• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

You are here: Home / New Vehicle Reviews / Beast of Prey: Ford F-150 Raptor

Beast of Prey: Ford F-150 Raptor

November 3, 2017 by admin 6 Comments

Dissecting the most dynamic Ford Raptor ever.

2017 Ford F-150 Raptor
The second-generation Ford F-150 Raptor.

Think “raptor” and the Velociraptor dinosaurs of the Cretaceous Period may come to mind. Just as easily, raptor also describes certain types of contemporary birds of prey, including eagles, hawks, and vultures.

No matter, the “Raptor” appellation appended to the most powerful of all Ford F-150 models is entirely appropriate for describing a truck that is at once brutish, dapper, and simply fun to drive on- and off-road.

To that end, we’ll dissect the most powerful of all F-150s by starting out with a look at its history.

2017 Ford F-150 Raptor

1. From SVT to Ford Performance

If you attended the 2008 SEMA Show, you may have been present for the unveiling of the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. SVT or Special Vehicle Team was the name of Ford’s performance vehicle arm. SVT succeeded SVO — Special Vehicle Operations, eventually renamed Ford Performance.

The original or first-generation Raptor is based on the twelfth-generation Ford F-Series. The first F-Series pickup truck debuted in 1948 as the F1, but it wasn’t until 1975 when Ford began using the F-150 designation.

The original Raptor was the second performance truck from Ford, designed to surpass the SVT Lightning (last produced in the early 2000s) as Ford’s performance truck. That Raptor participated in Mexico’s famous Baja 1000 race before it went on sale to consumers.

Initially, a 5.4-liter V8 engine generating 310 horsepower was offered, with a second engine — a 6.2-liter V8 generating 411 — joining the base engine. Both were mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and offered SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations.

The key to the this four-wheel drive F-150 is its seven-inch wider track with 11.2 inches of suspension travel up from and 12.1 inches at the rear. The suspension utilizes Fox Racing Shocks with internal triple-bypass dampers and a 4.10 rear axle.

Production of the first-generation Raptor spanned five model years — 2010 to 2014.

2017 Ford F-150 Raptor

2. Planning an All-New F-150 Raptor

Ford brought out the current and thirteenth-generation F-150 in 2015. What they did not include among the many available grades was a new Raptor model.

Likely, Ford was busy readying the aluminum-intensive F-150 and wanted to delay the Raptor to give it time to prepare the new model as well as the next-generation Super Duty. The current Raptor was introduced at an auto show in early 2015 before going on sale the following year as a 2017 model.

(See Also — A Whole Lot of Awesome: Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison)

3. 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor: Dimensions

When Ford designed the new Raptor, once again, they went with SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations. Although Ford still offers a regular cab, the Raptor is also about providing a large cabin.

The current Raptor SuperCab sits on a 134.2-inch wheelbase, exclusive to this model. Its a foot longer than the regular cab’s wheelbase. Choose the SuperCrew and the wheelbase is stretched out by nearly a foot to 146 inches. Both models come with a 5.5-foot box bed.

Overall, the SuperCab measures 220 inches long to the 231.9 inches for the SuperCrew. Both are 86.3 inches wide or 96.8 inches wide when including the mirrors. The Raptor is 78.5 inches tall and tips the scales at 5,525 pounds. Payload ratings are 1,000 (SuperCab) and 1,200 (SuperCrew) pounds; tow ratings are 6,000 (SuperCab) and 8,000 (SuperCrew) pounds.

2017 Ford F-150 Raptor

4. Exterior Style

We already know about the two cab configurations and the box bed that comes with the 2017 Raptor. But there’s much more to this performance truck.

Up front, a bold fascia is evident. As before, FORD block letters grace this truck, the only F-150 so adorned. Above the grille as well as on the front corners you’ll find LED marker lights. Activate the headlamps and the LED accent lights complete the Raptor’s menacing look.

Cast your eyes on the hood and you’ll find functional extractors. Additional extractors are located on the flared front fender. Front to back the Raptor projects confidence and strength with its unique grille insert and surround, wheel lip moldings, cast aluminum running boards, front and engine skid plates, and the tailgate with LED lighting accents. You’ll also find a pair of tow hooks up front and another pair at the rear. There are four cargo box tie-downs too.

