There’s no shortage of impressive features with this big truck – the 2021 F-150 Raptor. The first model of the Raptor was released about 10 years ago. The Gen I Raptor cars were designed with powerful V8 engines. But with the release of the Gen II in 2017, this car started to feature turbo V6 engines. It wasn’t the same amount of power, but the mechanical beast is capable of generating 450 hp and 510lb/ft of Torque.
Last year, Chrysler came out with a beast of their own that was the perfect answer to the Raptor’s dominance – the Ram TRX. The TRX had an in-built supercharged V8 engine that could produce as much as 700hp. Finally, we have another new Raptor and you must be wondering if this is a perfect answer to the TRX. Keep reading to find out.
Overview
The 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor sports the same engine as the Gen II raptors, including a striking physical resemblance. This means that the new Gen III truck shares similar technology and innovative features with the Gen II. While this similar design is not a bad thing, both trucks seem like a replica of each other. It would even be more difficult to differentiate between both cars without observing some of their key features. The great thing to note about the Raptor is that they still have more cars ready to be released. According to Ford, a high-performance Raptor will be released next year and it promises to outshine the Ram TRX. The future promises to have a supercharged V8 engine that will produce as much as 750hp. This new car set to be released is a clear indication of where the Raptor outclasses the TRX – a variety of models to choose from. You could choose to get a powerful beast or upgrade to a super-powerful truck from the same manufacturer.
In this piece, we’ll be taking you through a thorough breakdown of one of the most powerful pickup trucks on the market. Let’s go!
Exterior Design
This truck looks like an ideal off-road vehicle with lots of similarities to the older model. The vehicle’s aesthetic properties stand out as a result of the work put into its exterior. There are specially designed graphics on the body of the 2021 Ford Raptor, including the number 37 displayed close to the truck’s rear end and on the fender. There’s also another graphic showing the topographical map of the Baha 1000 racecourse and the race’s actual route in a similar position, which is a clear indication of the car’s essence.
As an additional bonus to the already impressive exterior properties, the 2021 Raptor is pre-designed with a 37-performance package that also includes 37-inch tires.
Interior and Comfort
The new Raptor also places a great amount of focus on the vehicle’s interior. The seats of this big truck are completely noticeable and far from boring with their blue-swayed, blue leather, and orange-trimmed stitching. This cool color scheme is also applied to the door panel and dashboard, as a part of the 37-performance package. Another nice addition is the Raptor logo that’s stitched and embroidered onto the center console and seats, and the variety of charging ports included.
Now, the raptor takes things to the next level with its custom-made B & O sound system. Speakers are inserted into different parts of the vehicle’s interiors including the seat’s headrest. That way, you are guaranteed the best possible sound experience. There’s also an adjustable flat surface next to the driver’s seat that can be pulled out from the center console and over the gearbox. What’s even better is the inclusion of a small dial that can be used to alter the driving mode of the truck. There are different modes to try out depending on the needs of the driver. Drivers can also switch the gear system to a manual mode that offers more centralized control of the vehicle.
The interior design features more control options that make it easier to move the vehicle on normal roads and in off-road conditions. There’s a trail-control button located above the central screen that’s useful in getting out of tough spots like sandy or rocky terrain. On the roof of the car, you’ll also find 6 switches, namely; Aux 1 – 6. They allow for the smooth installation of LED lights without necessarily damaging the car’s interior. An improved camera system allows the driver of this vehicle to monitor several exterior angles for easier movement.
Power and Performance
The engine of the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor bears many similarities to the Gen II Raptor. Beneath the hood of the F-150 Raptor, there’s a heat extractor installed to prevent overheating or any damage to parts. This new truck also offers a similar output to the older Raptor with a 450hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. There’s still enough power output to keep up with the toughest tracks out there.
As a form of improvement to the older model, the engine also comes with a paddle-shifted 10-speed automatic transmission which controls all wheels with a state-of-the-art all-wheel-drive setup. Asides from the powertrain that’s generating so much data, the vehicle comes with a larger internal-bypass damper and a five-link rear coil-spring setup. This offers the vehicle better handling and traction than older models.
Fuel Economy
The 2021 Raptor is designed to have a 15 mpg rating in the city and 18 mpg when driven on the highway. If you opt for the 37-inch tires, the fuel consumption reduces to 14 mpg in the city and 16 mpg on a highway.
Towing Capacity
Based on chassis improvements, larger compartments, and tougher body construction, the 2021 F-150 Raptor can move more weight than any of its older cousins. The maximum payload and two ratings are 1400lb and 8200lb respectively.
Safety
Just like other F-150s, this high-performance truck offers high-level driver assistance. There’s a Trail control system and Trail 1-Pedal drive that help with tough off-road scenarios. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rates this vehicle to be fairly safe to drive.
Warranty
Ford does not offer the same level of maintenance as other manufacturers such as Toyota, GMC, and Chevy, but it still covers a competitive limited and powertrain warranty.
Competitors
The Ford F-150 Raptor takes its place among the top pickup trucks around the world. Many have compared this model with Chrysler’s RAM TRX. Another notable competitor of this huge truck is the Shelby GT500