Car Buyer Labs

Car Buying Advice, Tips, and Reviews

A red 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor is shown from the front parked in a desert.

Are You Ready for a Ride in the Raptor?

If there’s one thing we know for sure, you don’t want to mess with a Raptor. Agile, smart, and ferocious, a Raptor emanates pure confidence, indescribable strength, and unhindered capabilities – and no, we’re not talking about the prehistoric creature. We’re referring to the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor pickup truck. More power, increased performance, and everything you’re looking for in an off-road hero can be found in this souped-up machine, but don’t take our word for it. We’ll let the Raptor’s ingenious qualities, legendary design, and bold attitude speak for this one-of-a-kind ride. If you’re envisioning getting behind the wheel of this high-performance monster, we’ll let you in on some of its secrets and why it’s about to thrill you.

Intense Power

You may think that the Raptor is just good for off-roading escapades, but there’s more to this mean machine than meets the eye, and one rev of its fierce engine will tell you all you need to know about its power. Let’s put it this way; the F-150 is already built Ford Tough, and the Raptor takes that a step further. If you’re wondering whether or not the Raptor has even more power underneath its rugged exterior, the answer is absolutely a yes.

Equipped with a High Output 3.5L EcoBoost V6, you can expect some serious get-up and go out of this capable truck. If power is on your mind, the Raptor tackles any task with ease, able to tow up to 8,200 lbs with a maximum payload rating of 1,400 lbs. Plus, with its exclusive active valve dual exhaust, you’ll be able to hear the deep roar of its engine for miles.

What’s really fascinating about this relentless beast is its superior handling, which enables it to traverse the most treacherous terrain (more on that later). Its 10-speed automatic transmission, paired with standard four-wheel drive, helps to propel it to new places, while its powerful engine exudes the confidence you need to make sure any task gets done right. If you’re looking for a truck that’s meant to work and isn’t afraid to get a little dirty, the 2021 F-150 Raptor is the best option in the industry today.

A close up shows the vented hood and Raptor logo on a red 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor.

An Off-the-Grid Experience

When you’re looking to travel off the beaten path, the Raptor is a solid companion. Perhaps what makes this one of the greatest off-road trucks of all time is the fact that its primary mission is to break barriers, bound over boulders, and take you to far-away places for the ride of your dreams. Standard 35-inch all-terrain tires, cutting-edge suspension, and an enhanced Terrain Management System that provides you with optimal performance over rocks, snow, sand, and more help the Raptor excel in tough environments. Next-Gen Shocks with Live Valve Technology give the Raptor the agility and confidence it needs to take you further, and with its specialized off-road lighting, you’re able to see better on the trails and stay safer during your adventures.

Upgrade to the Raptor 37 Performance Package for even more off-road capabilities like bead-lock capable wheels and burly 37-inch tires, and make sure nothing gets in your way. With exceptional control and everything you need to be able to climb, crawl and barrel through any obstacle, this performance truck is more than just a truck – it’s a flat-out beast that’s not scared of anything. Imagine being able to drive deep into the forest, travel through the desert, and pound ice-slicked pavement with authority. That’s what you can expect when you’re in the Ford F-150 Raptor.

A Teched-Out Interior

Just because the Raptor was born to roam the wilderness doesn’t mean it can’t still offer an escape with its comfortable cabin and innovative tech features. You can expect to find a familiar interior space that is reminiscent of the other F-150 models but with additional cargo storage, upgraded appointments, and more impressive tech than ever before. Paddle shifters, aluminum trim, and carbon-fiber accents throughout make the Raptor modern, cozy and functional, while its roominess allows you to sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

Its massive 12-inch touchscreen pulls your attention to the dash and provides access to Ford’s new SYNC 4 technology, which includes popular features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Not only can you fly higher and drive deeper into the desert, but you’re also able to stay connected while you do, making the Raptor the perfect companion to have in any situation. For those who want more, upgrade to the available 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system and let the tunes guide you to your next destination while you envision how it’s going to feel to soar.

You’ll find a host of safety and driver-assist features to help you stay secure in any situation you get yourself into, and with its tough and rugged exterior, you know you’re being protected by the best of the best. There’s no denying it – the Raptor packs everything you’re looking for in an off-road vehicle into one good-looking, capable machine.

A close up shows the instrument cluster in a 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor.

Raptor vs. TRX

It’s well-known that the Raptor has long been regarded as the undisputed king of off-road trucks – that is, until the Ram 1500 TRX slammed its way onto the scene late last year. So, is the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor better than the TRX? Of course, there’s a lot of back-and-forth between both camps, and when it comes to horsepower, the TRX definitely holds the top title (although that may be changing soon once Ford releases its promised Raptor R).

Getting down to the basics, both trucks have similar builds, and both can out-perform most of the other trucks on the road. However, if you’re looking for an off-road workhorse, the Raptor is the winner. With more towing and payload capabilities than the TRX, not to mention its available 2.0-kW generator, the Raptor climbs ahead as a truck that is practical as well as powerful.

When considering off-road prowess, both trucks showcase jaw-dropping capabilities. Still, the Raptor pulls ahead again with its optional 37-inch tires providing a leg up over the TRX’s 35-inch tires, making a big difference on the trails, in the desert, and climbing the mountains. Both the Raptor and the TRX prove that they’re made for the trails with superior suspension, smooth handling, and everything you need to stay safe and confident in daunting conditions. However, the Raptor goes further with more suspension travel, higher ground clearance, and superior approach and departure angles.

Rock Your Ride in the Raptor

Those looking for adventure, listen up. The 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor has been a force to be reckoned with for years, and just because there are now other competitors in the ring doesn’t mean that the Raptor has yielded its off-road crown. Continually surpassing those who try to imitate it, the Raptor showcases the abilities you’re looking for in an off-road pickup truck. If you’re ready to take a ride like never before, climb inside and test drive a 2021 Raptor at your local Ford dealership and experience its level of greatness for yourself. Prepare to go further, drive better, and navigate even the toughest conditions because when you’re riding in a Raptor, you’re able to uncover new destinations and uncharted territories.