As for the wheels, you may be surprised to discover that 17-inch cast aluminum wheels are standard. You can also upgrade to 17-inch forged aluminum bead-lock capable wheels ($1,195). Other upgrades include a tailgate step ($375), spray-in bedliner ($495) and a twin-panel moonroof ($1,295).

2017 Ford F-150 Raptor

2017 Ford F-150 Raptor

5. Under the Hood

Ford could have continued with its 6.2-liter V8 engine when considering its powertrain choices for the Raptor. As for the 5.4-liter V8, it was last used in the 2017 E-Series Cutaway — yes, that E-Series (which was once called the Econoline) lives on in commercial van form.

Wisely, Ford looked at something else, an engine better suited for the now lighter F-150 Raptor: its own 3.5-liter twin-turbo (Ecoboost) V6 engine. Ford’s Ecoboost line has done wonders for the automaker, allowing it to replace heavier and larger displacement engines with smaller, yet more powerful and efficient powerplants.

But utilizing the current engine wasn’t enough. Instead, Ford began working on a high output version in an effort to provide more power and improve fuel efficiency. Not only that, the enhanced engine would work alongside Ford’s new 10-speed automatic transmission.

The updates include an unusual direct and port-fuel injection pairing, stronger and lighter crank and valvetrain components, a modified turbo system with an electronic wastegate, as well as a remade valve train and oil pump. Other changes extend to the engine control calibrations, pistons, turbo compressors and the dual exhaust system.

As a result of the changes, the 2017 Raptor packs 450 horsepower and an astonishing 510 pound-feet of torque. That’s up 39 horsepower and 31 pound-feet of torque respectively over the previous 6.2-liter V8 engine. Remarkable. By the way, that same high-output engine now powers the 2018 Lincoln Navigator.

2017 Ford F-150 Raptor

6. Interior Style

If you’re looking to maximize interior space, then the four-door SuperCrew is where its at. The SuperCab also has four doors, but the rear doors are rear hinged for ease of access/egress to the back compartment.

Seating is for five as all models have bucket seats up front and a 60/40 fold-up rear bench seat. You’ll also find storage areas under the rear seat. Seat surfaces are covered in special cloth trim; leather seats are available.

The front seats are big and supportive. As for the rear seat, there are notable legroom differences between cabs — keep this point in mind when shopping for a Raptor.

Standard features include full power accessories, a tilt and telescopic steering column, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, magnesium paddle shifters (mounted to the steering wheel), and air conditioning.

Optional equipment includes a heated steering wheel ($155). Shoppers can also choose one of two equipment groups. The 801A group ($3,160) brings in 10-way heated power driver and passenger seats with lumbar, leather-trimmed seats, power-adjustable pedals, and a power-sliding rear window.

Choose the 802A Equipment Package ($9,345) and you’ll add a power adjustable tilt and telescopic steering column, heated and cooled front seats, inflatable rear safety belts, and dual-zone climate control.

2017 Ford F-150 Raptor

7. Tech and Safety Features

While much of the attention is on the Raptor’s on- and off-road prowess, we’d be remiss if we’d glossed over the truck’s many tech and safety features.

The standard audio system is simple — six speakers with a CD player, satellite radio, and SYNC voice recognition with a USB port. Upgrades include a 10-speaker Bose audio system with HD Radio, navigation and a SYNC 3 package with an 8-inch screen and additional USB ports. I like the latest SYNC package best — after two tries, this one makes the previous attempts forgivable.

On the safety front, the Raptor has a rearview camera. Customers may upgrade to a 360-degree camera system, which uses sensors to map out a “surround view” of the truck. It is part of a technology package that includes a lane keeping system. Other driving assist systems include blind spot information, trailer sway control, and adaptive cruise control.

2017 Ford F-150 Raptor

8. The Drive: Off-Road

Here’s something very important to know about the 2017 Raptor: you can use it as your daily driver. This is important for one big reason: a pickup truck is about utility and to provide anything less means customers aren’t about to invest at least $50,000 for a sport truck.

