Waiting for the garage door to grant access to the narrow alley behind Roadshow HQ, a thought echoed: “Behind the wheel is a 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor. Towering at over six and a half feet, scraping the top on this gate is not an option.” This wasn’t just any truck; it was the Raptor, a vehicle synonymous with off-road prowess and a bold statement on wheels.
2017 Ford F-150 Raptor: Pros and Cons
This 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor review dives deep into what makes this truck a legend. Let’s start with a quick overview:
The Good:
- Exceptional Power: The high-output EcoBoost V6 engine delivers impressive horsepower and torque, ensuring thrilling performance both on and off the road.
- Baja-Ready Drive Mode: The Baja mode is a standout feature, transforming the Raptor into an off-road beast ready to conquer dirt trails and dunes at high speeds.
The Bad:
- Size Matters: Its sheer size can be a hindrance in urban environments, making maneuvering in traffic and tight parking spots challenging. Off-road, its width may restrict access to narrower trails.
The Bottom Line:
The 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor is an unapologetically fun and capable truck, designed for those who crave off-road adventures and aren’t afraid to make a statement. It’s a performance pickup that delivers on its promise of ruggedness and excitement.
Conquering Cityscapes and Curbs
As the gate ascended, careful maneuvering was key to navigate the tight alley, avoiding parked cars. Pulling forward, dropping a wheel off the curb was barely noticeable. This is the essence of the Raptor – it handles urban obstacles with the same composure it tackles off-road challenges. It’s the current benchmark for off-road trucks, absorbing minor urban mishaps with grace and ease.
Parking presented the next urban hurdle. The SuperCrew model, boasting a 12-foot wheelbase and over 19 feet in length, is not ideally suited for congested city streets. Finding a sizable spot on a side street initiated a moment of parking prayer, answered by the Raptor’s 360-degree camera system. This technology provided the necessary visibility to position the truck, even allowing the curbside wheels to nudge onto the sidewalk – a necessity given its seven-foot width – while avoiding parking meters, trees, and poles. Parking successfully felt like a minor victory in itself, showcasing the surprising urban adaptability of this off-road behemoth, aided by modern tech.
Raptor’s Evolution: From Awe to Aluminum
The Ford Raptor first burst onto the scene in 2010, immediately captivating enthusiasts with its unbridled off-road capability. It was a truck that prioritized ruggedness and performance above all else, a defiant middle finger to conventional truck sensibilities. For off-road devotees, it was a dream come true. However, the 2017 Raptor brought changes that initially stirred some concern among purists, primarily the replacement of the beloved 6.2-liter V8 engine and the adoption of a new aluminum body.
Ford transitioned to a smaller, yet more potent, 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 engine for the 2017 model. This EcoBoost engine generates an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Despite initial skepticism regarding the downsizing, the V6 actually outperforms the previous V8, which produced 411 horsepower and 434 pound-feet of torque. Furthermore, the aluminum body construction contributes to a significant 500-pound weight reduction. This combination of increased power and reduced weight translates to enhanced performance and efficiency, a clear win-win for the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor.
The second-generation Raptor also benefits from increased wheel travel, offering 13 inches in the front and 13.9 inches in the rear. This enhancement further solidifies its status as a showroom-ready Baja prerunner. Its off-road pedigree is not just marketing hype; Ford entered a near-stock Raptor in the grueling 2016 Baja 1000 race, where it impressively finished on the podium. Adding to the testament of its durability, the team then drove the same truck back to Arizona, bypassing the need for a trailer.
Terrain Domination: Drive Modes for Every Adventure
Beyond its high-speed desert running capabilities, the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor is remarkably versatile. Its six drive modes and advanced transfer case enable it to excel in a variety of terrains, from rock crawling and mud bogging to snow and everyday driving. It’s designed to be more than just a one-trick pony; it’s engineered to handle diverse environments with confidence.
Unleashing the Baja Beast
Baja mode is where the Raptor truly comes alive. Engaging Baja mode at the push of a button activates four-wheel drive with a 50/50 torque split, optimizing power distribution for off-road performance. An anti-lag feature keeps the turbochargers spooled, ensuring immediate power delivery even during throttle modulation, crucial for maintaining momentum in challenging terrains. The transmission intelligently locks out the top five gears of the 10-speed automatic, keeping the engine in the optimal rev range for aggressive off-road driving, whether using paddle shifters or letting the truck manage gear changes automatically. For added fun, drivers can override the transfer case and engage two-wheel drive in Baja mode, sending all the power to the rear wheels for thrilling dirt maneuvers.
