2018 Ford Raptor F150 Supercrew

2018 Ford F150 Raptor SVT Raptor Description

The new Raptor has shed the old V-8 and is now powered by a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. Smaller in size and heft than the earlier engine, it makes 450 horsepower and 510 pound feet of torque — up from 411 horsepower and 434 pound feet of torque.

The more powerful punch increases the truck’s towing capacity by 2,000 pounds, and also increases the fuel economy by 23%, according to Ford. The company says there’s a 22% increase in the torque-to-weight ratio, too.

A drive around town reveals some of the Raptor’s talents. Although it sits higher and wider than the traditional F-150, the Raptor Supercab has a shorter wheelbase. It accelerates easily — thank you, torque — and corners well. Equipped with a lot of glass and a very good rear-view camera, it’s even easy to parallel park.

In the city and on the highway, the Raptor is well-behaved. For a car with such a powerful engine, and strapped with such meaty 17-inchwheels, it’s pleasantly quiet, even at full freeway speed.

Designed more for work than for commuting, it doesn’t have a lot of creature comforts in the cabin. There are only two cupholders, set between the front seats, but there is ample storage space in the doors, the center console and the glove compartment.

These contain a wealth of electronic support, too, including several plug-in spots for small devices, a 12-volt plug-in for larger ones, and even a 110-volt/400-watt AC plug for bigger gear.

That's not counting the six auxiliary “upfitter” switches above the driver’s head, which can be used to operate after-market add-ons like external fog lights, tow winches or the sort of roof lights you only see during times of trouble — those used by two truck companies and law enforcement agencies.

A full appreciation of the Raptor requires dirt. So, doing my due diligence, a friend and I strapped two motorcycles into the 5.5-foot bed and headed for an off-road property in the Antelope Valley.

Ford based the Raptor on its Baja 1000 race vehicle, fitting it with extended travel shocks, 17-inch off-road tires, skid plates, tow hooks and more.