This means the Raptor offers a comfortable ride thanks to a compliant suspension and BF Goodrich KO2 tires. The all-terrain tires were built with the Raptor in mind, therefore they’re specially constructed to offer the best blend of on-road comfort and off-road durability.

2017 Ford F-150 RaptorThat said, Raptor fans have mostly off-roading in mind and who can blame them? This model is destined for trails, rock outcroppings and everywhere else where paved surfaces are not found.

Here are some important numbers to keep in mind when off-roading: ground clearance measures 11.45 inches at the base of the running boards, with a water fording depth of 32 inches. The approach angle is 30.2 degrees, the break over height measures 13.6 inches, the break over angle is 22.9 degrees (SuperCab) or 21.8 degrees (SuperCrew), with a departure angle of 23.1 degrees. Rear axle clearance is 9.88 inches.

My off-road antics meant staying local, instead of joining the many people taking in the last of the fall foliage leap peeping in the mountains some four hours to the west of me. It turns out my favorite high-terrain haunts had their first snow of the season. Oh, to combine mountain navigating with driving on slick, icy roads!

Instead, a destination one hour south of me had to do — that’s where a handful of retired lumber trails beckoned me. Most hadn’t been used in a year or two, which meant they were still passable and the new growth hadn’t taken over.

As soon as I set the Raptor’s front wheels on the first trail, I switched to four-wheel drive, selecting 4-High. Once engaged I moved forward, picking up speed as I gauged the trail ahead. With a top speed of 20 to 25 mph, I raced on at a fairly steady clip, pushing through and over brush, slamming through puddles, while keeping my eyes peeled for wildlife.

Just five minutes later I reached my first major clearing where the trail crossed a utility line. That’s where I switched to 4A, a new setting combining four- and all-wheel drive. In other words, this unique arrangement distributes more power to the front wheels as needed, reducing throttle response, while boosting traction and stability control intervention. That was just right for the muddy trail ahead and I was not disappointed.

During most of my trail trekking, I stayed on even ground. On occasion, I eased the Raptor over a forgotten log and continued on. There was one area where I knew I could put the Raptor through its toughest paces, but I declined — too overgrown (who knew what might be lying underneath) and I was by myself. The last thing I wanted was for my story to turn into a dreaded and dismal rescue effort.

Parting Thoughts

Oh, did I forget to mention on-road performance? This beast of a pickup truck certainly gets it done, traveling from 0-60 mph in just 5.3 seconds and completing the quarter mile in 14.1 seconds according to Road & Track. Similar numbers were recorded by Motor Trends.

Matching your all-out speed is a deep booming exhaust note, which resonates through the twin exhaust pipes. Given that much of your driving will be on macadam, these are important points of note.

Figure that you’ll pay way above the Raptor’s $50K starting price. The reason is simple: all the goodies (i.e. convenience features and safety items) are equipment group upgrades. Certainly, you could do without them, but in all likelihood you won’t.

Is $65,000 too much to pay for an F-150? You’re already there if you’re considering the Platinum four-wheel drive grade. And based on Ford data for pickup truck sales, F-150 customers continue to opt for the costlier trims, often matching their choices in luxury models.

2017 Ford F-150 Raptor

2017 Ford F-150 Raptor

2017 Ford F-150 Raptor

2017 Ford F-150 Raptor


Addendum: Hennessey Performance Offers an Even More Powerful Raptor

We’d be negligent if we didn’t add another tidbit about Ford’s Raptor. Specifically, this beast has the attention of aftermarket folk who look at the truck and think of ways to deliver more power or their own special take on what this model could be.

At the top of this list is Hennessey Performance, known for tricking out models from Acura to Nissan. Ford products have benefited too, including the Focus RS, Mustang and GT. Even before Ford released its second-generation Raptor, Hennessey cobbled together a 2015-2016 VelociRaptor, adding a supercharger to Ford’s 5.0-liter V8 engine, delivering 603 horsepower (650 horsepower with the larger supercharger).

