How the Ford F-150 Raptor Became One of the Coolest Off-Road Trucks on the Market

You’ve probably heard of a truck called the Ford F-150 Raptor. You may have heard it used in the same sentence as phrases like “pickup truck of the year,” “4×4 of the year,” or even “formidable Baja 1000 contestant.” Regarded as one of the major players in off-road pickup trucks, the Raptor has made a name for itself over the past 14 years.

If you’re the kind of driver who likes to dip your tires in mud, rocks, and more, it’s understandable that you’d be looking for a Ford F-150 for sale. But if you’re looking for the ultimate all-terrain experience, may we recommend the Raptor? Why the Raptor? Over the past three generations of production, the Raptor has grown and evolved from a low-production, high-performance concept to become the fierce off-road beast it was always intended to be. Let’s take a look back in time to see how the 2010 SVT Raptor became the standard by which off-road trucks are measured.

The Birth of the Raptor

The first generation of Ford F-150 Raptor models are technically known as SVT Raptors. SVT stands for Ford’s “Special Vehicle Team,” a performance-oriented Ford sub-brand. SVT made its official market debut at the 1992 Chicago Auto Show with the 1993 SVT Mustang Cobra and SVT F-150 Lightning (not the electric version– this one was a sport truck with hot-rod status). The original SVT Raptors that had joined the lineup for the 2010 model year were equipped with a 5.4L V8 engine that disappeared within the first generation. By 2014, the standard engine in the SVT Raptor was a 411 hp 6.2L V8 that produced a mighty 434 lb-ft of torque.

The first-generation Raptors came to an abrupt end in 2014, with no successor until 2017. This brief hiatus is generally attributed to changes behind the scenes at Ford. In 2014, the SVT and Ford Racing divisions were absorbed into the Ford Performance section. When the second-generation Ford Raptor was finally revealed in January 2015 at the 2015 Detroit International Auto Show, it had lost the SVT prefix. Still, the American public had to wait for the 2017 model year to get behind the wheel of the all-new second-generation Ford F-150 Raptor.

The Ford F-150 itself entered its thirteenth generation in 2014. Between 2014 and 2017, the F-150 pickup truck experienced plenty of updates, including a growing number of driver assistance and safety technology options. The steel content of the F-150’s frame was increased, which along with Ford’s first production aluminum body, led to a lighter, stronger truck. With a new 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6 under the hood, the second generation F-150 Raptor came equipped with 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque and was bigger and better than any Raptor before it.

Notable Enhancements

Ford was so impressed by the 2017 Raptor that it was secretly entered into the prestigious Baja 1000 off-road race. The almost entirely stock vehicle finished the race in third, and the crew then drove it home. With a debut like that, it was clear that very big things were in store for the second-generation Ford F-150 Raptor. First Ford adjusted the Raptor’s posture. The second-generation Raptor gained two inches of ground clearance for a total of 11.5 inches. Front travel increased to 13 inches with rear travel at 13.9 inches.

In 2019, the F-150 Raptor gained FOX Internal Bypass Live-Valve shocks, which changed its position in off-road prowess forever. These highly technical shocks, paired with the new Trail Control system, allowed drivers to kick their Raptor in low gear and essentially cruise over all sorts of terrific terrain. A new Terrain Management System offers six driving modes, including Raptor-specific Slippery, Deep Snow/Sand, Baja, and Rock Crawl modes. While drivers are in charge of steering, the Raptor could take care of the articulation with just the right amount of speed, stiffness, and torque.

The third generation Ford F-150 Raptor launched in 2021, with every effort made to improve upon the truck’s mighty reputation. This includes the introduction of the stabilizing five-link rear suspension system. Equipped with extra-long trail arms, 24-inch coil springs, and a Panhard bar, this suspension system is far more aggressive than the earliest Raptor’s production version. Now offering 14 inches of travel in the front and 15 in the rear, a new exhaust system, Fox Live Valve dampers, and optional 37-inch tires make the Raptor a true force to reckon with on any trail.

What’s New for the 2024 Model Year?

2021 wasn’t that long ago, but the Ford F-150 Raptor has a reputation to protect. You might argue that it’s impossible to improve upon a legend, but the Raptor is known for cutting-edge off-roading technology. For 2024, that includes all-new FOX Dual Live Valve shocks. Continuing the partnership between Raptor and FOX, the Dual Live Valve shocks are exclusively tuned with position-sensitive compression. Ford Performance has also designed a series of unique Raptor-specific off-road algorithms that can read and adjust to the terrain up to hundreds of times per second. This not only improves off-road performance but comfort on the pavement as well.

Ford Performance has also given the Raptor more functionality with a modular front bumper. Not only do the exposed 37-inch tires look cooler with this option, but the redesigned bumper end caps allow the F-150 Raptor more room to clear unusual obstacles on the trail. Wider forged tow hooks and an available light bar attachment prove this bumper is an easy way to incorporate off-road accessories.

Many of the great things about Raptor remain unchanged from those of the previous generation. The standard engine continues to be a 3.5L EcoBoost High-Output V6, but drivers can also consider the optional 5.0L V8 with 400 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. Those who want to experience ultimate thrills may want to check out the available supercharged 5.2L V8, which is the standard engine in the new Raptor R trim. With its 720 hp and 640 lb-ft of torque, this engine is a force to be reckoned with.

Terrain Management is still on board, allowing drivers to choose from Normal, Sport, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Off-Road, Baja, and Rock Crawl modes, all of which have been re-tuned for a new era. Trail Control is standard in today’s Raptor, along with the available One-Pedal Drive, which allows drivers to place even more attention on the path ahead while in low gear.

A Truck That is Truly Built for Adventure

Of course, there’s more to the 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor than its ability to go off-road with the best around the world. Comfort features like heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a B&O Unleashed Sound System by Bang & Olufsen, and a FordPass Connect 5G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot, make it a pleasure to drive on the pavement as well.

The Ford F-150 Raptor has so much for drivers to discover and enjoy, just as it has since the first production model rolled off the line 14 years ago. Each year, it seems the Raptor becomes more capable and cool, and the 2024 version is no exception. With the introduction of the Raptor R series, it will be interesting to see how the lineup changes. Still, only the Raptor can claim to have started a revolution in Ford’s off-road capable trucks and in the future of off-roading around the world.