2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R 4x4 - Bottom Line Review

**Update to Review originally posted December 8, 2023**

VENGEANCE SHALL BE A MORE POTENT FEATHERED FOE'S: As retribution for humiliation at the hands of author Michael Crichton and then truckmaker RAM, a more potent feathered dromaeosaurid has been gestated by the Blue Oval Performance Team in Dearborn, Michigan.

The 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R desert racer pickup truck has been hatched to take one final apex predatory bite at the 21st century's TR[e]X, just prior to its announced extinction.

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WHAT: The P702 third generation 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R SuperCrew 4x4 pickup truck is the high-power, off-road racing variant of the fourteenth generation T3 F-Series half ton truck. As with other gas or gas hybrid F-150 Series, an aircraft strength aluminum alloy body sits on a revised steel full boxed-in frame. An available 3.5T V-6 powered F-Series Raptor is the successor to the P552 second generation half-ton Raptor pickup.

Standard Powertrain: 5.2 liter "Predator" intercooled supercharged, dual overhead camshaft, port injection cross-plane crankshaft gasoline V-8 engine, 700 horsepower; 640 pound-feet at 4250 r.p.m.. Fitted with a different blower puller than on the shared S550 Ford Mustang Shelby Cobra GT500, itself an outgrowth of the atmospheric 5.0L "Coyote" V-8 engine, the powerplant is also referred to as the "Carnivore."

• 2.7 liter inverted Eaton TVS R2650 Roots twin 4 lobe rotors, liquid heat exchanger cooled Supercharger; √ 30,000 liters of air / second; 12.0 psi boost
• 94 hp (70 kW) spins supercharger rotors @ 14,160 rpm
• Large air intake + hood heat extractors
• +66% conical air filtration vs. standard 3.5T F-150 Raptor
• 92 mm throttle body
• Forged steel cross-plane crankshaft
• Powder forged steel connecting rods + cracked bearing caps; √ Hardened forged steel 5 main bearing crankshaft secured by 20 bolts; √ Hollow stem intake & sodium filled exhaust valves
• Aluminum heads & deep skirted aluminum block; √ 93mm stroke & 94mm bore; 9.5:1 compression
• Plasma transferred wire arc spray weld cylinder liner coating, Forged aluminum pistons
• High capacity oil cooler; √ twin high flow fuel pumps + 8 x 660 cc/ minute flow fuel injectors
• 11.5 quart capacity, specially baffled sump cast aluminum oil pan
• Stainless steel exhaust manifold headers
• 3.0" inch dual exhaust, 4.5" inch baffled dark anodized tips
  • Variable exhaust valving x 4 levels: Quiet, Normal, Sport, Baja
• +1 NO GAS GUZZLER TAX
• -1 No Line Lock launch mode

Standard Drivetrain: P702 SelectShift 10R80 ten-speed torque converter planetary automatic transmission

• handles +35 lb-ft vs. standard duty 10R80
• heavy duty output assembly + PTFE washers
• four pinion gear carrier
• uprated 260 mm torque converter & heavy duty turbine damper
• re-calibrated software for shift times quicker than co-developed 10L90 fitted to Chevrolet Camaro ZL-1
• Perforated magnesium steering wheel dorsal shift paddles
• BorgWarner Interactive Torque Management 2-speed electronic dash-mount dial, chain and motorized clutch coupled, combination torque-on-demand & shift-on-the-fly transfer case, with mechanical clutch lock

By Comparison: to 2021 RAM 1500 TRX

WHAT (A) STYLING DIFFERENCE: The 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R is based on the 2021 T3 F-Series Mk.2.5 Raptor 3.5T.

In keeping with a menacing militaristic theme, the latest F-150 Raptor adopts a full dark honeycomb grille, with wide spaced "FORD" lettering for a center bar, spanning between the headlight housings. Speaking of lighting, the front housings are less artful vertical rectangles, with simpler inverted inboard hockey stick directionals. Three commercial cab style amber lamps return atop the grille. The hood adopts taller flanking shoulders allowing for a wide & deep center valley that hosts a molded dark plastic heat extractor. The open frame steel bumper gains fog & driving lights. Raptor R's get their own larger extractor and lower valley V-8 mud graphics. In contrast with the new Bronco Raptor, the windshield is seriously raked back.