For the 2017-2018 Raptor, the VelociRaptor has returned and there are no less than three variants available. The one that caught our attention was the 6×6 model, a $295,000 concept with 6×6 locking rear axles, an upgraded Fox suspension, 20-inch wheels set within off-road tires, and other special touches. It utilizes the same 450-hp engine in the stock Raptor or customers can choose a twin-turbo upgrade to boost performance above 600 horsepower at a cost of $22,500. Although technically a “concept” you can have one custom made by Hennessey Performance. So, what are you waiting for?

Hennessey Performance
For about $300K, this 6×6 VelociRaptor can be yours.

2017 Ford F-150 Raptor

  • MSRP from $49,265 (SuperCab); $51,310 (SuperCrew) — (plus $1,295 destination fee)
  • Price as tested: $65,965
  • Seats five
  • Engine: H.O. 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 gas
  • 450 horsepower @ 5,000 RPM
  • 510 foot-pounds of torque @ 3,500 RPM
  • 10-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 134.2 (SuperCab); 146 (SuperCrew) inches
  • Length: 222 (SuperCab); 231.9 (SuperCrew) inches
  • Width: 86.3 inches (without mirrors)
  • Height: 78.5 inches
  • Passenger volume: N/A
  • Storage volume: 52.8 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: 6,000 (SuperCab); 8,000 (SuperCrew) pounds
  • EPA: 15/18 mpg city/highway
  • Regular gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 26 (SuperCab) or 36 (SuperCrew) gallons
  • Curb weight: From 5,525 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: NR
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 5 years/unlimited miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Dearborn, Michigan

2017 Ford F-150 Raptor

2017 Ford F-150 Raptor

2017 Ford F-150 Raptor

2017 Ford F-150 Raptor


See Also — Aluminum Super Duty: 2017 Ford F-350 Platinum 4WD

Filed Under: New Vehicle Reviews Tagged With: 10-speed transmission, 2017 trucks, F-Series, Ford, Ford F-150 Raptor, Ford Raptor, four-wheel drive, Hennessey Performance, PICKUP TRUCK, Raptor, turbo, VelociRaptor

About admin

Matt Keegan has maintained his love for cars ever since his father taught him kicking tires can be one way to uncover a problem with a vehicle’s suspension system. He since moved on to learn a few things about coefficient of drag, G-forces, toe-heel shifting, and how to work the crazy infotainment system in some random weekly driver. Matt is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association and is a contributor to various print and online media sources.

Reader Interactions

Trackbacks

  1. Aluminum Super Duty: 2017 Ford F-350 Platinum 4WD — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    November 16, 2017 at 6:52 pm

    […] mud puddle traversed. If you want bigly pickup truck off-roading, I suggest you procure a Ford F-150 Raptor. The Raptor is purpose-built for Baja thrills, while the Super Duty 4WD covers everything below […]

    Log in to Reply
  2. America’s Top 10 Selling Vehicles in 2017 — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    January 8, 2018 at 11:01 am

    […] 41st consecutive year, the F-Series is the best-selling truck and vehicle in America, led by the F-150. Notably, sales climbed by 9.3 percent finishing at 896,764 units sold. Further, add in Canadian […]

    Log in to Reply
  3. New Pickup Truck Shopping Tips — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    April 3, 2018 at 8:37 am

    […] Beast of Prey: Ford F-150 Raptor […]

    Log in to Reply
  4. Midnight Edition: 2018 Nissan Titan — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    May 21, 2018 at 6:05 am

    […] of things with its powerful V8 engine. Its transmission, however, now trails some models, including Ford with its 10-speed […]

    Log in to Reply
  5. Fresh Conception: 2017 Nissan Titan Pickup Truck — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    May 21, 2018 at 6:09 am

    […] Beast of Prey: Ford F-150 Raptor […]

    Log in to Reply
  6. King of all Trucks: Ford F-150 Raptor — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    July 20, 2018 at 9:01 am

    […] See Also — Beast of Prey: Ford F-150 Raptor […]

    Log in to Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Highlights of the 2021 Cadillac CT4
  • What is Bidirectional Charging?
  • A Look Back at the Ford Mustang II
  • New Duck-Billed Post Office Trucks Has Some People Quacking
  • Vroom! Lexus Reveals the IS 500 F Sport.

