2018 Ford F-150 Raptor 4WD SuperCab: America’s Ultimate Play Toy Fullsize Truck

Highlight: The first generation Raptor retained approximately 88 percent of its value.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $64,100 (F-Series Base Model: $34,590)

Seating Capacity: 2 to 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a hill start assist system; a tire pressure monitoring system; automatic headlights; a rearview camera with a dynamic hitch; a curve control system; and a daytime running light

XL Standard Equipment: 17-inch wheels; a 10-speed automatic transmission; an automatic stop-start fuel saving engine; a rear wheel drive configuration; a manually operated; cloth seats; a tilt/telescopic manually operated steering wheel; a manually operated rear view mirror; black vinyl floor covering; second-row fixed windows; front seat manually operated windows; removable tailgate with a lock; a 23 gallon fuel tank; a black front fascia;  a black rear bumper; a 170-degree rear swing open door; a 4-pin trailer towing package; a sway control trailer control system; heavy duty gas shock absorbers; and an electric parking brake 

Raptor: a 3/5-liter V6 engine with an auto start-stop system; a 450-horsepower engine; 4:10 rear axle; a reverse sensing sensor; a 7-speaker audio system with a CD and SiriusXM; keyless entry system; a keyless entry pad; a rear stability control system; a leather wrapped steering wheel; a cloth split rear seats; a power driver seat; unique seat back bolsters; an automatic rearview mirror; power front windows; power tailgate lock; seat back map pockets; a variety of driving modes: normal, rock crawl, sport, mud, sand, snow and tow-haul

Raptor Options: Luxury Equipment Group- power front heated/ventilated bucket seats with memory seats; leather seats; power adjustable pedals; power rear privacy sliding glass with tinted windows and defrost; an 8-inch infotainment screen; ambient lighting; an electronic blind spot system; a trailer tow monitoring system; a dual zone automatic control system; a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a heated steering wheel; a pro trailer back up system; power folding sideview mirrors; a remote smart system with a remote tailgate release; a push button ignition starter system; and a premium audio with SiriusXM, HD and a CD; Raptor Technology Package – a lane keep assist system; a lane departure warning system, automatic high beam; a rain sensing wiper system; a radar activated cruise control system with collision mitigation; a spray-in bedliner; and a tailgate step

Other Non Raptor Trim Levels: XLT and Lariat

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker audio system AM/FM radio

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

USB Connectivity: Yes

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.7-liter, 6-cylinder/325-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage:
20-city/26-hwy

What’s New: The fuel-efficient second generation Raptor start-stop engine coupled with some package and interior tweaking are what’s new this year.

Why: America’s best-selling vehicle is available in a performance-oriented package. The fullsize truck, which is known as the Raptor, is designed for off-roading, with an easy-to-use Terrain Management System. The system alternates between two-wheel, four-wheel and all-wheel drive modes for mud, snow, ice or dry pavement.

The Raptor is powered by a fuel-efficient, high output 6-cylinder engine. The throaty 450-horsepower engine is designed with a gas saving start-stop feature. The toy-like looking truck, which is available as a SuperCab and SuperCrew, sits up about 2 inches higher than a traditional F-150. And the Raptor, with its customized shocks, which are upsized about 3 inches in diameter, wears BF Goodrich tires. The Raptor is only available in the F-150 series only.

The oversized Tonka-like brand lettering on the grille and the tailgate distinguishes the Raptor from typical trucks. Besides the standard non retractable running boards to aid occupants in entering/exiting the truck, the Raptor is designed with three steering modes. Also inside the cabin, the designers created front seats with bolsters and a paddle shifter. Yes, the Raptor screams performance both inside and out.

Our Raptor was also accessorized with an optional driver’s assistance package, which included such features as a lane keep assist system to a radar-activated cruise control system.

Moreover, even with this vehicle geared toward off roaders, its street legal and great for traveling to the office too. 

But: With the SuperCab, the option to add-on a power sunroof is not available. And the rear passenger seat is virtually useless as a seating area, unless it is being used for babies or small kids, whose feet aren’t quite capable of touching the front seat. Based on this description, there is virtually no room for legs in the rear of the SuperCab.  Conversely, the SuperCrew is more fitting for those needing to transport adults comfortably in the rear of the cabin.

Moreover, for buyers seeking a traditional 8-cylinder engine, there is no need for it here, with the 450-horsepower that spews from the 6-cylinder.

Verdict: The playful Ford F-150 Raptor, which has an approximate base price $51,000, is the ultimate adventure truck for those seeking to cruise around town or go off-roading. With trucks overtaking car sales, the Raptor is like the Mustang and Corvette of its segment. Just like a sports car, the Raptor garners a lot of attention from both men and kids alike. Added to that, its functional in terms of its towing and cargo carrying capabilities. Furthermore, the throaty sound prowling from the fuel-efficient, 6-cylinder engine wows folks too.