This week, I am behind the wheel of the updated 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCrew. I last reviewed the Raptor in 2017 when Ford went to the all-aluminum body and a few times before that since its inception in 2009.
Performance
There are three changes for 2019 that you should know about. There is now Wi-Fi hotspot, there is Trail Control which operates from your cruise control at speeds up to 20-miles per hour when climbing up or down while off-roading. Finally, and perhaps the most significant change, Raptor has new Fox off-road live valve shocks.
The new shocks can continually adjust damping stiffness to adapt to terrain changes in real time. By automatically varying compression rates, Raptor can now make the most of its suspension travel of 13 inches on the front and 13.9 inches on the rear. The truck can detect when it is airborne, so it can brace it for landing.
Under the massive vented hood is the enhanced 3.5-liter high output EcoBoost which produces 450-horses and an amazing 510-pound-feet of torque. Ford utilizes different technology for this EcoBoost, including the use of different turbos. It also has the 10-speed automatic transmission that you can shift from paddle shifters on the extremely large steering wheel.
Exterior
At a glance, you know this is a Raptor. It sports a bold grill with 3 yellow lights in the center, there are large fender flares, tow hooks front and back, and a huge Ford tailgate applique that runs the width of the tailgate. There are also single marker lights on every corner of this pickup; this is a DOT regulation due to its width.
Interior
As you enter the cabin, you are greeted by the Raptor logo on the step plates, the steering wheel, and seats.
Just a note: this is a very basic Raptor. It does not have pushbutton start, navigation system, climate-controlled air, no moonroof, and it does not have the optional Recaro seats.
Still, the interior is nice, the gauges are easy to read with a driver info readout in the middle. There is a huge center console, two USB ports, and a 12-volt and 110-watt power outlet.
From the steering wheel you can change to seven different terrain modes for on and off-roading. You can adjust steering feel to three settings. There is also a large red stripe at top center so you know the steering wheel is straight when climbing hills.
Up high on the center stack is an 8” touchscreen to operate the sound system, Bluetooth, the Wi-Fi hotspot, apps, and vehicle settings.
Above that you can turn off the start/stop system and turn on the Trail Control. Look up to the roof and you’ll see six auxiliary switches to operate lights, a wench, or whatever else you add to your Raptor.
Options
My tester has $6100 in options including blind spot monitoring that takes your trailer length into account if towing, side-mirror spotlights, a spray-in bed liner, a power sliding rear window, and a 360-degree rear camera.
The back seat is cavernous and you can fold the bottom of the seat out of the way for storage or for Fido. Back seat passengers get cup holders, a 12-volt outlet as well as a 110-outlet, great for charging things like your computer.
Ride
As capable as the Raptor is off the pavement, it is also extremely pleasant on the pavement. The dual exhaust sound is wonderful, and for those who complain there is no V8 available, I simply say to drive the high output 3.5 and press it hard, it’s amazing.
Fuel Economy
Not that you care, but fuel economy is 15 in town and 18 on the highway thanks to the 4:10 rear axle. Towing capacity is 8000 pounds.
What You’ll Pay
Total MSRP on my review truck as equipped, is $63,535 but if you load one of these up, the sticker price can go north of $75,000.
Verdict
The F-150 Raptor, simply put, is a beast of a truck and there is nothing else like it on the market today.
2019 Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCrew
- What I liked most: The amazing off-road capability, looks, and enjoyable ride and drive on the freeway.
- What I would change: Nothing.
- MSRP: Base price $55,840 as equipped $63,535 with transportation.
- Fuel Economy: 15 city/18 highway/16 combined.
- Official Color: Ruby Red.
- Odometer reading when tested: 2900 miles.
- Weight: 5525 pounds.
- Spare Tire: Full sized spare with steel wheel.
- Length-Width-Height: 231.9” long/86.3” wide/78.5” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 36 gallons with the filler on the driver’s side.
- Towing Capacity: 8000 pounds.
- 2019 Raptor in a few words: A technologically charged beast of a truck!
- Warranty: 3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper, and 5-year/60,000 mile power train warranty with roadside assistance.
- Final Assembly Location: Dearborn, MI.
- Manufacturer’s website: www.FORD.com
- Up Next: 2019 Ford Expedition Limited.