Recent Comments

  • Cadillac V-Series Blackwing Preview! — Auto Trends Magazine on Highlights of the 2021 Cadillac CT4
  • Highlights of the 2021 Cadillac CT4 — Auto Trends Magazine on Cadillac V-Series Blackwing Preview!
  • Introducing the All-New Cadillac CT4 — Auto Trends Magazine on Highlights of the 2021 Cadillac CT4
  • Highlights of the 2021 Cadillac CT4 — Auto Trends Magazine on The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • Highlights of the 2021 Cadillac CT4 — Auto Trends Magazine on Compact Performance:
    2021 Cadillac CT4-V

Archives

  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008

Categories

  • Auto Parts
  • Auto Shows
  • Automotive Career
  • Automotive News
  • Book Reviews
  • Car Tips
  • Classics & Discontinued Models
  • Commentary
  • Commercial Vehicles
  • Concept Vehicles
  • Dealers
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Fleet
  • Fun News
  • Maintenance & Repairs
  • Motorsport
  • New Models
  • New Vehicle Reviews
  • Ownership Experience
  • Product Reviews
  • Special
  • Specifications

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

New!
Check out our Jobs Board!

via GIPHY

Subscribe to Auto Trends

Subscribe in a reader

Social Media

Visit our social media pages:
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest

Where is Matt Currently Published?

The Carolinian (new car reviews)
NAPA Know How Blog
On the Road Again

Pages

  • About
  • Authors List
  • Automotive Brochures
  • Contact
  • Industry Jobs
  • Write
    • Style Guide

Categories

Recent Posts

  • Highlights of the 2021 Cadillac CT4
  • What is Bidirectional Charging?
  • A Look Back at the Ford Mustang II
  • New Duck-Billed Post Office Trucks Has Some People Quacking
  • Vroom! Lexus Reveals the IS 500 F Sport.
  • Introducing the Kia Carnival MPV
  • Goodyear, Cooper Tire to Join Forces
  • Highlights of the 2021 Nissan Rogue
  • 7 Facts About the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt
  • Introducing the All-New
    2022 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV
  • What’s the Future for Chrysler and Dodge Under Stellantis?
  • All About Sobriety Checkpoints
  • Plug It In: Toyota RAV4 Prime
  • About the Volkswagen Taos
  • All-Wheel Drive Finally Comes to the Toyota Camry and We Like It!
  • Growing EV Industry Leaves Countries and Businesses Racing to Meet Increasing Lithium Demand
  • Introducing the All-New 2022 Nissan Pathfinder Crossover SUV
  • At Last! The All-New 2022 Nissan Frontier Revealed.
  • In Photos: 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor!
  • Cadillac V-Series Blackwing Preview!
  • Cost-Effective Crossover: Nissan Kicks
  • 10 Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Car
  • All-New Acura TLX Takes Charge
  • The Golden Years: 6 Memorable Models From the Original Era of Muscle Cars
  • From Datsun to Nissan: 40th Anniversary of the Maxima Sedan
  • The Mazda CX-5 Brings a Premium Touch to the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle Segment
  • 4 Car Upholstery Cleaning Tips
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • The All-New and Formidable 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • Fuel-Efficiency and AWD Champion: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  • Midsize Performance Master: 2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line
  • Performance Hatchback: The All-New 2021 Mazda Mazda3 Turbo!
  • NACTOY Finalists For 2021 Offer Familiar and Futuristic Choices
  • Super Trooper: Nissan Titan Pickup
  • Behind the Wheel of the Popular 2021 Toyota Corolla Sedan
  • Lucid Motors Completes Arizona Factory
  • A Robust Turbodiesel Comes to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • Mid-Engine Masterpiece: The Eighth-Generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
  • Compact Performance:
    2021 Cadillac CT4-V
  • All-Wheel Drive Supplies the Nissan Altima With a Competitive Edge
  • Return of the Toyota Venza!
  • Lexus Brings a Convertible to the Gorgeous LC 500 Line
  • Stellantis Logo Revealed by Peugeot, Fiat Chrysler Ahead of Spring Merger
  • Preview: 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • How to Fix a Broken Rivian Vehicle
November 2017
S M T W T F S
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
2627282930  
« Oct   Dec »

Copyright © 2021 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in