When Ford drops a truck with over 700 horsepower, you know it’s not here to play nice. Meet the 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor R 4×4 SuperCrew – a sand-chewing, trail-blasting monster built to dominate every inch of dirt, rock, and pavement in its path. This isn’t just a pickup; it’s a V8-powered war cry on wheels.
Powertrain: V8 Thunder
Under the hood lies a 5.2L supercharged V8 that belts out a neck-snapping 720 horsepower and 640 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a smooth but aggressive electronic ten-speed automatic transmission, this engine isn’t just an upgrade – it’s a statement. Ford has shaved down air inlet losses and fine-tuned calibration to give this beast a broader, more usable torque band. Translation? It pulls like a freight train across the entire rev range.
The 20-horsepower increase over the previous model may not sound like a massive leap on paper, but in practice, it gives the Raptor R even more urgency in acceleration and helps it maintain torque in demanding off-road scenarios. Whether you’re towing a trailer up a steep incline or launching off sand dunes, the power delivery is confident, immediate, and addictive.
Ride and Handling: Baja-Ready Brilliance
What sets the Raptor R apart isn’t just raw power. It’s the way that power gets planted to the ground. The all-new FOX Dual Live Valve shocks are a revelation, offering continuously variable rebound damping that adjusts in real time based on the terrain. Whether you’re soaring over dunes or tackling rocky trails, the five-link rear suspension with extra-long trailing arms and 24-inch coil springs keeps things planted and predictable.
The terrain-adaptive suspension system works with Ford’s proprietary off-road algorithms to anticipate and adjust to surface changes hundreds of times per second. Combine that with selectable drive modes tailored to mud, rock, sand, snow, and pavement, and the Raptor R is always ready for what’s next. The Trail Control system, essentially off-road cruise control, and the available One-Pedal Drive further add to its versatility, allowing even novice off-roaders to feel confident behind the wheel.
Driving the Raptor R on the road, you’d expect a lumbering brute – but it’s surprisingly composed. The electronic suspension system works overtime to smooth out the ride, making this an everyday-ready off-roader. The steering is responsive, and the wide stance gives it a planted, sure-footed feel that inspires confidence whether you’re on a trail or the highway.
Design: All Attitude
Finished in Oxford White and dressed to kill, the Raptor R sports a blackout grille, new headlamps, and a modular front bumper that’s not just for looks. It’s designed to increase clearance and show off those massive 37-inch tires. The Power Dome hood with Code Orange accents and Carbonized Gray graphics screams performance. And with forged front tow hooks, you’ll be the one doing the rescuing when others get stuck.
Inside, RECARO black leather seats hold you tight while the cabin blends rugged utility with high-end tech. From the digital instrument cluster to the large touchscreen infotainment system, everything feels modern, robust, and ready for a beating. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, along with a premium B&O sound system that can blast your trail playlist with authority.
Storage is well thought out too, with ample room in the cabin for gear, tools, or weekend essentials. The rear seats fold up to create even more cargo space, making it surprisingly practical for a truck this wild.
What We Love
- That glorious 5.2L V8 roar
- FOX Dual Live Valve suspension magic
- Rugged yet refined interior with RECARO seating
- Serious off-road credentials straight from the factory
- Customizable off-road modes and advanced driving aids
What Could Be Better
- Fuel economy? LOL. You’re not buying this truck to save gas.
- Price tag puts it deep into luxury vehicle territory
- Size and height can make urban driving a challenge
Should You Buy the 2024 Raptor R? Our Verdict
The 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor R is a no-apologies performance truck that lives up to its legacy and then some. It’s a brute force machine with brains, tech, and suspension wizardry to match. If your idea of fun includes desert jumps, rock crawls, and a soundtrack of supercharged V8 thunder, this is your next ride. Just make sure your neighbors are cool with 700+ horsepower alarm clocks.
The Raptor R is not just for adrenaline junkies. It’s for enthusiasts who appreciate a well-rounded machine that balances insane power with clever engineering and genuine usability. It’s as comfortable getting muddy as it is pulling up to valet parking. Just be ready for the attention it commands – and don’t be surprised when strangers ask, “Is that the new Raptor R?”
Verdict: The king of off-road trucks just leveled up.
