredible off road machine, but how many average Joes out there have an extra 65 Gs lying around? Even still, the raptors that are made probably will never see anything off the pavement. While I understand why you guys are so excited about this truck, I really think that everyday working trucks trucks should get more coverage as they are much more realistic option for the average consumer. I think long term testing of a 3-5 year old truck that has 100s of thousands of units out there would be much more valuable information than testing of truck that will only have 10000 units made.
Raptor is the only Truck on the Market that holds it's resale value way more then others. Period!!
It's actually a great investment.
@oxi: How is the ZR2 no competition for the Tacoma TRD Pro when the ZR2 will have larger tires, longer suspension, more power, and selectable lockers for the front and rear?
@ NOqdrtUNDRA - Because Oxi said so! Have you learned nothing in the past 5 years or so he's been posting? Facts are meaningless when held against the opinion of Oxi...
Wow...this just confirms again the new Raptor needs to be my next Ford purchase - I mean, they've raised the bar so high now no one can touch them for at least several more years.
People complaining about price should know that Ford sold more than 1263 Raptor's in January ,that's more than Chevrolet Corvette's sold
@ David, where did you come up with that number ? Sure wasn't from ford.
People complaining about price should know that Ford sold more than 1263 Raptor's in January ,that's more than Chevrolet Corvette's sold
Posted by: David |
/QUOTE
HAHAHA
I didnt know that Corvette is an off road truck!?
I still would never buy any Frod,,
GM trucks are way more reliable,and get better mpg too..
I think David compares the craptor to the Corvette because they both have the same cargo capacity. lol
People complaining about price should know that Ford sold more than 1263 Raptor's in January ,that's more than Chevrolet Corvette's sold
Posted by: David | Feb 2, 2017 5:05:59 PM
Furthermore, all the high end/full option luxury full size truck offerings from Ford including shaky cheby's/GMC, RAM, Nissan, Toyota are all within the Raptor's price range or much higher. So no brainer here; I would rather buy a Raptor being more unique & trumps all other off-road trucks while still docile & manageable to be a daily driver & good enough to take out the miss's for dinner - no wonder Ford can sell every single one they can put out...
But hey Ford, I'm still waiting for that generation III Lightning!!!...you hear me :-)...
@ David, where did you come up with that number ? Sure wasn't from ford.
Posted by: IMHO | Feb 2, 2017 5:25:25 PM
Do some research, you'll probably have a moment of clarity.
Get yourself together, it's all over the internet.
@IMHO No the average price of a corvette ranges from 50 k to 70 k,same as Raptor so that's the comparison.
Also this is where the proof is of Raptor selling more than the vette
https://twitter.com/mrlevine
@ David - Also this is where the proof is of Raptor selling more than the vette
https://twitter.com/mrlevine
Don't see any sales figures, just a statement from a clown.
Other trucks would run away if we let off the brakes on the steep downhill portions; the heavy Power Wagon didn’t have the braking power to descend in confidence like the Raptor.
Read more at https://www.cars.com/reviews/2017-ford-f-150-raptor-our-view-1420693268368/#7Ru27ewYtCJiEfrG.99
SURE THING. DON'T EVEN MENTION THE POWER WAGON HILL DECENT. TRUCK DRIVES ITSELF DOWN STEEP GRADES. VERY MUCH UNDER CONTROL.FORWARD OR BACKWORD. PATHETIC!
@NoQDRTundra Who said the Zr2 will have bigger tires than the Tacoma Trd Pro? The Trd Pro has several tire and rim packages that are optional including 31" tires. Also where did you read that it will have longer travel suspension than the Tacoma? I seriously doubt that. Only more travel than the regular Colorado. Only 1/2 of what you said is true. Not good odds
DODGE POWER WAGON VS RAPTOR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTOR-qcN60w
Frank,
"Not going to happen, FCA needs to fix the ecodiesel first."
Yeah. You do bring up a good point. The cost of that little situation could almost bankrupt FCA (or at least torpedo their R&D budget), depending on a lot of things. Look at what's happening to VW's diesel future, and they were financially "healthy" to begin with :( ...
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"Ford trucks rule here"
Posted by: Lionel?
Could have fooled me. What do they rule over recalls?
TFL is going to get a Long term Power Wagon. Looking forward to reading their reviews.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGUooVCHpyc&t=357s
@ HEMI V8; we all know RAM is the King of recalls & the most unsafe truck holding the title "the most dangerous vehicle in America"...BAM!
Ford also sold more Raptors in the FIRST MONTH in 2017 than Ram sold Power Wagons ALL YEAR in 2016! Ford must not know what they are doing, right? smh.