The 2023 F-150 Raptor R retains the previous generation's 1st Row door windows' forward dip (f0r visibility) and the lower cheatline lateral folds. Fenders and rear quarter panels are more flared than on regular F-Series. Dark plastic upper rear fender vents have grown. More prominent width marker lamps adorn more flared front and rear wheel arches. Larger "F" shaped taillamps come with a lateral bar. This time around, all door hardware and mirrors are body colored, save for the darkened window frames, B-pillars and a black indentation on the mirror caps. As an indication of the "skunkworks" nature of this beast, nary a Blue [or black} Oval is to be found on the exterior.

all Raptors feature:

• Headlamp assembly spanning darkened Honeycomb grille with "FORD" lettering
• Commercial truck cab triple amber lights (atop grille)
• Tall shoulder deep center valley hood +
• Upper hood heat extractor, flanked by RAPTOR lettering, joined to front cowl moulding
• Upper fender aft inboard "F" louvers
• Wider fenders and rear quarter panels
  • Dark wheel arch cladding with front and rear amber width marker lamps
• Heavy duty dark steel rail style front bumper, body color tow hooks
  • Rigid staggered corner array fog & off-road driving lights
• Flared upper tailgate, full span dark clad applique with wide "FORD" lettering
• Heavy duty dark steel rear bumper, with license plate U bowl, dark tow hooks
• Dual exhaust, straight exit tips
• 2nd Row door & quarter panel "RAPTOR" + "digital mud" pattern acrylic graphics
• Crinkle finish perforated aero running boards

Raptor R Unique:

• Racing Red "R"s
  • grille, lower left side
  • "RAPTOR" final letter
    • Hood heat extractor flanks
    • tailgate lower passenger side "RAPTOR" badge final letter
    • rear quarter panel graphics
    • tailgate, lower right side
• Number "8" digital mud pattern designating V-8
  • Rear quarter panel graphics
  • Forward hood graphic
• Triple vent graphite hood heat extractor, flanked by "RAPTOR" lettering
• Hood graphic topped by "SUPERCHARGED V8"
• Extra width, aft rear wheel arch lamp

WHEN: On-Sale (in the U.S.) since Spring 2022

WHERE: Ford Performance new truck dealers

WHERE MADE: Dearborn, Michigan, U.S.A., , (engine - Niche Line, Dearborn, MI)

WHERE TO: As a purpose built off-road racer, the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R comes equipped with all the necessary kit to trample on even the most inhospitable surfaces. Ground clearance borders on junior monster truck, factory wheel articulation is astounding, under-carriage protection is mil-spec, and standard 37" BFG K02, mounted on beadlock wheels, should be able to withstand lunar craters. As with other Raptors, Terrain Management adds a Baja Mode. Formidable variable Fox Racing Live Valve dampers along with higher rated springs are designed to soak up landings from launches over dunes with aplomb, while Recaros keep driver and navigator securely in place.

• Terrain Management modes torque split: 40/60% Auto, 45/55% Snow, Tow, Mud & Sand, 30/70% Sport, 25/75% Baja, 50/50% 4-Low Rock Crawl

Instrumentation thoroughly displays a plethora of performance data. Although a handy steering wheel spoke switch cuts directly to the "R" mode, adjusting the settings, as displayed in the instrument cluster, requires cumbersome switch toggling.

HOW ROAD & OVERTRAIL WORTHY: Without taking away from its smaller engined brother, the Gen. 2.5 Ford F-150 Raptor was born to be stuffed with a supercharged V-8. Certainly, Dearborn was never going to stand still for Sterling Heights' RAM 1500 TRX. While the pushrod Hellcat V-8 comes on quaking and shaking, [in Quiet mode] the F Series Raptor twin-cam "Carnivore" V-8 displays refinement. Tap the steering wheel spoke Active Exhaust switch to move to Normal's rumble, then Sport's throatiness, finally on to Baja's eruption into a "Don't Mess With This" roar. It all makes the every-day F-Series starter push button a downright disappointment.

