2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R: First Drive Impressions

Item: 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R
Rating: 4
Author: Cory Fourniquet

Cory Fourniquet |

Jun 21, 2023

2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R: First Drive Impressions

The horsepower wars of the 1960s that gave us names like GTO, Mustang, Camaro, and Challenger, have led to the modern horsepower wars giving us TRX and now Raptor R. This 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R is the Blue Oval’s answer to the Hellcat-powered Ram TRX, and in many ways, it is the better truck.

NEED TO KNOW

700 HP 5.2L supercharged V8 producing 640 lb-ft of torque.
0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds.
Writer drove it briefly at the MAMA Spring Rally in Wisconsin and plans a full Texas test.
Writer calls it better than the Ram TRX in many respects.
Starts at $75,775; tested example was $111,935.

We had a few minutes with this Antimatter Blue example while we were at the 2023 Midwest Automotive Media Association (or MAMA) Spring Rally in Wisconsin. While we were not able to to everything with it that we liked (the course was really built for mid-size off-road vehicles), it definitely showed what it was capable of in our short drive.

We have one coming to us on our home turf in Texas very soon, so be sure you are following along to see that content when it drops.

2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R Specs:

5.2L Supercharged V8 Engine

700 Horsepower

640 lb-ft of Torque

10-Speed Automatic Transmission

4-Wheel Drive

2-Speed Transfer Case

Increased Width over Regular F-150

3.6 second 0-60 mph Acceleration

12 second 1/4 mile at 112 mph

Independent Double-wishbone with Coil-over Shock and Cast Aluminum Lower Control Arm

Five-link Coil with Panhard Rod Rear Suspension

High-output, Gas-pressurized, Electronically Controlled, Continuously Variable Compression Damping FOX Racing Shox

3.1-inch Damper, 1.0-inch Rod Diameter with 37-inch tires (0.875-inch Rod in Rear)

14.1-inches of Wheel Travel Front and Rear

17-inch Forged Aluminum Headlock-capable Wheels

L37x12.50R17LT BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 Tires

Dual Rear Exit Exhaust

Seating for 5

RECARO Black Leather Seats with Suede Inserts

Leather and Suede-wrapped Steering Wheel

Digital Gauge Cluster

12-inch Infotainment Screen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control

LED Headlights

LED Taillights

Power Operated, Damped Tailgate

Proximity Key with Push Button Start

EPA Fuel Economy 15/15/15 (city/hwy/cmb)

Starting Price: $75,775

Price As Tested: $111,935

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