Are you looking for an excellent off-roading vehicle? The Ford F-150 Raptor is one of the best off-road trophies you can get for your adventures.
While its rugged design contributes to an intimidating look, the Raptor surprisingly provides one of the most comfortable rides of a rough terrain pickup truck. It has a long-travel suspension and ground clearance, providing a worthwhile driving experience.
You do not have to worry about potholes and dips. The Raptor’s suspension system provides enough absorption for high-speed jumps and going over logs and rocks without hassle. Below you learn more about the raptor’s generations and their capabilities.
How Many Generations Of Ford Raptors Are There?
Over the years, the Ford Raptors have shown impressive progress in their off-roading capability. With new improvements in every generation, the SVT team has improved the body, engine, suspension, and other features for an optimized off-roading experience.
Up to the time of this article’s publication, the SVT team has created three generations of the F-150 Raptor. Let us have a look at the generation’s features and off-roading capability.
1. Ford F-150 SVT Raptor 1st Generation (2010-2014)
The first generation of Raptors came into the market in 2010. The truck was the second vehicle derived from the Ford-150 model. Though manufacturers created the F-150 for on-road capabilities, manufacturers improved and optimized the Raptor for off-roading performance.
Initially, the 2010 model was only available as a SuperCab, with a clamshell half-door design. However, in the later years, the SVT team introduced the SuperCrew four-door model. The latter model had bigger cabin space and improved towing capacity for the truck.
The truck has a widened axle track than typical 4×4 pickups. It increased the Raptor’s off-roading performance for a better driving experience.
Furthermore, the SVT team integrated wider fenders for the new axles in the Raptor. The fenders provided better protection to the car while off-roading. Manufacturers also fitted the truck with corner indicator lights and a trim-specific frontal fascia, a requirement for any wide vehicle in the market.
Features Of The 1st Generation Raptor Models
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- Engine
You might be wondering when the Raptors got a V8 engine. Well, the 2010-2014 models have powerful 5.4L and 6.2L V8 engines. The engine offered considerable torque and horsepower for the off-road dominator.
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- Transmission
The Raptor also has a six-speed automatic transmission. It offered considerable power efficiency while traversing the rough terrain on off-road adventures. In addition, the six-speed automatic transmission was integrated with manual shifting for a better driving experience.
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- 4×4 System
The F-150 Raptor also has a powerful Four-wheel drive system that gives the truck an edge when off-roading. In addition, the Raptor also has an open front and rear electrical locking differential system. This gives the truck better traction while driving over rocks, mud, or snow.
2. Ford F-150 Raptor 2nd Generation (2017-2020)
What year is the Gen 2 raptor? The second-generation models came to the market in 2017-2020.
The second generation of the Raptors was a considerable improvement from the models before. Though reasonably identical, manufacturers created the truck for better efficiency, performance, and off-roading capability.
The Raptor comes in a SuperCab and SuperCrew configuration, depending on your preference. However, both options offer a huger cabin space and more comfort than the previous generation.
One of the most notable differences from its predecessors is their rugged, modern, and aggressive appearance. The second-generation Raptor has a more rugged and chiseled grille and body. The SVT team designed it to complement the Raptor’s hexagonal/octagonal theme.
In addition, the Raptor also comes with a sturdier body for better protection of yourself and the truck. Despite the strong build, the vehicle weighs less than the first generation.
Regarding the interior, the second-generation models have a comfortable and luxurious cabin and cockpit. In addition, the features in the second generation have also been upgraded for a better driving experience.
Features Of The 2nd Generation Raptor Models
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- Engine
The SVT team designed the Raptors engine for improved performance, power, and efficiency. The Ford is powered by a 3.5L turbocharged V6 engine that delivers enough torque and horsepower than its predecessors’ V8 engine.
In addition, the twin-turbo engine also comes with an EcoBoost feature for better fuel efficiency during outdoor excursions.
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- Transmission
Secondly, the Ford also comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The transmission offers the ideal combination of efficiency and power on the road. In addition, you can manually shift the Raptor using a switch mounted on the shifter.
