Ford F-150 Raptor Continued

The Raptor also has a wide stance, as the track is seven inches wider (and the body 8 inches wider overall) on the Raptor to help accommodate the larger tire-and-wheel packages that’s unique to the Raptor. Speaking of tires, Ford tells us that the SVT Raptor uses SVT-tuned 35-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires that feature a special tread compound unique to the truck. The 17-inch cast-aluminum wheel is also unique to the Raptor, and off-roaders will be glad to know that a full-sized spare does come with the truck.

The Raptor also comes equipped with a number of off-road-related features, such as its AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, which uses a sensor to detect and measure over and understeer by monitoring the vehicle’s speed, throttle position and steering wheel angle to help applies braking (if needed) to keep the truck on the right path. There are a few towing features as well, just as Trailer Sway Control, Tow Haul Mode, and Integrated Trailer Brake Controller, all of which are pretty self explanatory.

The Ford SVT Raptor also features an electronic locking differential, which locks the left and rear axle shafts together so both turn at the same speed with the same amount of torque. And as Ford notes, “Unlike other trucks on the market, the F-150 SVT Raptor’s differential can stay locked up to its 100-mph top speed.”

Hill Descent Control is a unique feature and is Ford’s first use of the technology. Upon pushing a button, the driver can descend a hill without ever touching the brakes – the vehicle does the work for you. It’s a great function that allows the driver to focus on steering the truck in the right direction.

Off-Road Mode allows the driver to engage a third throttle map and shift schedule for off-road performance, which essentially changes the throttle mapping and adjusts the shift timing of the transmission to meet the demands of off-roading. Off-roaders will also appreciate the pre-wired auxiliary switch board, allowing electrical accessories to be controlled by four pre-wired switches located on the center console next to the shifter.  

Here's a view of the Raptor's front seats (minus navigation). Black interior is the only option.

Off The Road
For our event, we met with Ford in downtown San Diego and then drove out to Anza-Borrego from there in Raptors. Ford paired us up with another journalist, gave us a map that zig-zagged in and out of different routes from San Diego to Borrego, and we were able to test the on-road capabilities of the Raptor along the way. Though it’s an off-road vehicle, the on-road capabilities of the Raptor are important, because Ford knows well that most buyers of this truck will also use it as a daily driver.

Fortunately, the Raptor didn’t disappoint on the road. Despite the wider track of the Raptor and its off-road suspension, the Raptor felt solid on road and didn’t suffer from major body roll in the turns. Ford credits its SVT-tuned sway bar, spring and shocks for much of the on-road drive quality. We were just happy it didn’t float in corners.

Even in the windy roads we took to get to Anza-Borrego the Raptor performed fine on the road.