It’s been three generations of pure Ford power with the Ford F-150 Raptor. The Raptor has been able to specialize in off-roading capabilities, towing, and all-around reliability for over a decade. There is a reason this impressive truck is here to stay. If you need to buy a used truck, the Raptor showcases the best of what the F-150 has to offer year after year.
FIRST GENERATION FORD F-150 RAPTOR (2010-2014)
From its inception in 2010, the Raptor focused on off-roading. It originally came from the 2010 Ford SVT and offered the new option of an upgraded engine specifically designed for taking things off the beaten path with a 5.4-liter V8 engine with the option of a 6.2-liter. This four-wheel drive, six-speed automatic was made for both the pavement and the dirt. In 2011, the 5.4-liter was phased out and was instead replaced solely by the 6.2-liter. The 411 horsepower, power-hungry truck also features 434 pound-feet of torque, increased suspension, and 2.5-inch diameter internal bypass shock absorbers. It was stellar at being reliable everywhere it went, and nearly doubled as a monster truck with the jumps it was able to withstand. In 2011, four doors became an option as well, with the extended cab only being offered previously. Outside of yearly upgrades that were included in the regular F-150, you’ll be able to find all the standard tech features year after year.
SECOND GENERATION FORD F-150 RAPTOR (2017-2020)
Ford took a short hiatus from making the Raptor for a couple of years before getting back into the game in 2017, with all new improvements that were worth the upgrade. This time the Raptor had an even stronger focus on upgrades and offered more packages and features that were not available in the standard models. The Raptor sported a brand new, muscular look – wide and imposing but also sleek and focused on the tech advancements it had made. Despite being stronger in appearance, the truck was also five hundred pounds lighter with the physical modifications made. The engine was now a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 and a 10-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive and produced 450 horsepower. The gas mileage improved by about five mpg and a better focus on off-roading was kept with the addition of the added two inches of ground clearance and 3.0 internal-bypass shock absorbers with live valve tech. The interior got an added carbon fiber package not found on other models with other choices for design upgrades on the inside. This Raptor also added a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, blind spot monitoring, and six different drive modes on its Sync 3 infotainment system among many other Raptor-exclusive features.
THIRD GENERATION FORD F-150 RAPTOR (2021-PRESENT)
The third generation seeks to sum up a lot of what made the two previous generation Raptors so successful, into one great truck. This Raptor is now only available as a SuperCab like the first generation. The powertrain has remained the same for the most part in this generation as the last, but in 2023 the option to own a Raptor R will bring back the monstrous V8 engine drivers loved before and produce 700 horsepower. A continued focus on creating the best off-roading experience has been at the forefront of Ford’s effort with the Raptor, as this generation introduced the options for Baja and Rock Crawl modes to better customize what your truck does for you out on the trail. The new 12-inch infotainment system goes great with a fully customizable digital cluster, all available on the new and innovative Sync 4 system. This system gives drivers the option to update their tech over the air with the incorporation of the FordPass app, taking care of your truck right from your phone in the digital age. The app also allows you to take control of your Raptor’s hands-free function such as remote car start, further emphasizing Ford’s push into the future with one of the most luxurious off-roading experiences there is on the market.