Experienced by Adrian McQueen
Photography by Adrenaline Lifestyles
The 2019 Ford Raptor is a bit different than any truck on the market. It is luxurious in style, fast and off-road ready. We were able to take the Raptor to multiple events as well as get some good seat time with it. This is definitely an attention grabber and ignites the conversation on what truck measures up to the almighty Raptor.
The Raptor, originally the Ford SVT Raptor, is a nameplate used by Ford for two different models of pickup trucks made by Ford. These two models are the Ford F-150 and the Ford Ranger. The model that we were able to test was the Ford F-150 Raptor. The Raptor name comes from birds of prey and the velociraptor. The Raptor just keeps getting better with time.
Upon first look you immediately recognize the Raptor from bold grill with 3 yellow lights in the center. The Raptor is equipped with large fender flares, LED side-mirror spotlights, tow hooks front and back, and the “FORD” applique plastered across the tailgate. New for 2019 is a set of 17” Forged Alumni wheels to help move this beast around. The Raptor is also fitted with a widened track and a raised ride height.
This truck includes a spray-in bedliner and lift-assist damping and a step for the tailgate. The Raptor sits tall with its upgraded suspension, complete with standard Fox Racing adaptive dampers. The silver skid plate below the front nose and those air vents on the front fenders and hood are an added plus to the rugged exterior. Plus, they are real and draw hot air out of the engine compartment. Our Raptor came in a Velocity Blue hue with the Raptor Exterior Graphics package and the Hood Graphics package. The crew cab model that we had gives you four doors and enough space to experience the Raptor’s as a daily driver hauling the family around and a performance truck that can’t be stopped.
The interior is spacious and nice with the Recaro seats, easy to find gauges, an 8.0” touchscreen, two USB ports and a 12-volt/110-watt power outlet. The Raptor comes with 10-way, heated, power front seats, leather upholstery, power adjustable pedals and a power sliding rear window. We even had the blue Interior Color Accent package that jazzed the inside up a bit.
The F-150 features Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system comes with enough 12-volt outlets and one 110-volt paired with a 400-watt inverter. The premium Bang & Olufsen sound system is crystal clear with plenty of bass to go around. Navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were all an added bonus to me.
The Raptor has a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter Ecoboost V6 engine that produces 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. You take all of that and match it with the 10-speed transmission, you now have a massive vehicle that can get out of almost any situation. The Raptor handled well in the city and on rural roads but I have to admit that I had the most fun off road with it. Well, kicking it into Sport mode and treating it like a Sports car comes in at a close second. It is just amazing how a truck that sits so high off the ground really runs that fast. Gas Mileage in the Raptor clocks in at 15 mpg in the city, 18 on the highway and 16 mpg combined. Everything about the Raptor is built for off road. The height, the suspension and the tires are all designed for off-road performance.
Safety is a must with Ford. The Raptor comes equipped with safety systems such as AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, Curve Control, and a rear-view camera with Dynamic Hitch Assist. Automatic emergency braking with pre-collision assist, blind spot monitoring system with cross-traffic alert that covers the truck and a trailer. The Raptor Technology package has the lane-keeping system, lane departure warning, automatic high-beams, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality. There is also the Trailer Brake Controller, Ford’s unique inflatable second-row seat belts, and the near fully autonomous Pro Trailer Backup Assist system.
In its’ class, the Raptor goes up against trucks such as the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, the Ram Rebel, Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra, GMC Sierra AT4 and the Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison. One thing that is not up for debate when comparing them all to the Raptor is the speed. Overall, the Raptor is a flat out fun truck that is easily at the top my list. Please enjoy the photo gallery.
