As I waited for the garage gate to roll up, letting me access the narrow alley behind Roadshow HQ in San Francisco, a thought echoed in my mind: “You are about to maneuver a 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor. Remember, it’s over six and a half feet tall. Do not scrape the top on this gate.” This behemoth of a truck demands respect and awareness, even before you ignite its powerful engine.
The gate slowly ascended, granting me passage. I cautiously crept out, wrenching the steering wheel hard to the left to navigate the cars lining the cramped alley. As the robust tires rolled forward, one even dipped off the curb, yet the Raptor barely registered the bump. This is the undisputed king of off-road trucks, a vehicle that shrugs off urban obstacles with the same nonchalance a seasoned athlete dismisses minor stumbles. It’s a testament to the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor’s inherent capability and rugged design.
My destination presented the next urban challenge: street parking. My SuperCrew test model, boasting a 12-foot wheelbase and an overall length exceeding 19 feet, was undeniably out of its element in San Francisco’s tight streets. Finding a generously sized spot on a side street, I shifted the truck into reverse and sent a silent plea to the parking gods. They responded through the Raptor’s impressive 360-degree camera system. The enhanced visibility allowed me to confidently position the curbside wheels partially onto the sidewalk – a necessary tactic given the truck’s impressive seven-foot width – narrowly avoiding a parking meter, a tree, and a trio of poles huddled precariously close to the curb. A small victory in urban navigation with a vehicle built for conquering far more challenging terrain.
The Ford F-150 Raptor first burst onto the scene in 2010, an audacious statement of off-road dominance. It was an unbridled beast, offering a level of ruggedness and capability unmatched by any truck before it. The original Raptor felt like a defiant gesture against practicality, a dream realized for dirt enthusiasts. However, the 2017 iteration brought about some initial concerns among these same enthusiasts, primarily regarding the replacement of the beloved 6.2-liter V8 engine and the adoption of a new aluminum body.
Ford opted for a smaller, yet more potent 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 engine for the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor. This powerplant generates an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. While some lamented the loss of the V8 rumble, the numbers speak for themselves: the V6 surpasses the previous engine’s 411 horsepower and 434 pound-feet of torque. Furthermore, the aluminum body shaves off a significant 500 pounds of weight, resulting in a superior power-to-weight ratio. This translates to enhanced performance and agility, both on and off the road.
For this second-generation Raptor, Ford significantly increased wheel travel, providing a remarkable 13 inches in the front and 13.9 inches in the rear. This upgrade elevates the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor to a genuine Baja prerunner straight from the factory floor. Some might even argue, with justification, that it’s closer to a Baja race truck than a mere prerunner. To underscore this point, Ford entered the Raptor in the grueling 2016 Baja 1000 race, where it achieved a podium finish after conquering 1,000 miles of punishing Mexican desert terrain. Adding to the legend, the team then drove the same truck back to Arizona, forgoing the trailer and proving its remarkable durability and roadworthiness after such a demanding event.
Beyond its high-speed desert prowess, the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor is a versatile machine. Its six distinct drive modes and sophisticated transfer case enable it to excel in a variety of challenging terrains, from rock crawling and mud bogging to snow driving and even everyday street cruising. It’s a multi-faceted truck that adapts to diverse environments with ease.
Terrain Management: A Mode for Every Adventure
The true essence of the Raptor’s off-road mastery is unlocked in Baja mode. Engaging this mode at the touch of a button activates four-wheel drive, distributing torque evenly between the front and rear axles. An innovative anti-lag feature keeps the turbochargers spooled up, even when the driver momentarily lifts off the throttle. This is crucial for maintaining momentum and responsiveness in off-road driving scenarios where throttle modulation is key. Baja mode also locks out the top five gears of the 10-speed automatic transmission, allowing the engine to stay in the higher rev range for optimal power delivery, whether using paddle shifters or letting the truck manage gear changes automatically. Furthermore, drivers have the option to override the transfer case and keep the Raptor in two-wheel drive within Baja mode, directing all the engine’s power to the rear wheels for thrilling dirt maneuvers and enhanced driver engagement.
For serious rock crawling, Rock mode engages the rear differential lock and shifts the transfer case into four-low, providing a formidable 50:1 crawl ratio for maximum traction on steep and uneven rocky inclines. Approach, breakover, and departure angles are critical in rock crawling, and the Raptor boasts respectable figures: a 30-degree approach angle, a 22-degree breakover angle, and a 23-degree departure angle. While these figures are comparable to the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, they fall short of the more compact Jeep Rubicon. It’s important to acknowledge that a nimble two-door Jeep remains a more specialized tool for extreme rock crawling. However, the Raptor offers a compelling balance of rock crawling capability within a larger, more versatile platform.
