2023 Ford F-150 Raptor

　　

Ford F-150 Video Shorts

by zzdcar Test Team

　　

2023 Ford F-150 Raptor Review

by the zzdcar Experts

　　The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck that can be configured in a multitude of ways, from a basic work truck to a luxurious toy hauler to an extreme off-road machine. The F-150 is a supremely versatile pickup, which is why it's our favorite light-duty truck available today.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor 4dr SuperCrew 4WD SB (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$289/mo  for F-150 Raptor

　　F-150 Raptor

　　Raptor 4dr SuperCrew 4WD SB (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) (Most Popular) - $76,775 MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/mo

　　Avg. Large Truck

　　Having undergone a redesign in 2021, the core Ford F-150 lineup sees minimal changes for 2023. The truck continues to offer a wide range of drivetrain options, high towing and payload capabilities, and a comfortable modern interior. One of the F-150's newest, most advanced drivetrains is Ford's PowerBoost hybrid setup, which produces a reasonable amount of power and still gets relatively good fuel economy. On top of that, the system can serve as a backup generator for your house, similar to the all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning.

　　The biggest news for 2023 is inarguably the new Raptor R. It takes the inherent off-road chops of the Raptor but ditches the turbocharged V6 in favor of the Shelby GT500's monstrously powerful supercharged V8. The blown eight-cylinder produces 700 horsepower and 640 lb-ft of torque — enough to give the F-150 the juice it needs to compete with the Ram 1500 TRX.

　　While the Raptor R sits at the top of the F-150's off-road hierarchy, a new Rattler package adds capability at the bottom of the lineup. Available for the base XL trim, the Rattler brings the contents of the FX4 off-road package plus a set of knobby all-terrain tires. For a full breakdown on the 2023 Ford F-150, check out our test team's Expert Rating below.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.3

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the F-150 Raptor drive? The Raptor has 450 hp, but we found that the optional 37-inch tire package on our test truck hindered straight-line performance. In zzdcar' testing, our truck accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. Yes, that's quick, but no quicker than an F-150 fitted with the regular 400-hp V6 or the hybrid powertrain. The Ram 1500 TRX blows it away with its 4.2-second sprint. Thankfully, the 10-speed automatic provides smooth and quick shifts to make everyday driving easy.

　　The F-150 has direct and quick steering. That makes the truck feel maneuverable in parking lots and stable on the freeway. The brakes are another story, however, requiring 149 feet to bring the Raptor to a stop from 60 mph. A distance that long is typically reserved for a heavy-duty pickup truck and we can blame a lot of that on the off-road tires, but it's still quite long.

　　If you can reach the limit of a Raptor's off-road potential, you're pretty much a hero. With locking differentials, available 37-inch tires, and a widened and long-travel suspension, there's almost nowhere on Earth this thing can't go. Its Achilles' heel, however, is anywhere narrow. This truck is best in wide open spaces, not tight mountain trails.

　　

Comfort

8.5/10

　　How comfortable is the F-150 Raptor? While some F-150 seats can be overly firm, the Raptor's seats are comfortable for even the longest of journeys. There is a wide range of adjustability, plenty of lumbar support, and decent bolstering to hold you in place. The front seats get heating and ventilation, while a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats are optional. The heating functions work extremely well, and the automatic climate control is quick to cool or heat the cabin.

　　Unique to the Raptor (among F-150s) is a rear coil-spring suspension that provides an even better ride than usual, especially when combined with the large, bump-absorbing 37-inch tires our test truck had. Tire noise is a bit higher as a result, but wind noise is kept to low volumes. The turbocharged V6 gets a specially tuned exhaust in the Raptor — it's raspy and somewhat satisfying but not as fun as the whining supercharger in the TRX.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below