RAPTOR SWOOPS TO CONQUER
Built for the Baja but happy on the highway, I felt like the king of the road while piloting the high-performance 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor 4X4 Supercab pickup.
Whether you’re bopping to the hardware store, chewing up some trail, hauling gear to the work site or heading out to dinner with your lovely lady, the Raptor does it all. As a longtime F-150 fan who has tested a couple of other models, I found the Supercab’s shorter 133-inch wheelbase provided a particularly nice ride, especially in the city.
Ford has replaced the 6.2-liter V-8 that was found in the first generation Raptor with a 3.5-liter turbocharged V-6 Ecoboost power plant that is mated to a 10-speed automatic. The V-6 provides a whopping 450 hp, which is actually more than
the V-8, and easily moves this aluminum- and composite-bodied machine. In-town mileage was just 15 mpg and the Ford tops out at 18 mpg on the highway, though the monster-sized fuel tank will carry you far between pit stops.
Although rear-wheeldrive is the default setting, the F-150 offers several allwheel-drive configurations ranging from Normal to Baja that change shift points and power distribution to the wheels. The Fox Racing shocks and suspension eat up dusty trails while the road ride is composed and quiet despite the huge lugged tires.
Trimmed out in a near blackout scheme with “Raptor” decals on the sides of the flared rear fenders, matte finished hood, louver grilles and monster Goodrich allterrain tires, the Raptor cuts a bold silhouette.
The dominant grille adorned with oversized “FORD” letters and LED-ringed headlamps lets everyone know what’s coming down the road.
A quick step on the running board lands you in a very comfortable and supportive black and gray leather-trimmed captain’s seat. The rear bench seat can host three in the extended cab. Soft-touch surfaces are attractive, yet rugged, and there are many cubbies and storage bins. Access to the rear is through the reverse opening hatches and legroom is a tad tight. The instrumentation is clean and easy to read, starting with the dual-gauge dash that frames a digital display. The center-mounted console holds the upgraded Sony infotainment center with the best version of Ford Sync 3 touch screen technology to date.
While eye-catching for sure — a state trooper actually pulled me over to admire the truck — it’s a workhorse. The smooth-lowering tailgate opens to a courtesy LED-lighted 5.5-foot lined bed with tie-downs and factory-installed trailer hitch prewired with electrical connections. Rated tow capacity is 8,000 pounds and Pro trailer backup assist takes some of the guesswork out of parking.
Base priced at $48,325, our sporty optioned-up Raptor rang in at $63,225.
So as the name suggests, this sharp, responsive and strong pickup is a tantalizing option in the popular pickup segment.