For this newest F-150 Raptor, Ford revised the rear suspension, including a five-link setup with extra journey and longer trailing arms. Larger 3.1-inch Fox Live Valve shocks are put in at every nook. These infants can deal with 1,000 kilos of damping drive at every nook at excessive speeds and may change damping charges 500 occasions per second. Drivers have their alternative of seven totally different terrain modes: Slippery, Tow/Haul, Sport, Normal, Off-Road, Baja and Rock Crawl. Each of those alter the Raptor’s stability management, shocks, throttle mapping, shift factors, steering really feel and extra.Under the hood, the Raptor makes use of the identical 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 as earlier than. Some people bemoan the lack of a V8 engine, however don’t be concerned, the Raptor R is on its technique to make all of your gas-guzzling desires come true. Even so, the V6’s 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque are greater than ample, and I’ve at all times been a fan of Ford’s 10-speed automated transmission. My check truck is provided with 37-inch tires, a part of the $7,640 Raptor 37 Performance Package. With these bigger tires I get 13.1 inches of floor clearance, an strategy angle of 33.1 levels, a breakover angle of 24.4 levels and a departure angle of 24.9 levels. That’s useful as I begin off in Rock Crawl mode and head out to Heartbreak Hill in Johnson Valley, California. This was a part of final 12 months’s notorious King of the Hammers race course and it is simple to see why. The hill climb is steep with free rocks on the backside, which flip into bigger rocks embedded into the hillside.The Raptor’s low vary gearing is barely 2.64:1, however with 4.10 axles and all that torque, the truck would not have any issues conquering Heartbreak Hill. I do have to observe my alternative of driving line, although, what with the truck’s 12-foot-long wheelbase. On my first move I exploit the one-pedal path drive perform so I can consider discovering the proper line and never fear about left-foot braking. When I carry the throttle this tech applies the brakes proportionally. It’s a neat trick and one thing that newbies will respect.The rear locking differential helps right here, too, however I want there have been a entrance locker. Still, entrance wheel slip is fairly minimal due to the Torsen differential, however people who actually wish to rock crawl will possible wish to set up an aftermarket entrance locker. Not solely will it enable them to go additional afield, it retains the entrance tires from spinning, creating holes within the dust different automobiles may not have the ability to deal with. If rock crawling is your jam, it is best to positively go for the 37-inch tires. You get extra sidewall which suggests higher grip, elevated off-road geometry and extra floor clearance. However, what you lose is suspension journey. These bigger sneakers restrict total journey to 13 inches within the entrance and 14 inches within the rear. Swap these tires out for the usual 35-inchers and also you achieve an inch of journey each entrance and rear. However, the 35s enable for “only” 12 inches of floor clearance, an strategy angle of 31 levels, a breakover angle of 22.7 levels and a departure angle of 23.9 levels. Those are nonetheless superb numbers.
Enlarge Image
The elective 37-inch tires in query. Emme Hall/CNETThe 37s’ lowered suspension journey makes me interested in how this truck will deal with high-speed desert whoops. The Raptor has at all times been the perfect truck for this type of terrain and the brand new rear suspension makes it even higher. After a couple of warm-up passes, I’m capable of get the truck as much as 65 mph, and I can really feel that it is extra steady than ever, by no means wavering or doing what I name the hula dance, when the rear finish bounces aspect to aspect.However, regardless of solely dropping an inch of journey, the 37s restrict the aptitude. Wearing the 35-inch tires I may possible go only a bit quicker earlier than overwhelming the suspension, or journey by way of whoops which are a bit bit deeper. Sure, the 37s are getting the job finished, but when prime velocity is your objective, the 35s are what you need. That’s additionally true if you wish to get monetary savings on the pump. With the 35-inch tires, the F-150 Raptor has an EPA-estimated gas economic system ranking of 15 mpg metropolis, 18 mpg freeway and 16 mpg mixed. With the 37s you may see 15 metropolis, 16 freeway and 15 mixed, and through my time with my tester on 37s I solely averaged 13.7 mpg. Yikes.
Enlarge Image
Ford’s Sync 4 infotainment tech works nice. Emme Hall/CNETThe 2022 F-150 Raptor is barely obtainable in a SuperCrew physique fashion with a 5.5-foot mattress. While I did not get to tow with this truck, Ford says it could possibly pull 8,200 kilos. For Home Depot runs you possibly can load 1,400 kilos within the mattress.Inside, the Performance Package provides a set of cool Recaro entrance seats in Rhapsody Blue which are each heated and cooled. I additionally love that there are six auxiliary switches simply ready to be wired up with a winch or additional lights. The Raptor has some cool aluminum trim across the 12-inch touchscreen that runs Ford’s Sync 4 infotainment software program, which is now able to receiving over-the-air updates. If you may be utilizing your Raptor out within the desert, I extremely advocate springing for the Pro Power Onboard bundle. This provides a 2-kilowatt generator that may run lights, energy instruments, a fridge filled with frosty drinks — you identify it. The Raptor additionally will get a slew of normal driver-assistance applied sciences like adaptive cruise management, forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring that may cowl the size of a trailer. If you need the cool Pro Trailer Backup Assist that helps with trailering, you may must pay additional.
Enlarge Image
No matter the tire measurement, the Raptor is a beast. Emme Hall/CNETWhen you have a look at the bigger pickup truck class, there actually is not a lot that may contact the Raptor. Sure, you possibly can go along with the Ram 1500 TRX, however with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 underneath the hood, that is likely to be extra energy than most individuals can deal with. The new Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 is a superb experience, but it surely would not have the suspension journey to maintain up with the Raptor. And the Toyota Tundra TRD Pro? Forget it. Not even shut.Of course, you may pay for the privilege. The 2022 Ford F-150 Raptor begins at $71,700 together with $1,795 for supply. My dream Raptor with the towing bundle, Pro Power Onboard and the Raptor High bundle with the Torsen entrance differential, heated second row seats and steering wheel, wi-fi telephone charger, rain-sensing wipers and few different bibs and bobs involves $77,450. That’s about $3,000 lower than the Ram TRX’s beginning worth. The greatest resolution you may have to make with the Raptor is tire measurement. If you recognize you may spend a variety of time crawling over rocks, the 37-inch tires will possible serve you higher. However, if you wish to assault whoops within the desert and get higher gas economic system on pavement, the 35s are the way in which to go. Bigger is not at all times higher, y’all.