Twelve years ago, Ford Motor Company introduced to the world the F-150 Raptor, a truck that would soon become the iconic off-road showpiece. Ford designed the truck specifically to race through desert conditions, and they were wildly successful in their endeavor. Entering its third generation, the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor is just as aggressive looking and just as competent in the sand as ever with increased performance and capabilities.
The Raptor is, in essence, a beefed-up F-150 loaded with an arsenal of performance features and upgraded off-road components that are sure to impress and appeal to the most hardcore off-road enthusiasts. That said, the Raptor will also appeal to the casual driver who will drive this truck back and forth from work and running errands on the weekends. This is because Ford worked diligently to balance the off-road capabilities of the Raptor with comfort. That is, the Raptor is just as fun to drive on a daily basis on paved roads as it is to drive through rugged terrain. Think of the Raptor as the mild-mannered Clark Kent on the roads and highways and Superman on the sand and trails. As such, the Ford F-150 Raptor attracts a nice mix of drivers.
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The interior of the Raptor has also gone through a few notable changes for the 2021 model year. Drivers can look forward to a fully digital instrument cluster, a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a shifter on the center console that conveniently folds down to expose a flat surface perfect for a laptop or other electronic devices. After all, we did say that the Raptor would appeal to a broader group of people, and that includes those who are in the field during working hours.
The Raptor includes the latest version of the SYNC 4 infotainment system, which boasts twice the computing power of its predecessor. The SYNC 4 system incorporates all of the cloud-based services enabled by the FordPass Connect ecosystem and holds the capability to perform updates on the fly. Other improvements the SYNC 4 enjoys of the previous version include the ability to display multiple apps on the screen and improved multitasking capabilities.
One might think that a truck with such adeptness and mastery on the trails and in the sand will ride like a typical truck on the paved roads of our country; you know, a bumpy, clunky, and generally uncomfortable experience. You will be surprised when you sit behind the wheel of the Raptor and discover a connected and comfortable interior. Whether you choose the base level with fabric and leather seats or higher trim levels with suede accents on the seats, the large upper and lower side bolsters keep you safe and secure as you are flying over sand dunes. RECARO bucket seats are available on the higher trim levels should you choose.
Since the Raptor is all about performance, it makes perfect sense for Ford to include a performance steering wheel that features paddle shifters and controls that access drive modes and exhaust system modes. The exhaust system mode is actually a feature that will appeal to many for various reasons. While some drivers are happier with a quieter exhaust, others find a noisier exhaust quite appealing. The exhaust mode offers quiet, normal, sport, and Baja settings for your enjoyment.
While it is of little surprise that the Raptor's interior is packed with features that bolster its performance, there are also plenty of comfort and tech features that enhance your driving experience. The infotainment system employs a 360-degree camera, boasts wireless Apple AirPlay and Android Auto, and offers up-to-date traffic conditions. The Raptor-specific graphics on the digital instrument cluster is a sophisticated touch.
We know; everybody was holding their collective breath in hopes of a V8 for the 2021 Raptor. Well, we are going to have to wait for next year before that becomes a reality. Ford is currently working on a V8 that will compete with the Ram 1500 TRX, and it is rumored to boast around 750 horsepower, so stay tuned. However, the 2021 Raptor carries over the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, which has enjoyed a few updates.
It might not be a V8, but the current V6 still offers plenty of power and impressive towing capacity. Truck enthusiasts are all about towing capacity and payload, but the Raptor was not built under the assumption it will be used in working environments. In a nutshell, you don't buy a Raptor for its ability to transport heavy loads; you own a Raptor for its off-road capabilities. After all, you don't expect a work truck to fly over sand dunes, so there is no reason to expect the Raptor to offer top-tier towing capacities.
That said, you can use the Raptor in any capacity you desire, even as a work truck. For those who will be using the Raptor for work-related purposes, you will appreciate Pro Power Onboard, which will allow you to use your Raptor as a mobile generator. You can use the 2.0 kilowatts of output to power everything from camping equipment to power tools.
