At the launch of the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R, I had a question for Ford Performance boss Carl Widdman about why they didn’t push for a few more horsepower to surpass the Ram TRX. Widdman’s response was simple: “Why bother?” Initially, his answer didn’t fully resonate with me, but after spending a week with the Raptor R and experiencing its unique qualities, I now understand his reasoning.
On paper, the Ford F-150 Raptor R and the Ram TRX may seem similar with their horsepower and spec sheets. However, living with both trucks revealed significant differences. The Raptor R utilizes Ford’s bag of tricks to offer a more dynamic and well-rounded experience compared to the TRX.
One of the standout features of the Raptor R is its split personality. In Normal drive mode, the truck behaves like any other pickup, ignoring the fact that it has a supercharged 2.7-liter engine under the hood. However, switching to Sport mode awakens the Raptor R, delivering quicker shifts, louder exhaust notes, and enhanced throttle response. The four-wheel drive system also shifts to 4WD auto, providing improved traction. Sport mode allows the Raptor R to truly become the truck you expect it to be, but with the option to dial it back to Normal mode.
While the Raptor R impresses with its performance, it does come at a cost, quite literally. The 700-horsepower supercharged V8 engine is thirsty, and it requires premium fuel. The EPA fuel economy ratings are not for the faint of heart, with 10 mpg in the city, 15 mpg on the highway, and 12 mpg combined. During my time with the Raptor R, I averaged 11.1 mpg in mixed suburban driving. On highway road trips, I managed to beat the EPA ratings, averaging 16.0 mpg with the cruise control set at over 70 mph. However, the wide body and large tires create significant wind resistance, leading to decreased fuel economy. With a 36-gallon fuel tank, filling up the Raptor R can hit your wallet hard.
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One area where the Raptor R shines is its lighter feel in day-to-day driving. With around 400 pounds less weight compared to the TRX, the Raptor R feels nimble and quick to change directions. It strikes a balance between agility and stability without feeling too stiff or fragile.
Unfortunately, the interior of the Raptor R falls short compared to the TRX. While the front Recaro bucket seats are comfortable, the overall fit and finish and quality of materials do not match the Ram’s interior. The folding shifter still produces an unpleasant sound when folded up or down, and there is noticeable play in the shifter when in gear or in park. It lacks the attention to detail and refinement that the TRX offers.
On the positive side, the Raptor R retains all the best features of the regular F-150 while adding its off-road and performance enhancements. The rear suspension, live-valve shocks, and all-terrain tires do not compromise the F-150’s practicality. It remains a versatile truck that can easily transform into a mobile workstation with its clever features. The ability to fold the shifter, flip the center armrest, and create a desk with a ventilated seat is a useful addition for those who need to get work done on the go.
However, the Raptor R’s impressive capabilities come at a price, quite literally. The base price of the Raptor R is $109,245, significantly higher than the regular F-150 Raptor. Opting for the supercharged V8 adds an additional $30,575 to the price before options. The total cost can reach a staggering $110,000, making the Raptor R one of the most expensive pickup trucks on the market. While the interior of the Raptor R is decent, it falls short compared to the luxuriousness of the TRX’s cabin.
Despite its flaws, the Raptor R manages to deliver a sleeper experience. Its subtle exterior modifications may lead most people to assume it is just a regular Raptor. Only those who are familiar with the Raptor R’s details will be able to recognize its true potential. During my week with the truck, only one person accurately identified it, while others assumed it was a turbo-6-powered Raptor. The Raptor R offers a more understated and versatile driving experience compared to the always-wired Ram TRX.
In conclusion, the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R is a unique truck that differentiates itself from the Ram TRX. Its split personality, lighter feel, practical features, and sleeper status make it a compelling choice. However, its thirst for fuel, higher price tag, and interior shortcomings prevent it from being the perfect truck. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and priorities when choosing between the Raptor R and the TRX.