When encountering mud or sand, the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor’s Mud/Sand mode locks the torque split at 50/50 in four-wheel drive and automatically engages the rear differential lock to maximize traction in low-grip conditions. The transmission holds gears for longer durations, and traction control is relaxed, allowing for wheel spin to maintain momentum through soft terrains like sand dunes. The standard BF Goodrich KO2 35-inch tires excel in these conditions, especially when aired down to further increase the contact patch and enhance grip.
Weather mode leverages the Raptor’s advanced transfer case to engage a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. This mode intelligently distributes power to the front wheels when sensors detect a loss of traction, enhancing stability and control in slippery conditions like rain or snow. Throttle response is also softened to prevent unintended wheel spin, and traction control is set to its most aggressive setting. This advanced all-wheel-drive system distinguishes the Raptor from other trucks on the market, providing an added layer of confidence in inclement weather.
This comprehensive suite of off-road terrain management technologies elevates the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor beyond just a truck; it becomes a partner in adventure, empowering drivers to tackle challenging landscapes with confidence. While the technology assists greatly, it still demands driver skill and courage to fully exploit its capabilities, such as navigating steep side slopes or attacking whooped-out terrain at high speeds. For those willing to push the limits, the Raptor delivers an unparalleled sense of connection with the vehicle and the environment, offering a truly exhilarating driving experience.
On paved roads, the Raptor offers Sport and Normal driving modes. Both operate in two-wheel drive, but Sport mode sharpens throttle response and holds gears longer for more dynamic acceleration. Sport mode is often the preferred setting for spirited on-road driving. Normal mode, in contrast, prioritizes fuel efficiency with an automatic stop-start function and earlier transmission upshifts, which may be less appealing to drivers seeking a more engaging driving experience.
Fuel economy, while improved by 23 percent over the previous generation, remains a consideration. The 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor achieves EPA fuel economy ratings of 15 mpg city, 18 mpg highway, and 16 mpg combined. Frequent gas station visits are still to be expected.
Surprisingly, the Raptor maintains composure on the highway, especially considering its off-road tires and softer suspension. Launching in Sport mode and utilizing the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters to cycle through the 10-speed transmission is genuinely enjoyable.
The 10-speed automatic transmission, while seemingly complex, operates seamlessly. In automatic mode, it readily downshifts when needed for acceleration and cruises comfortably in the higher gears at highway speeds.
The sheer size of the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor necessitates an adjustment period for drivers unfamiliar with piloting such a large vehicle. Its width demands spatial awareness in everyday driving situations. Blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system are valuable aids, but these features are bundled within a pricier $9,345 option package. This package includes desirable amenities like heated and cooled front seats, trailer back-up assist, and Sync3 with voice-activated navigation. Additional driver-assistance features such as lane departure warning and assist, automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers, and adaptive cruise control are available in a separate technology package for $1,950. Integrating blind-spot monitoring and the 360-degree camera into the technology package would arguably be a more logical and user-friendly configuration.
My test Raptor was equipped with all available options, allowing me to experience the Sync3 infotainment system. Sync3 stands out as one of the better systems on the market, characterized by a responsive touchscreen and intuitive interface. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard features, and voice recognition and pinch-to-zoom functionality further enhance user-friendliness. The Ford MyPass phone app enables remote vehicle functions like starting, locking/unlocking, and vehicle status monitoring. While not a Wi-Fi hotspot, the Raptor includes Wi-Fi for automatic system updates.
Inside, the cabin of the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor is exceptionally spacious, and the optional leather-trimmed seats offer both support and comfort. However, some interior materials feel somewhat budget-oriented. The climate control buttons have a lightweight, plasticky feel, and the center console lacks the solid heft expected in a vehicle of this caliber.
Raptor: Class Leader, Unchallenged
The 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor essentially occupies a class of its own. No other full-size pickup truck directly rivals its blend of off-road performance and factory-backed warranty. The closest competitor might be the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, but it’s a midsize truck with significantly less horsepower. The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro also falls into a similar, smaller category. The Ram Power Wagon matches the Raptor in size but utilizes solid axles, compromising high-speed desert running capabilities compared to the Raptor’s independent front suspension.
The base price for a 2017 Raptor starts at $49,265, representing reasonable value considering the cost of custom-built desert rigs, which often lack a factory warranty. However, the price escalates considerably with option packages like the $9,345 package, graphics package, and technology package. The fully loaded test vehicle reached a total price of $69,995, including options and delivery. For budget-conscious buyers, opting out of the most expensive option package and investing in aftermarket upgrades like a 360-degree camera system could be a worthwhile consideration. While the graphics package adds visual appeal, its $2,000 price tag may be difficult to justify for all buyers.
Ultimately, the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor is about pursuing driving pleasure and capability. While it demands attention to its size and fuel consumption, it delivers an unmatched off-road experience and a unique presence on and off the road. Just remember to be mindful of overhead clearances.