For rock crawling enthusiasts, Rock mode is specifically engineered to maximize traction and control. It locks the rear differential and engages four-low, providing a 50:1 crawl ratio, essential for navigating steep and rocky inclines. Approach, breakover, and departure angles are important factors in rock crawling, and the Raptor offers respectable figures: a 30-degree approach angle, a 22-degree breakover angle, and a 23-degree departure angle. While comparable to the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, it’s less than the Jeep Rubicon, which is more compact and purpose-built for extreme rock crawling. For those prioritizing serious rock crawling, a two-door Jeep might be a more specialized tool, but the Raptor still holds its own as a capable all-around off-roader.
Mud and Sand mode adapts the Raptor for low-traction environments. It locks the torque split at 50/50 in four-wheel drive and automatically locks the rear differential to maximize grip. The transmission holds gears longer, and traction control is relaxed to allow for wheelspin, which is often necessary to maintain momentum in mud or sand. The 35-inch BF Goodrich KO2 tires excel in these conditions, especially when aired down to further enhance traction.
Weathering Any Storm
Weather mode leverages the Raptor’s sophisticated transfer case to provide all-wheel-drive capability. It intelligently diverts power to the front wheels when sensors detect a loss of traction, enhancing stability in slippery conditions. The throttle response is also softened to prevent wheelspin on slick surfaces, and traction control is maximized. This advanced system is unique to the Raptor in the truck market, providing an extra layer of confidence in inclement weather.
With its comprehensive terrain management technology, the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor empowers drivers of all skill levels. It handles much of the complex adjustments automatically, encouraging drivers to push their limits and explore challenging terrains, from steep side slopes to high-speed whoops. For those with the courage, the Raptor rewards with an unparalleled sense of connection to the vehicle and the environment, delivering an exhilarating off-road experience.
For everyday driving on dry pavement, Sport and Normal modes offer different driving dynamics. Both operate in two-wheel drive. Sport mode sharpens throttle response and holds gears longer for a more engaging driving experience. Normal mode prioritizes fuel efficiency with an automatic stop-start system and earlier upshifts, which may not appeal to drivers seeking a more spirited feel.
Fuel economy is an area where the Raptor shows improvement over its predecessor, boasting a 23 percent increase. However, with EPA ratings of 15 mpg city, 18 mpg highway, and 16 mpg combined, frequent gas station visits are still to be expected.
On the highway, the Raptor is surprisingly refined, particularly considering its off-road tires and long-travel suspension. Sport mode enhances the on-road fun, allowing for quick acceleration and engaging gear shifts using the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
The 10-speed automatic transmission offers a wide range of gears, but it operates seamlessly. In automatic mode, it downshifts promptly when needed and cruises efficiently in the higher gears at highway speeds.
The Raptor’s size translates to a spacious interior. While offering generous room and comfortable, supportive leather-trimmed seats, some interior materials feel less premium. The climate control buttons and center console lack the solid, robust feel one might expect, especially compared to the truck’s exterior and off-road components.
Class-Leading, Competition-Free
The 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor essentially operates in a class of its own. No other full-size pickup truck directly rivals its blend of high-speed off-road performance and everyday usability. While the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro offer off-road capabilities, they are midsize trucks with significantly less horsepower. The Ram Power Wagon, while similar in size, utilizes solid axles, which compromise high-speed desert running compared to the Raptor’s independent front suspension.
With a base price starting at $49,265, the 2017 Raptor presents a compelling value proposition. Custom-built off-road rigs can easily cost significantly more and lack a factory warranty. However, adding option packages, such as the $9,345 package with blind-spot monitoring and 360-degree camera, along with graphics and technology packages, can quickly escalate the price. The test Raptor, loaded with $17,490 in options, reached a total price of $69,995 including delivery. While some options like the 360-degree camera are highly beneficial, others, like graphic packages, might be considered less essential.
Ultimately, the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor delivers a unique and exhilarating driving experience. Its blend of off-road dominance, on-road refinement (for its class), and distinctive styling make it a desirable truck for those seeking adventure and capability. Just remember to mind the overhead clearance.
