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.

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