2024 Ford F-150 Raptor

　　

2024 Ford F-150 Raptor Review

by the zzdcar Experts

　　Few vehicles have consistently dominated their segment time and time again like the Ford F-150 has. The success of Ford's light-duty pickup truck is partly due to the almost endless configurations it offers. Whether you're looking for an affordable work truck, luxury cruiser or capable off-roader, the F-150 has you covered. It offers a wide range of engines, from a base V6 to a powerful hybrid powertrain. You have a choice of several cab and bed sizes and an incredible number of features to choose from including the Pro Power Onboard system that can supply juice to various electronics. And for 2024, the F-150 looks to be even better thanks to the most significant update since this latest-generation truck debuted for the 2021 model year.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 5.5 ft. 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 N/A undefined in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　Not Available  for F-150 Raptor

　　F-150 Raptor

　　Raptor 4dr SuperCrew 4WD 5.5 ft. SB (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) (Most Popular) - $77,980 MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/mo

　　Avg. Large Truck

　　

zzdcar spotlight: The 2024 F-150's changes

You can spot the updated F-150 from its mildly updated grille and headlights. But more important is what's inside. All F-150s now get a full digital gauge cluster and a 12-inch central touchscreen display as standard. Other tech improvements encompass an update to BlueCruise, Ford's hands-free driving assistance system, to make it more useful and helpful in highway traffic. Under the hood, the turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 now serves as the truck's base engine. Also, the Raptor R's supercharged 5.2-liter V8 gets a boost in power, and the price for the optional PowerBoost hybrid has been reduced to be the same as the optional turbocharged 3.5-liter V6. Finally, there's a new optional tailgate that opens in additional ways to make cargo loading easier.

　　

Competitors to consider

The changes made for 2024 help keep the F-150 at the top of its game and ensure it stays at the top of our truck rankings. But if you're still undecided on what truck to get, check out the Ram 1500. It's currently the F-150's most competitive rival and is the smoothest-riding pickup. The recently redesigned Toyota Tundra is also worth a look, and the F-150's longtime archenemy, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, has a lot to offer. To get our test team's in-depth review of the Ford F-150, check out the zzdcar Expert Rating below.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Please note that this rating is based on last year's F-150 and may change slightly once we test the 2024 model and assess its changes.

　　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 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? 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.

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