We waited long enough! How does the new supercharged-V8 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R handle the dunes? Is it really better than the Ram TRX? Here is my first-drive review.
The Raptor R is based on the 3rd-generation F-150 Raptor chassis and platform. It has a very similar FOX 3.1 Live Valve suspension system as the other Raptor trucks. The 5.2-liter Predator SC V8 adds just about 100 pounds to the truck. Is it about the same truck as any other new Raptor? No!
The aforementioned 5.2-liter supercharged V8 is a gem. We all know the power numbers [700 hp @ 6,650 rpm and 640 lb-ft @ 4,250 rpm], but what I did not immediately expect is how quickly this engine revs and builds power. Just step on the loud pedal, the beefed-up 10-speed automatic transmission seems to always be in the correct gear, and the revs build to the redline in a blink of an eye. Redline? It’s somewhere near 7,000 rpm. Simply put – this does not feel like a truck engine. It feels like they put a sports car engine into a truck, and it’s glorious.
How about the Ram TRX comparison? These two trucks are quite similar. The TRX puts a smile on your face every time you hit the throttle. The Ram’s 6.2-liter Hellcat V8 and its supercharger come to a boil with magnificent sound. However, the Predator V8 just feels a bit more rev-happy than the larger Hellcat.
So what’s going on here? Well, these are high-performance trucks, so we need to look at the power-to-wait ratio for these big beasts.
| Ford F-150 Raptor R | Ram TRX | |
| Curb Weight | 5,984 lbs | 6,350 lbs |
| Engine | 5.2L SC V8 | 6.2L SC V8 |
| Power | 700 hp @ 6,650 rpm | 702 hp @ 6,100 rpm |
| Torque | 640 lb-ft @ 4,250 rpm | 650 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm |
| Transmission | 10-speed Auto | 8-speed Auto |
| Rear Axle Ratio | 4.10-to-1 | 3.55-to-1 |
| Tires | 37-inch BFG AT KO2 | 35-inch Goodyear Territory MT |
| Top Speed | 112 MPH [tire limited] | 118 MPH [tire limited] |
| – | – | – |
| Power to Weight | 8.548 lbs/hp | 9.045 lbs/hp |
| – | – | – |
| 2WD mode? | Yes | No |
| 4LO? | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Locker? | Yes | Yes |
| Front Locker? | No | No |
| – | – | – |
| Starting Price | $109,145 | $82,000 approx. for 2022 |
As you can see, the Raptor R and the Ram TRX are quite a bit different on paper as well. The Raptor R has a significant power-to-weight advantage. The TRX must carry an extra half a pound for every horsepower. It means that these two trucks may have nearly identical 0-60 MPH acceleration times.
I did a real-world Raptor R 0-60 MPH on a slightly damp pavement in Sport mode. The truck spun all four wheels and registered a 4.4-second 0-60 MPH. See the video below.
It’s very fun to launch this truck. Please stay tuned for a drag race and many more real-world reviews very soon.
Check out the full first-drive video here at the TFLtruck Youtube channel.
The truck market is full of some pretty fantastic options. Notably, many of them come from Ford, and the F-150 Raptor R stands as one of the best modern trucks on the market. This truck shines because it takes an already superb vehicle, the Ford F-150 Raptor, and gives it quite a boost in performance. In fact, the Raptor R uses the engine first used in the Shelby GT500, which means it's quite a beast.
Now, here’s a new model of the Ford F-150 Raptor R coming to the market. Interested buyers can get it late this fall. Not only does this truck bring with it the performance of a Mustang, but it’s also a stylishly rugged vehicle designed for various terrains. The 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R is the perfect addition to an already incredible lineup of trucks, and it’s also an excellent option for anyone in the market for a new truck.
There are many reasons why Ford still reigns supreme when it comes to pickup trucks. The upcoming F-150 Raptor R is one of those reasons as it provides everything a truck owner could ever need while also being different from the rest.
Here’s a detailed look at the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R.
The 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R Has An Impressive Engine
via Ford
Saying that the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R is powerful would be a gross understatement. After all, it has the engine of one of the most iconic Ford Mustangs under its hood. According to Ford, the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R has a behemoth 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine with a maximum output of 700 horsepower and a torque of 640 lb-ft. Interested buyers should note that the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R contains the automaker’s most powerful engine. In addition, Ford recalibrated the supercharger and enhanced the pulley for this vehicle, which vastly increased its off-roading capabilities. These updates also increase torque delivery at the low-end and mid-range speeds, representing the speeds drivers use the most.
Regarding speeds, Ford hasn’t yet said how fast the vehicle will accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour. However, the TRX is a comparable vehicle, so we expect it to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in about 4.2-seconds. The previous model did the feat in 5.2-seconds, which was also quite respectable, but with the use of the engine from the Shelby GT500, the 4.2-second estimate feels logical. Overall, Ford intended this truck to be ultra-powerful. However, even more so, the automaker made it for off-roading. The increased power used here means not only can it handle all terrains, but it helps make this a durable truck. So, the fact that it's fast is a bit of a bonus.
The 2023 F-150 Raptor R Interior Is Premium
via Ford
Interestingly enough, one of the most critical aspects of new trucks is the exterior. This emphasis on the interior wasn’t always the case, as people often considered trucks for farm work. However, nowadays, all sorts of people buy trucks, which means the interiors of these vehicles must be on par with what comes in cars and SUVs. The 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R’s interior has everything the modern-day busy person needs. The interior is primarily black and contains Standard Recaro performance seats in leather and Alcantara suede. The doors, media bin, and upper parts of the instrument cluster contain carbon fiber.
As far as technology goes, this truck has it all. It comes with a 12-inch touchscreen compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Not only that, but the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R comes with special technology to make offroading easier. One example is Trail Turn Assist. The 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R interior represents the best of modern-day truck technology. It also shows why Ford is still king of the pickup truck and has been for such a long time.
The 2023 F-150 Raptor R Has A Rugged Exterior
via Ford
The 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R is quite striking. It has a relatively large body, but it doesn't look like a truck that most people would have trouble driving. But still, it has that aggressive and rugged look we all love in a truck. One of the first things people will notice about it is the grille. It's the usual F O R D grille, but it’s painted black with the R badge, which you can also see on other parts of the vehicle. Other standouts are the black bumpers and fenders. Regardless of which of the eight colors you get for your truck, these accents make it stand out and give it the aggressive look people know this truck for.
The 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R is a truck for people who want a more high-performance option for their pickup. Not only is it fast and powerful, but the Raptor R is one of the most stylish trucks in recent memory. It has a simplicity that compliments its aggressive look in more ways than one. As a result, this truck is worth its $109,145 price tag.