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This is the Ford F-150 Raptor.

Let’s start with some of the serious changes on the Raptor like suspension. Ford has plussed this thing out to 11.


There’s an all-new 5-link rear suspension, with coils!!! Chipping in to make this the most capable Raptor ever, yes, I said it, is the Fox live valve internal bypass shocks Ford’s stuffed under this thing.

They’re electronically controlled and adjust damping at the rate of 500:1 second. That’s twice what the previous generation Raptor’s did by comparison.


The 3.1-inch diameter shock bodies should be able to manage heat more efficiently so you’re not overwhelming them when hauling all the A.

Also, a Panhard bar that keeps the live rear axle laterally located to the frame helps with stability and traction. Because of the near rear end, there are new control arms and every joint in the front so it’s now able to stay in lockstep with the rear.


My favorite style of off-road driving is Baja style and the Raptor loves it, too. There’s now more travel, both upfront (14-inches) and in the rear(15-inches) this Raptor eats up whoops and washboard so much better than the last one did. Such an improvement.


If you get the Raptor with 37-inch tires, then that travel diminishes by an inch both front and back, but you get more ground clearance instead 13.1-inches to be exact.


Getting those bigger tires will also add beefier dampers to handle the extra weight. So, no need to diet.


Underneath the hood is Ford’s 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6.

Power numbers are still solid in the last version of this truck. (graphics: 450 hp/510 lb. ft torque)


And for those super bummed about no V-8, well the Raptor R with a supercharged V8 shows up in 2022. But I wouldn’t be too disappointed, because this big boy has a lot of power to do a ton of stuff.


You can help attribute that to Ford’s 10-speed auto with a 2-speed transfer case. It’s a solid transmission for the application here, and you can always mess around with it manually if you’re wanting it to do stuff it doesn’t see coming.


In Baja mode, it holds gears nice and long so you don’t lose power when you need it most, though in the sand you might find yourself needing to manually shift. Also, Danger thinks it’s really cool that it rev matches when you downshift in Sport mode. Super sporty.



If you’re tackling technical stuff, you get a standard electronic locking rear diff, an optional Torson limited slip-up front. With those employed, there isn’t really a whole lot the Raptor can’t handle, as long as the F-150’s wheelbase and breakover don’t get in your way.


Underneath all of that is a New F-150 platform that only comes in Super Crew body form. But it’s been even more reinforced and should be tough enough to handle as much insanity as drivers can throw at it. I sure tried some stuff.


If we look at the interior super fast, you’ll see a 12-inch digital gauge cluster and 12-inch infotainment. You can also get 360-degree cameras to help spot you if your friends are busy laughing super hard.

The terrain management system on Ford off-road vehicles is wickedly effective.

You can genuinely feel the dynamics of the damping, transmission, and steering change underneath you.


For those of you buying this who land in the safety third category, Ford’s got your back because CoPilot360, that’s a very thorough suite of safety features comes standard. You’re welcome.


Gas mileage. Yeah, do not buy this for the gas mileage. (Graphic: 15 mpg city/16 mpg highway).

It does tow up to 8200 pounds and that makes those numbers go down.


The on-road manners of the Raptor are surprisingly good. And I was driving with those 37-inch tires. There wasn’t an overabundance of noise. I will partially give credit to the BFGoodrich K02 tires that are my favorite to wheel on. From the comfort thanks to the new suspension, how the steering firms up at speed, the excellent adaptive safety features that aren’t intrusive, driving the Raptor on the road feels like you’re driving a much smaller truck.

At least until you try and park it.


The 2021 Ford Raptor has a starting price of $64,145. With a full load of options, the Raptor can exceed $80,000. None of those prices include the $1,695 destination fee.

I’m very impressed with the improvements Ford made on the Raptor. Or, am I? Hmmmm, I think I’m going to have to drive it a bunch more to make sure.

Kidding. Quite an upgrade over last gen. Nice job, Ford.

I’m shocked that Micah didn’t chopper out here himself, but man, am I glad he didn’t. There’s gonna be more to dig into with the Raptor, but for now, I need to go do more stupid things.


00:00 2021 Ford Raptor
0:22 Exterior
1:22 Driving Impressions
3:05 Engine
5:35 Interior