The Ford slushbox swaps its ten ratios less violently than the RAM ZF 8-speed. Hence, the 2023 F-150 Raptor R is pretty happy moseying around town, where the TRX bucks a bit. And since the bespoke dual action transfer case defaults to rear wheel drive, of the desert racer duo, only the Raptor R can smoke its rear rubber.

Part and parcel of a wide open throttle application, the Predator / Canrnivore mill throttle furiously spins the four lobed upper blower rotors for compression, then dumping it intercooled into the intake with a flood of high test fuel. Since this furious escape act happens sans any high pitched wine [characteristic of the Hellcat twin-screw blower] the twin-cam V-8 feverishly unleashes its own Wagnerian Walkurenritt until each upshift breathes a sigh of backpressure relief. Easing off the throttle, the transmission can skip gears altogether, slowing more naturally, always ready to pick up speed as the operators right Garmont pushes the starboard pedal.

• -1 Ford offers nothing approaching the RAM 1500 TRX Peformance Pages in the media screen
  • Launch control requires steering wheel toggling through gauge cluster displays to activate Launch Control, whereas in the RAM 1500 TRX it is a simple tap of a media display icon

HOW LIMBER: On the way home from beating sand berms into submission, the F-150 Raptor R pays off on the street with quick steering, nimble lane changes, and responsive brake pedal stabbing minus the dive, continuing to defy the laws of physics. The only F-Series that corners flatter is a battery electric one. Thick Fox Live Valve shocks flow their oil with an urgency that banishes harsh jounces. However, lacking rebound control some body bob persists. Operated with the Active Exhaust set to "quiet mode" not even the knobby BFG K-02s do much to disturb occupants aboard.

Suspension Special Bits:

• thicker lower front control arm vs. F-150 Raptor V-6
• 3.1" inch diameter Fox Live Valve bypass dampers, with external reservoirs:
• 37" diameter BF Goodrich All-Terrain KO2 + 17" wheels
• Standard beadlock rim alloy wheels

HOW FAR: 13 mpg combined fuel economy = 8% better than RAM 1500 TRX = -30% worse MPG or +41% greater consumption vs. Ford F-150 Raptor V-6.

HOW BIG/ LITTLE: √ Taller than a rhino, wide and as long as a pachyderm, and heavy as a large bull hippo; √ Accomodates five healthy sized adults, decked out in brush gear

HOW USEFUL: √ Power sliding backlight window; √ Box J-Channel sliding cleats; √ Crinkle finish sprayed-in bed liner; √ Perforated full cab length running boards; √ Folding extendable tow, lower convex wing mirrors; √ Easy action tailgate hinges; √ White LED perimeter zone lighting; √ 60:40 split tilting, 2nd Row bench + fold-up cushions, fold-down backs; √ 2nd Row sub-bench cargo management tray; √ Bed 115V, 400W outlet x 1; √ 1st Row full fore center console deep storage management & saddle pockets; √ 1st & 2nd Row door pocket management.

• +1 Fold out center console Work Surface table (with power folding transmission shift lever)
• Six (6) pre-wired upfitter accessory toggles, located 1st Row overhead console

HOW SAFE: STANDARD: IIHS Top Safety Pick (2023 MY); √ 10 airbags; √ Surround camera w/ predictive grid; √ Audible front & rear park warning; √ Roll mitigation; √ Post collision S.O.S. alert; -1 "Moderate" IIHS small front overlap impact score

INCLUDED (in test vehicle)

• ♦ Blind Spot, rear cross traffic warning; ♦ Adaptive cruise control; ♦ Forward collision avoidance braking; ♦ Lane departure warning, audible w/ slight tug. Front & rear sonar audible/ visible park warning with emergency braking.
  • -1 BlueCruise hands-free driving unavailable

HOW FRIENDLY: It's hard to argue with the intuitive utility of the current F-Series cockpit, with a bevy of performance data readouts and cluster menus, amply large pockets, bins and trays. Who doesn't like the power folding T-shifter which makes way for the fold-out center console Work Surface junior picnic table? And MyFord Sync 4.0A for the most part, runs glitch free and fast in infotainment operation. The low door window sills and cowl impart a commanding driving position. Even some grippy Recaro front bucket seats found their way into the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R .