The first time you see the all-new Ford Raptor, you might not notice much of a difference, but look closer and you will notice new side vents on the top of the fender that actually serve a purpose and aren't just added for looks and a new heat extractor located on the hood. There are more exterior updates, including an updated front and rear fascia, which enhances the overall look of the Raptor. The Raptor was inspired by the F-22 Raptor fighter jet, and it shows. The overall look of the Raptor is quite aggressive, if not a little intimidating. To be sure, it looks the part of a desert beast. The 17-inch wheels wrapped in 35 or 37-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires adds to the aggressive look. Without a doubt, the tires look great, but they also serve to get the Raptor through tough terrain all the easier.
No surprises here; Ford went ahead and updated or upgraded a few components to make the Raptor even more capable in off-road conditions. For the 2021 model year, Ford scrapped the Raptor's old leaf spring suspension and replaced it with a more capable five-link coil-spring setup. The reason for this is that the new suspension allows more wheel travel, which is critical in high-speed desert running. The 24-inch coils support greater wheel travel. Should you opt for the 37-inch tires, the Raptor will give you just over 13 inches of ground clearance, giving you the ability to go over obstacles rather than around them. By the way, those 24-inch coils are class-leading, and the 37-inch tires are the biggest ever to be fitted on a light-duty pickup truck.
The first time you see the all-new Ford Raptor, you might not notice much of a difference, but look closer and you will notice new side vents on the top of the fender that actually serve a purpose and aren't just added for looks and a new heat extractor located on the hood. There are more exterior updates, including an updated front and rear fascia, which enhances the overall look of the Raptor. The Raptor was inspired by the F-22 Raptor fighter jet, and it shows. The overall look of the Raptor is quite aggressive, if not a little intimidating. To be sure, it looks the part of a desert beast. The 17-inch wheels wrapped in 35 or 37-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires adds to the aggressive look. Without a doubt, the tires look great, but they also serve to get the Raptor through tough terrain all the easier.
No surprises here; Ford went ahead and updated or upgraded a few components to make the Raptor even more capable in off-road conditions. For the 2021 model year, Ford scrapped the Raptor's old leaf spring suspension and replaced it with a more capable five-link coil-spring setup. The reason for this is that the new suspension allows more wheel travel, which is critical in high-speed desert running. The 24-inch coils support greater wheel travel. Should you opt for the 37-inch tires, the Raptor will give you just over 13 inches of ground clearance, giving you the ability to go over obstacles rather than around them. By the way, those 24-inch coils are class-leading, and the 37-inch tires are the biggest ever to be fitted on a light-duty pickup truck.
itting in the high-tech cockpit of the 2021 Ford Raptor, in addition to being comfortable, you will enjoy a commanding view of the road. This is great for passengers as they enjoy an unobstructed view of the scenery, the driver benefits because the clear view offers a safer drive. No doubt that Raptor owners will be traveling in all sorts of conditions, and the Terrain Management System is sure to be well-utilized.
The Terrain Management System offers seven selectable drive modes so you can match your performance to your driving conditions. Drive modes include Sport, Tow/Haul, Normal, Off-Road, Baja, Slippery, and Rock Crawl. Each mode adjusts the way steering feels, stability controls, transfer case behavior, and transmission shifting points. This isn't some gimmick to get you to buy a Raptor; it is the real deal and will change the way you drive. Whether you are knee-deep in dirt and sand or trying to crawl your way through heavy snow, there is a mode for your current driving conditions.
For many, shopping for a vehicle at Town and Country Ford is a breath of fresh air. Our vision is the cornerstone of our success, and we believe in treating our customers like family, dealing with our customers honestly and openly, and treating our customers with the respect they deserve. Our experienced and friendly staff is eager to help you find the most affordable way to get you into a brand new F-150 Raptor or any other model. We are committed to bringing you the best car-buying experience possible.
We go above and beyond to not only meet but exceed your expectations. Our team is committed to excellence, and they aren't satisfied until you are satisfied. Our financing team will assist you in getting the best financing available, and they are here to answer any questions you might have. Our service center is the perfect go-to option whenever you need your vehicle serviced. The service center is staffed by knowledgeable and well-trained professionals who will cater to your Ford's needs. They will work quickly and diligently to ensure your Ford is performing at peak level. Visit Town and Country Ford today and receive first-class service. We can't wait to get you behind the wheel of your dream Ford.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
