*All information in this article has been revised and updated for the latest 2021-2022 models.
Work hard and play harder in the off-road-ready 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor truck.
Why choose the 2021 Ford Raptor?
If your work-play balance tends to tip more towards play – the rugged outdoor kind – then you’ll love the 2021 F-150 Raptor. As the F-150’s off-road-ready model, the Raptor is all about adventure. Indeed, you’ll be hard-pressed to find another truck that’s more capable in the sand, sleet, snow, and mud. Its high-performance engine even helps you maneuver through boulder fields.
What’s under the hood?
The 2021 Raptor puts some serious power at your fingertips. It comes with the F-150’s strongest engine, which has been specially configured to deliver even more power than usual. The Raptor’s upgraded 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 makes 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. (By comparison, the regular version of this engine makes 375 horses and 470 pound-feet of torque.) Whether you’re getting up to speed on the highway or cruising through uncut off-road terrain, this powerhouse engine is on your side.
We can also give the F-150 Raptor’s 10-speed automatic transmission an excellent review. When you ask for more speed, it delivers. There’s even a Tow/Haul driving mode that locks out higher gears to maximize performance when you’re moving heavy weight.
What exactly can the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor do?
Want to slide down sand dunes? Scale mountains? Trounce through the mud? The F-150 Raptor does all of that and more. This off-road-ready truck has everything you need to move through the elements with confidence.
Its reinforced frame, flared fenders, and skid plates help you handle the hard stuff, including mountainous terrain. The F-150 Raptor’s modified long-travel suspension and Fox shocks maximize precision on especially difficult trails. The F-150 Raptor even includes a special four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing and upgraded off-road tires – two must-have features in rugged territory.
The F-150 Raptor’s Trail Control system is essentially a version of cruise control that’s specially designed for off-road performance. Simply set your desired speed and the system automatically adjusts acceleration and braking on low-traction off-road trails.
What features are offered on the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor?
The F-150 Raptor offers all three F-150 cabin options – regular, extended SuperCab, and SuperCrew – with one available bed--the short 5.5-foot bed. Inside, it’s nicely equipped with modern tech features, including the Sync 3 system with its now 12-inch touchscreen interface and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. The Raptor’s exclusive interior trim and leather-and-cloth upholstery set it apart from other F-150 cabins.
New upgrades include a redesigned rear suspension, 5-link coil-spring setup, larger internal-bypass dampers and available 37-inch tires. Interior redesigns like a fully-digital gauge cluster and a shifter that folds flat into the center console are also among some exciting changes.
How much is the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor?
This rugged beast starts at $65,840. With its best-in-class off-road performance – and all of the hardware that entails – including the strongest version of the F-150’s engine – we’d say that’s an excellent deal.