Displays emphasize typically Ford blue & green hues. A red stripe is planted on the sport steering wheel at six o'clock. Front seat uppers & center arm rest merit Raptor "R" embossing. Splashes of carbon fiber and satin metallic banding are here and there. However, little about the cabin achieves presentation status as in the posh & glam RAM 1500 TRX .

√ Leather trimmed + cloth seating: 1st Row heated + cooled Recaro buckets, driver: 10-way power w/ 3 setting memory, front pax: 8-way power; √ 2nd Row heated outboard seats; √ Power folding side mirrors; √ 4 Pillar grab handles; √ 12.0" inch Digital Productivity Screen instrument cluster + drive mode themes; √ Heated power tilt/ telescoping leather wrapped steering wheel w/ horizontal spoke MFI, audio & driver assist buttons; √ Power adjusting pedals; √ 2-zone auto climate control

Cool Gizmo(s): √ Fold-out center console Work Surface table + power folding center console transmission shift lever; √ Lie flat reclining 1st Row seats

Details Done Right: √ RAPTOR embroidered upper front seat + center console bin lid; √ Red contrast stitching; √ Carbon fiber middle dasboard, door card, console appliques; √ Tight webbed headliner; √ Blue ambient cabin night illumination

Nearly Non-Descript: -1 Hard plastic finished pillars & grab bars; Coarse grain below waist center console saddle and aft cabin wall plastic panels; Low distinction steering wheel spoke controls

• +1 Glove operational
• -1 Some interior rattles, wind noise at speed

HOW CONNECTED: √ MyFord Sync4 center dash embedded 12.0"-inch landscape oriented, capacitive touch LCD infotainment screen; √ Bluetooth & voice command hands-free communications; √ GPS HDD Navigation w/ 3-D map, voice guidance; √ SMS messaging w/ predefined responses; √ USB-A x 2, USB-C x 2, 12V x 2 (dashboard, Row 2), 115V AC x 3 (1st, 2nd Rows, cargo bed); √ Qi inductive charging tray x 1; √ Phone as Key capability

• +1 New Sync4 infotainment user interface = sharper resolution, simplified menus, horizontal & vertical swiping dual panes, comprehensive voice vocabulary, wake up phrase and systems commands.
• +1 Center stack climate + audio control groupings, with traditional knobs
• +1 Concealed forward center console wireless device storage
• +1 Comprehensive user guide picture and video tutorials

HOW AUDIBLY:√ 18-speaker, 1080 watt, 10 channel DSP B&O Play Unleashed audio; √ Row 1 seat headrest speakers w/ uniquely perforated headrests; √ Laser etched aluminum speaker grille covers; √ Streaming audio^{(via bluetooth)} ; √ HD Radio

HOW "APP" -LICABLE:

√ wireless Android Auto / Apple Car Play smart phone projection; √ Amazon Alexa assistant; √ FordPass Apps

• +1 Extensive MyFord Sync4 voice commands for climate, audio, voice to text SMS and navigation inputs

By Subscription: √ 3 years Connected Navigation; √ Sirius XM Traffic, Metro Weather radio & TravelLink apps (5 yrs. included); √ Wi-Fi hot spot x 10 devices (4G LTE by Verizon Wireless); √ FordPass Trailer Theft Alert

HOW MUCH: $109,740 for a 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R SuperCrew 4x4

WHAT'S MISSING: Moonroof; The fit and finish of that Ford is capable of and RAM 1500 TRX possesses; BlueCruise

ANY COMPETITION: RAM 1500 TRX 4x4: +1 luxury tier cabin finish