Written by Marco Carvajal
Photograph by Marco Carvajal
Raptor? Tough, smart and capable, that is the F-150 Raptor
I am test driving the full size 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor 4×4 Supercrew. Some are familiar with the name of Ford’s Raptor, but for others, the Raptor model name sounds just like a cool name.
The Raptor model trim level is the highest-performance version of the Ford F-Series pick up trucks.
The word Raptor means to seize or take by force, hunting live prey. Raptor birds can detect their prey from a very long distance or while flying.
Raptors have strong feet equipped with talons for grasping or killing prey, and powerful, curved beaks for tearing flesh. When Ford created the Raptor, Ford’s designers, architects and engineers tried to create the strongest and most capable pickup truck in the market, an automobile as agile, strong and fast as a Raptor bird.
The Ford F-150 is a class leader pickup truck with constant exciting new upgrades, it is a modern full-size pickup. It has been one of the best-seller pickup trucks during 4 decades and it is here to stay.
The Ford F-150 is one of the most popular trucks in the United States, especially because it is one of the most capable vehicles. The F-150 is available in a wide variety of trim levels, comes with many available propulsion systems and offers large towing capabilities, my favorite model is the F-150 Raptor the one I am test driving.
The F-150 Raptor is the highest performance F-150. The Raptor is powerful in terms of torque and horsepower, powered by the high-output 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. However, high-performance off-road requires more than a strong engine. Part of the key in the success of the Raptor’s performance is its advanced adaptive suspension, ready for any off-road.
Ford is making its iconic F-150 Raptor, even better with upgraded technology including class-exclusive, electronically controlled FOX shocks, new Trail Control and all-new Recaro sport seats.
The new upgraded f-150 Raptor produces amazing off-road performance, it is equipped with smarter shocks and new trail control. To enhance the Raptor’s internal bypass shocks, Ford developed an all-new electronically controlled Live Valve technology for the new platform that continuously adjusts damping in real-time. This class-exclusive setup uses sensors in the suspension and body to maximize comfort, handling and bottom-out resistance, producing one of the best suspensions ever made.
The F-150 Raptor is built at Ford’s Dearborn Truck Plant in Dearborn, Michigan
2019 Ford F-150 Raptor Price
The Raptor is not a cheap toy, you have to pay more than 50K, but it is totally worth it. If budget limits the purchase of the Raptor then there are other F-150 trims available at a lower price.
- 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor 4×4 Supercrew MSRP $55,840
2019 Ford F-150 Raptor 4×4 Supercrew Highlights
- High-Output 3.5L V6 EcoBoost Engine.
- 24-valve, 3.5L twin-turbo HO EcoBoost with Ford port-fuel and direct-injection (PFDI) system
- 10-speed automatic, generating a massive best-in-class
- 450 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. of torque.
- 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor features class-exclusive FOX 3.0 Internal Bypass shocks with Live Valve technology that can adapt to terrain in real-time to actively maximizes handling, comfort, and bottom-out resistance
- New Trail Control system is like cruise control for low-speed, rugged terrain – automatically adjusting to send power and braking to each individual wheel to allow drivers to focus on steering along the trail
- All-new Recaro sport seats help keep drivers secure at low and high speeds off-road
- Easy Fuel Capless Fuel Filler
- SecuriCode Keyless Entry Keypad, Driver’s Side
- 16 MPG average (15 city / 18 highway)
“Raptor’s success is rooted in its incredible suspension, superb vehicle control and the confidence the truck instills in its owners,” said Hermann Salenbauch, global director, Ford Performance vehicle programs. “Upgrades to the 2019 F-150 Raptor have improved all three to new levels that the competition will have to benchmark – again.”
The F-150 Raptor has been designed for every driver. Besides its great power and performance, it also can be a great everyday automobile to take the kids to school, go shopping or enjoy a ride around town, this pick up truck adapts itself to almost any environment.
Some of the main competitors of the F-150 are the Ram 1500, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and its brother the GMC Sierra.
Today after several years of enhancements, upgrades, and evolution we can drive the best Ford F-150 Raptor. The Ford F-150 is part of the F series which has been in production for 60 years. There have been 12 generations of this iconic truck.