Wow. The front tow hooks are worn out badly. But I understand, that that was only way to make it through the rocky part. TFL makes ofrroad challenge as well. Let's see.
Wow. "Massive offroad comparison test" and not even one video, how Raptor and Power Wagon handles the most difficult obstacles.
Did all of you push the Raptor from behind to the picture taking position?
Posted by: RAM | Feb 2, 2017 10:05:37 AM
The fiat girls got their backends handed to them by the Raptor. But it is easy to understand because the fiat girls had the lowest ground clearance. In fact a corvette has more ground clearance than the fiat girls.
Wow. The front tow hooks are worn out badly. But I understand, that that was only way to make it through the rocky part. TFL makes ofrroad challenge as well. Let's see.
Posted by: RAM | Feb 2, 2017 11:17:59 PM
That's because they needed the Raptor to keep pulling the fiat girls out. With their lack of power and poor ground clearance they kept getting hung up on street curbs.
'Raptor is the only Truck on the Market that holds it's resale value way more then others. Period!!
It's actually a great investment.'
Posted by: Frank | Feb 2, 2017 1:22:56 PM
@ Frank, have you not read KBB lately?
The Toyota Tacoma holds its value better than ANY vehicle in production today!
Nobody comes close to Tacoma's retention of value, NOBODY!
'Raptor is the only Truck on the Market that holds it's resale value way more then others. Period!!
It's actually a great investment.'
Posted by: Frank | Feb 2, 2017 1:22:56 PM
@ Frank, have you not read KBB lately?
The Toyota Tacoma holds its value better than ANY vehicle in production today!
Nobody comes close to Tacoma's retention of value, NOBODY!
'@oxi: How is the ZR2 no competition for the Tacoma TRD Pro when the ZR2 will have larger tires, longer suspension, more power, and selectable lockers for the front and rear?'
Posted by: NoQDRTundra | Feb 2, 2017 2:10:22 PM
Because it's a GM!
Still the only Supertruck in production. An amazing toy and demonstration in supreme capabilities. Its not just Ford's Halo truck its The Halo truck of all trucks in production.
@Clint
It's funny you say that, because it doesn't have any truck capabilities.
But hey Ford, I'm still waiting for that generation III Lightning!!!...you hear me :-)...
Posted by: Lionel | Feb 2, 2017 5:36:20 PM
Waiting for a 2019 Ford Ranger/Bronco.
!Posted by: Blueman | Feb 3, 2017 2:42:52 PM
Ford guys are always waiting for something. My advice, move on.
I need the Power Wagon. It's a machine not a toy. Don't need two trucks. For me I would get a Rubicon. No towing or hauling duties. I think Ford has reason the bar in 1/2 off road. Ram needs to resond with the Rebel TRX and get in the game. Power Wagon and Raptor are top dogs in their line up of the off road market which G.M. is entering in the mid size market.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6LmMnyjAvw
Ford guys are always waiting for something. My advice, move on.
Posted by: GMSRGREAT | Feb 3, 2017 5:49:28 PM
@ GMSUCKS; at least Ford has many projects/big plans & we know they're coming; shaky cheby's/GMC have nothing new in the books with the only interesting worth while news is...wait for it;
Copy the leader...HAHAHAHA!!! - I guess this is a perfect example of "if you can't beat them, join them" - keep following the leader!!!
@ HEMI V8; we all know RAM is the King of recalls & the most unsafe truck holding the title "the most dangerous vehicle in America"...BAM!
Posted by: Lionel | Feb 2, 2017 10:11:50 PM
My Rams have always got me there and back with performance and confidence. I see a bunch of recalls on your F 150 that are not only dangerous their deadly. Stay thirsty my friend.
Sales of this are not going to be so great after the first batch of rich kids. The market for these can't handle showing their buddies a truck that sounds like a minivan.
"The biggest complaint from our staffers was the uninspiring exhaust note from the 3.5L high-output EcoBoost engine. Also, some felt that the twin-turbo engine was a little lazy with regards to throttle response. The dizzying array of terrain modes and stability control options was overwhelming at times, and we never did feel like we found the right combination to get the most out of the Raptor in the dunes. If you owned this truck you could likely dial it in with some gameresque combination of pushing buttons and secret passwords, but we did not find this to be as intuitive as it is on the other trucks."
" High-speed driving is not the strongest suit of the heavy Power Wagon, but with specially tuned coils front and rear and well-valved Bilsteins at all four corners, it did much better than you’d expect a 3/4-ton pickup to manage. And with 410 hp on tap and lockers from and rear, it never got stuck. In fact, this was the truck of choice to extract other vehicles when they were mired."
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