2023 Ford F-150 Overview

The Ford F-150 Raptor is a SCORE off-road trophy truck that lives
in the world of asphalt. It wears extra-wide fenders, long-travel suspension,
big tires, and the high-performance demeanor of a Baja-bashing race truck. It
even earned a spot on our list of the 10 best trucks and SUVs for 2023. Most
Raptors are powered by a twin-turbo 450-hp V-6 mated to a 10-speed automatic
transmission. An even wilder, more powerful Raptor R is coming, and the Mustang
Shelby GT500’s supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 makes 700 horsepower. -hp version,
which will eventually give the 702-hp Ram TRX something to fear. While the R
comes standard with 37-inch BFGoodrich K02 tires, standard rubber for
twin-turbo V-6 models measures 35 inches, but those 37s are optional.

 Despite
the Raptor’s size, it has one of the smoothest rides we’ve tested in a
full-size pickup. That long-travel suspension, designed specifically to absorb
the bumps, dips, and jumps of high-speed off-roading, is surprisingly soft and
forgiving over everyday potholes and bumpy pavement. Rocks and dunes aside,
fitting an XXL F-150 this size down a tight road or in a parking lot may be the
Raptor’s biggest obstacle.

What’s new for 2023?

Ford adds the mega-horsepower F-150 Raptor R for 2023. The Raptor R
uses the 700-hp supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 Predator engine from the Mustang
GT500. Underneath, a 9.75-inch rear axle with an electronically controlled
locking rear differential with a 4:10:1 ratio will be standard. While 37-inch
tires are standard equipment, Ford also gives the R stiffer front springs and
specially tuned dampers to handle the extra weight. The Raptor R comes standard
with carbon fiber accents throughout the cabin and Recaro front seats with black leather and microsuede blend upholstery.

The F-150 Raptor is offered only with a crew-cab body style called
SuperCrew. Deciding between the more affordable EcoBoost V-6 model and the more
powerful V-8 R model is a tough call. If we take an objective look at the math,
the numbers show that the base price for the Raptor R is about 40 percent more
expensive than the base price of the ‘regular’ Raptor, however, it also has
about 55 percent more horsepower. If you’re after terrific acceleration and
peak performance, the choice is a no-brainer. Opting for the R package also
means Raptor R graphics, appliques, and badging, plus it opens up other
options, including the Raptor Carbon Fiber Package. The glorious moan of this
supercharged V-8 is the cherry on top.

Engine, transmission,
and performance

Under the F-150 Raptor’s new hood, which now features a prominent
heat extractor, is a familiar high-output version of Ford’s 450-hp twin-turbo
3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6. It breathes through a new 3.0-inch exhaust system that
reportedly enhances the truck’s V-6 soundtrack. The engine still mates to a
paddle-shifted 10-speed automatic transmission that feeds all four wheels
through a standard all-wheel-drive system. If that’s not enough for you, just
wait. Raptor R is an even bigger predator. It uses a 700-hp version of the
supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 from the Shelby GT 500 but with 640 pound-feet of
torque.

 Every Raptor rides on a sophisticated suspension that includes large
internal bypass dampers and a five-link rear coil-spring setup. The version we
tested showed off the truck’s incredible traction and ride quality even on the
most treacherous terrain. Along with other chassis enhancements, a choice of
17-inch rims, and a standard set of 35-inch tires, the Raptor is also available
with a set of 37-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires for improved approach,
departure, and breakover angle. Also, ground clearance increases from 12.0
to 13.1 inches. The Raptor R comes standard with 37-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain
T/A K02 tires.

Towing and payload
capacity

The F-150 Raptor can tow even more than its replacement version.
Its maximum payload and conventional tow ratings both increase by 200 pounds to
1,400 and 8,200 pounds, respectively.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The F-150 Raptor is rated for up to 15 mpg in the city and 18 mpg
on the highway. Opting for larger 37-inch tires can lower those figures to 14
mpg city and 16 highway. The V-8-powered Raptor R is — predictably — estimated
at 10 mpg city and 15 highway. Once we get a chance to test one on our own 75
mph highway route, we can estimate its real-world mpg. For more information on
the fuel economy of the F-150 Raptor, visit the EPA website.

Interior, Comfort, and
Cargo

The Raptor’s cabin has the same design layout and passenger space
as the regular F-150 SuperCrew. The high-performance version comes standard
with a 12.0-inch digital gauge cluster and more interior storage space, as well
as what Ford says are better materials. The new steering wheel wears a
laser-etched logo and now has a racecar-style orange emblem at the 12 o’clock position.

 The distinctive aluminum paddle shifters are still hidden behind the spokes.
Along with standard aluminum interior trim, the Raptor is available with
optional carbon-fiber interior accents and more aggressively reinforced Recaro
front buckets. The high-flying pickup will no longer be offered in the
extended-cab (aka SuperCab) body style. At least the Supercrew Crew Cab version
offers more backseat space. It adds up to a 5.5-foot cargo box.