The 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor Is The Badass Pick Up We Need!

The wraps are off the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor pickup truck, the performance/off-road oriented variant of the 2021 F-150. The Raptor boasts significant updates on the technological front and still manages to keep its core off-roading DNA intact. In fact, Ford says the new Raptor is the most connected and off-road oriented Raptor ever made. 

‘Baja Inspired’ Hardware

The new F-150 Raptor has the roots of the Baja 1000, one of the toughest off-road races held in Mexico. Keeping in line with its off-road prowess, Ford has equipped it with a five-link rear suspension for some serious articulation. It also sits on Fox shocks that allow up to 35.56cm of wheel travel at the front and 38.1cm at the rear, which is the best in a Raptor. 

Is There A V8?

If you were expecting a V8-powered Raptor, you might be in for a disappointment as it continues to utilise Ford’s 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine that comes coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The sound of a V6 is also no match to the V8, but Ford has tweaked the exhaust system to make it throatier. 

It’s not all bad news though as the F-150’s product video says ‘more to come in 2022.’ The V8-powered Raptor, dubbed the Raptor R, is coming next year. What’s even better is the fact that it will utilise the fully blown 5.2-litre supercharged V8 motor from the Shelby GT500. So if you had your eyes set on the Raptor, we suggest you hold your horses. 

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In one word, the Raptor looks ‘badass.’ People are sure to give way when they see this big Ford in their mirrors. The basic design might be similar to the standard F-150, but the Raptor being Ford’s off-road focussed and performance-oriented truck, gets a few key changes. 

The bold ‘FORD’ grille with the iconic amber lights and DRLs makes its presence felt while the tough front bumper not only looks ‘Built Ford’ tough, but aids in better approach angle. In profile, the off-road spec Fox shocks make it stand taller than the standard F-150. Complementing its stance further are the off-road 35-inch tyres, that can be upsized to 37-inches, shod with BF Goodrich TA KO2s tyres. At the rear, the blacked-out applique on the tailgate not only looks aggressive, but also breaks visual mass.  

What About The Interior?

Save for the orange accents and the Raptor badging on the seats, the interior remains similar to the standard F-150, which is no bad thing. The new F-150’s cabin is premium, courtesy the large 12-inch infotainment system and digital driver’s display. It’s also the first time the Raptor is being offered with a connected car suite. 

Sad News For Fellow Indians

It won’t come to India, but reports suggest Ford is looking at bringing its Halo products -- the Focus, Ranger Raptor, facelifted 2021 Mustang, and even the performance-oriented Focus ST -- under the 2500-import rule. While that is good news, we hope the F-150 Raptor is also here as a niche off-roader.