2023 Ford F-150 Raptor Overview

What’s new

  • The Raptor R, which has a turbocharged V8 engine, has been added.
  • For the XL basic trim, the Rattler off-road kit is brand new.
  • In 2021, Ford planned to launch the F-150 of its 14th generation.

The Ford F-150 may be a spartan work truck, a lavish toy transporter, or an off-road vehicle. The F-150 is our favorite light-duty truck on the market right now because it is a pickup that can do many different things.

After getting a new look in 2021, the main Ford F-150 lineup only gets small changes for 2023. The truck has many drivetrain options, high payload and towing capacities, and a comfortable, modern interior. Ford’s PowerBoost hybrid drivetrain, one of the newest and most advanced drivetrain options for the F-150, makes enough power while still getting good gas mileage. The system can also work as a backup generator for your home, just like the all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning.

The new Raptor R is the most exciting thing to happen in 2023. It keeps the Raptor’s natural off-road ability, but it swaps out the turbocharged V6 engine for the Shelby GT500’s supercharged V8, which is much more powerful. With 700 horsepower and 640 lb-ft of torque from the blown eight-cylinder, the F-150 can compete with the Ram 1500 TRX.

At the bottom of the lineup, the new Rattler package makes the F-150 more capable off-road, while the Raptor R is at the top. The Rattler adds a set of knobby all-terrain tires to the primary XL grade and the items from the FX4 off-road package.

Pros

  • There are a lot of engine choices, from gasoline hybrids to all-electric models.
  • Even in the hybrid version, the maximum amount it can pull is crazy.
  • A user-friendly entertainment system with a 12-inch screen that can be added as an option
  • There are also truck-friendly features like an onboard generator.

Cons

  • There could be more storage space or more options inside.
  • When the optional generator is turned on, the hybrid powertrain makes a lot of noise.

How do you move the F-150? Ford has a variety of engines and ways to set them up. We put the new hybrid powertrain in a Platinum model 4WD crew cab through its paces. Invoice Pricing put it to the test and found that it could go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, faster than pickup trucks with similar equipment. This powertrain is smoother at low speeds than the 5.0-liter V8 and non-hybrid turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engines. This is because you can feel the gas engine turning on and off. All powertrains can change gears quickly and smoothly with the 10-speed automatic transmission.

It can turn the F-150 quickly and precisely. So, the truck feels smaller, easier to park, and more stable on the highway. Even when the hybrid powertrain is regaining power, the brakes are vigorous and give you confidence in their stopping power. The F-150 is an excellent truck because it can carry a lot and pull a lot of weight.

What is the F-150 like in terms of comfort? The F-150 can be a very comfortable truck, depending on which upgrades you choose and which you don’t. The front seats are very comfortable, can be heated and cooled, have three levels of lumbar support, and even massage you. With the Max Recline option, you can adjust the front seats to almost lie flat so that you can nap or take a nap. However, they don’t have the side support and comfort of the standard seats.

The Ram’s unique coil-spring rear suspension makes the ride a little smoother than the F-150’s, but both cars are comfortable to drive. There isn’t much noise from the wind, tires, or the road. Most engines that can be put in an F-150 sound good and aren’t too loud. The PowerBoost hybrid is the only exception. Charging the battery makes noises and vibrations like a portable gas generator.

The powerful and effective climate control system needs a little tweaking to keep the temperature where you want it to be.

How does the inside look? Depending on how the F-150 is set up, there are different options and controls. Because the interior is simple, you never have to wonder what you’re going for. Most of the big knobs and switches on the truck can be used with gloves on.

Drivers of all sizes and shapes can find a comfortable position by adjusting the seat, steering wheel, and pedals. The crew cab is big enough that you will stay in the room. Large windows and a scalloped area in the front door that lets you see past the side mirrors make it easy to see what’s going on outside. Also, the optional surround-view camera system lets you see in all directions.

How good is the tech? The F-150 has a lot of great technology built into it. Both the digital gauge cluster and the central 12-inch touchscreen look nice and are easy to use. Standard features include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration and some basic safety features that make driving safer. There are also a lot of options for extra features.

The Pro Power Onboard feature is the most impressive. It turns the F-150 into a generator, which is very useful. This feature adds power outlets to the bed, which changes how you tailgate, camp, work, or live off the grid. It comes in three different power levels, depending on the motor (2.0 kW, 2.4 kW, and 7.2 kW).

How are the storage and towing going? The best light-duty pickup truck for hauling and towing is now the Ford F-150. When set up right, the F-150 can pull up to 14,000 pounds behind it. The PowerBoost powertrain can pull up to 12,700 pounds, a little less than the capacity of the other two. The Ram 1500 can pull 12,750 pounds behind it, while the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 can tow 13,400 pounds behind it.

The F-150 can now carry more than 1,000 pounds more than its closest competitor, the Silverado, which can carry up to 2,250 pounds. The bed isn’t the biggest, and unlike the Ram and GM trucks, it doesn’t fold up like an origami tailgate. On the other hand, the tailgate step and power up/down are still helpful.

How well does it use gasoline? EPA estimates say that the F-150 gets good gas mileage. When the F-150 has rear-wheel drive and a 3.5-liter V6 engine, it brings about 20 mpg in both the city and highway. That is better than a Silverado or Ram with a V8 engine. The F-150 hybrid is the best vehicle in the lineup. It gets 25 mpg combined (RWD) or 23 mpg combined (AWD), which is very good (4WD).

The fuel tank size ranges from 23 to 36 gallons, and all gas engines should use 87-octane fuel. We will, however, say that Ford’s turbocharged engines have never done as well as the EPA said they would over the years of testing.

Is it a wise decision to invest in a Ford F-150? This truck is well-made and well-equipped, and the higher trim levels have high-end features. The real value of the F-150 is in its many configurations and options, which let customers customize their vehicle to fit their needs, and in its standard solid features, which can confidently compete with those of competitors.

Ram trucks have more engine, cab, and bed options than GM trucks. On the other hand, GM trucks let you choose the machine you want at the base trim level. The Ford isn’t as good as GM and Ram in terms of warranty and ownership benefits, but it has similar coverage in all other ways.

If showing off is essential, the F-150 is a good choice. It has the highest estimated non-diesel fuel economy, the highest towing and payload ratings, and the most torque and acceleration, except for the Ram 1500 TRX, which is a particular case. You’ll be able to talk about it with your friends and neighbors. Also, the F-150 can be painted in various colors, such as Leadfoot and Smoked Quartz, which are gorgeous. The front grille is based on Ford’s Super Duty, and the shades work well to draw attention to the exterior design. Unfortunately, the interior doesn’t have the comfort and presence of the Ram, its main competitor.

As of this writing, Ford has yet to say much formally about the 2023 F-150. If anything changes, we’ll change our rating, but based on the F-150 from last year, the mid-level Lariat trim offers the best mix of useful truck features at a price that most people can afford.

Ford F-150 models

The following unofficial information is mainly based on the F-150 from the previous year. We expect the lineup for the 2023 model to be the same, and we’ll update this section when we know more.] There are six different trim levels for the Ford F-150. They are XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited. In addition to the standard model, there are also off-road versions called the Tremor, Raptor, and Raptor R. Depending on the type of cab; you can choose from three different bed lengths: standard, SuperCab (extended), and SuperCrew (crew cab). There are six different types of powertrains for the F-150, as well as different trim levels and cab configurations. Except for the Raptor and the Raptor R, all models have a 10-speed automatic transmission.

2023 Ford F-150 Raptor Video Review

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