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- 4×4 System
The Four-Wheel System in the second generation is optimized for off-road adventures. The SVT added a torque-on-demand dual-mode to the vehicle’s transfer casing. Depending on your surface terrain, this lets you choose from the AWD or 4WD options. The case ultimately improves the truck’s efficiency on or off-road.
Furthermore, the Raptors also have an electric rear locking differential system and Torsen Limited Slip Front differential. They give the truck enough traction on the muddy tracks for better control and driving experience.
3. Ford F-150 Raptor 3rd Gen (2021-Present)
The third-generation Raptor is the latest F-150 off-road pickup. Though the truck does not look dramatically different from its predecessors, manufacturers designed the Raptor to be faster on inhospitable terrain and climb over higher obstacles.
Ford is also going to introduce a newer model of the Raptor called the Raptor R, which will be available in 2023. The truck should provide more power and control for off-road enthusiasts.
The Raptor only comes in the SuperCrew configuration. This makes it perfect for outdoor adventures with family or friends.
The Ford is equipped for a more immersive off-roading experience, better fuel efficiency, and power. It is fitted with the latest technology and features for smoother sailing outdoors.
Likewise, the Raptor has newly available 37-inch tires for better off-roading capabilities. The larger tires increase the truck’s ground clearance for better maneuverability over logs on your off-road adventure.
The third generation also comes with Beadlock rims designed for off-roading. They provide an ideal opportunity for driving with extremely low tire pressure in mud or sand.
The SVT team also increased the diameter of the truck’s shock absorbers. They also put in a five-link rear suspension system to improve the Raptor’s off-roading capability and driving experience.
Features Of The 3rd Generation Raptor Models
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- Engine
The engine upgrade is a substantial change from its predecessors. A 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine powers the vehicle. The engine provides higher torque and horsepower to get you out of sticky situations during off-roading.
On the other hand, the Raptor R has a supercharged 5.2 L V8 Predator engine. The powerhouse will be ideal for better fuel efficiency and power.
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- Transmission
Just like its predecessor, the Raptor comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It ensures better efficiency while on the road. In addition, the transmission also allows the driver to shift manually thanks to a switch mounting on the shifter.
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- 4×4 System
The 4×4 System in the Raptor has been improved for better handling and traction while cutting through any terrain.
The truck also has an enhanced Torque-on-demand dual-mode transfer casing. You can choose between the AWD and 4WD mode options for better fuel efficiency and control while off-roading.
In addition, the third-generation F-150 is fitted with Torsen Limited Slip front differential system and an Electric Locking rear differential. This gives the truck the necessary traction on rough terrain for better control and driving experience.
What Is The Ford Raptor’s Towing Capacity?
The Ford engine provides enough power for the truck to tow up to 8,200 lbs. This makes it ideal for carrying trailers or campers you want to bring on your off-road adventure.
Which Generation Raptor Is Best?
Every generation of Ford Raptors has its benefits, so there is no right or wrong Raptor for you. However, there are some factors you should consider before buying your next off-road pickup.
The main difference that you should consider is the engine specifications. The first models come with a 5.4L or 6.2L V8, while the second and third generations have the 3.5L V6 and 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engines, respectively. The new Raptor R is supposed to offer a more efficient 5.2L V8 engine.
If you like big engines, then the V8 is a definite choice. In addition, the other difference lies in the technology of the trucks. The later generations of the Raptors have more advanced technology that will enhance your driving experience.
Which Is The Most Powerful Ford Raptor?
The second and third-generation Raptors tie for the most power. The V6 engines in both trucks provide 510 lb.-feet of torque and 450 horsepower. However, the first generation V8 engine offers 434 lb.-feet of torque and 411 horsepower.
Are All Ford Raptors Supercharged?
The only supercharged F-150 Raptor is the Raptor R model with the V8 powerhouse.
Which Ford Raptor Is The Fastest?
If you are looking for speed, then the third-generation Raptor is your ideal choice. The truck gets from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. The second generation follows close at 5.3 seconds, while the first generation V8 engine takes 6.6 seconds.
