The new, 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor isn't so much a revolution as an evolution. It's boisterously capable, refined and technology focused. Most of that is for the good.
Using the redesigned, next-generation Ford F-150 as a base, the Raptor and Raptor R deliver more of what customers are looking for, if they're the type to actually go off-roading rather than keeping their Raptor as a parking lot princess.
The truck is more of everything than the F-150, and that starts with its looks. The truck's modular front bumper adds prominence to the model when paired with the 35- or 37-inch tires. There's more tire showing in this generation than the last, which allows for aesthetic enhancements and more off-road capability.
The grille features a new blacked-out treatment and fresh headlamp design makes the F-150 Raptor look more aggressive than previous versions.
A modular front bumper and light bar attachment are available. Forged tow hooks only come on the traditional bumper.
Traditional F-150 Raptor blue, red, gray, black and white paint color options are offered. New for 2024, the truck is available in Shelter Green, a dark color whose true characteristics come out under full sunlight.
Available graphics and blackout tape micro texture feature on the exterior of the truck. Its look goes further in the Raptor R variant where specialized graphics feature on the front fenders.
Many of the features and appointments inside the Raptor look and feel familiar to anyone who has been in the current of last-generation F-150.
What doesn't feel familiar is the ride. The new F-150 Raptor comes equipped with Fox Dual Live Valve shocks that have been designed to deliver a more controlled riding experience. They perform admirably on-road and off.
Even when landing the truck from a jump, or taking it through whoops in the desert felt smoother and more refined.
As in its Ranger Raptor, Ford has made the Off-Road drive mode the most purposeful for trail driving. It's capable in most every scenario but still allows the truck to get a case of the wiggles.
Not being able to see climate control or radio functions when the car's camera is active in Off-Road mode is annoying, though a quick tap of the camera button above the display switches between screens easily.
In Baja mode, the truck tends to be less squirrelly, which is partially the point. It is designed to used at higher speeds and in the desert. Though not flawless, Baja mode shows a near-perfect combination of technology and equipment can make you feel like you really know what you're doing in the desert.
Altogether the Raptor offers up seven Terrain Modes for drivers to take advantage of. The modes allow drivers to press their capabilities further, but not forget them. The technology simply assists.
That said, it does it quite well.
Trail Turn Assist, borrowed technology from Bronco, allows a wheel to "drag" when going around a tight corner on a trail. It works with aplomb, just like in Bronco.
This type of technology is likely to become more common as we see vehicles with motors on each wheel rise to prominence. The Mercedes-Benz electric G-Class already offers it and Rivian previously showed that its vehicles were capable of such maneuvers, but they nixed application before it hit the market.
Ford also offers its trucks with Trail Control. Think of it as cruise control for trail driving. It allows a driver to concentrate on steering and larger maneuvering while the truck handles the braking and acceleration. It works well, but drivers still need to be conscious of rocks and divots that could damage the vehicle, and steer around them, or manually brake appropriately.
Ford has put its heralded, supercharged, 5.2-liter V8 engine into the Raptor R, a master class in power production. It squeezes out 720 horsepower (hp) and 640 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque in this generation of the truck.
The base model Raptor comes with a twin-turbocharged V6 engine that delivers a comparatively paltry 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque.
Both engines are matched with Ford's 10-speed automatic transmission, tuned with the same gear ratios.
The cabin of the truck is infused with the same utility and technology as the traditional F-150. Matching 12-inch infotainment and driver information screens display nearly ever bit of information about the truck your heart could desire, paired with neat-enough graphics to keep it interesting.
Ford has also installed a good amount of driver assistance and safety technology in the truck, though it is not equipped with Blue Cruise, Ford's hands-free driving technology.
If you're not planning to go full Baja mode with the F-150 Raptor or Raptor R, the Ford F-150 Tremor is a more price-conscious option with plenty of capability for the average off-roader. But, it just doesn't look as cool.
Starting at $78,440 before destination and delivery fees, the F-150 Raptor isn't the priciest truck on the market, but it also isn't the most luxurious. The Raptor R goes all-in at over $113,000, making it a true luxury model. Where it underachieves in interior and driving technologies that a usual luxury vehicle has, it makes up for in off-road prowess and looks.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Eileen Falkenberg-Hull leads the Autos team at Newsweek. She has written extensively about the auto industry for U.S. News & ... Read more
