The garage gate groaned open, granting access to the narrow alley behind Roadshow HQ. My internal monologue kicked in, a mantra for the moment: “2017 Ford F-150 Raptor. Six and a half feet tall. Don’t decapitate it on this gate.” Behind the wheel of this beast, spatial awareness became paramount.
Navigating San Francisco’s urban jungle in the Raptor was an immediate lesson in its sheer size. This isn’t your average pickup; it’s a meticulously engineered off-road machine that happens to be street legal. Maneuvering through tight spaces highlighted its “Bad” points right away: “Its extremely large size makes it difficult to maneuver in traffic and limits the truck to wider off-road trails,” as noted in initial impressions. But even minor urban obstacles were shrugged off with ease. A dropped curb felt like a pebble, a testament to its robust suspension. This truck doesn’t just handle rough terrain; it dismisses it.
Street parking presented the next challenge. The SuperCrew model I tested boasted a 12-foot wheelbase and stretched over 19 feet long. Finding a spot felt like searching for a unicorn in a parking lot. Parallel parking on a side street became a calculated operation, aided immensely by the Raptor’s saving grace: the 360-degree camera. This feature transformed a potentially stressful parking scenario into a manageable task, allowing me to confidently position the oversized truck, even nudging the curbside wheels onto the sidewalk to clear the street. “Parked like a boss!” the image caption proclaimed, a sentiment echoed by the effortless parking assist technology.
The Raptor’s arrival in 2010 redefined the off-road truck segment. It wasn’t just a trim package; it was a statement. A “no-holds-barred beast,” as it was aptly described, it flipped the bird to practicality and catered directly to the thrill-seeking dirt enthusiast. For many, including myself, it was love at first sight. The 2017 iteration, however, brought about some initial skepticism among purists: the V8 was gone, replaced by a turbocharged V6, and aluminum now formed its body.
Concerns quickly dissolved upon experiencing the new powertrain. Ford’s 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 EcoBoost engine generates a potent 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This wasn’t a downgrade; it was an upgrade. Outperforming the previous 6.2-liter V8’s 411 hp and 434 lb-ft of torque, the smaller engine, combined with a 500-pound weight reduction thanks to the aluminum body, delivered enhanced performance and agility. More power, less weight – a formula for off-road dominance.
Ford didn’t stop at the engine. Wheel travel was significantly increased for this second generation, boasting 13 inches in the front and 13.9 inches in the rear. This transformed the Raptor into a showroom-ready Baja prerunner, blurring the lines between production truck and race machine. Its participation and podium finish in the grueling 2016 Baja 1000, followed by a drive back home, cemented its off-road credentials. This wasn’t just marketing hype; it was real-world validation of its engineering prowess.
But the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor isn’t a one-trick pony. Its intelligent Terrain Management System, featuring six distinct drive modes and an advanced transfer case, broadens its capabilities beyond high-speed desert running. It’s equally adept at rock crawling, mud bogging, snow driving, and even everyday commuting – albeit with a Raptor-sized presence.
Unleashing Terrain Domination: Drive Modes Explained
Baja mode is where the Raptor truly comes alive. Engaging it is like flipping a switch to “fun.” Four-wheel drive automatically engages, distributing torque evenly, while an anti-lag system keeps the turbos spooled for immediate power delivery, crucial for maintaining momentum in off-road scenarios. The transmission locks out the top five gears of its 10-speed automatic, keeping the engine in the optimal rev range for aggressive driving, whether using paddle shifters or letting the truck manage gear changes. For those seeking maximum rear-wheel-drive thrills, Baja mode can be further customized to two-wheel drive, unleashing the full force of the engine to the rear wheels for controlled drifts and dirt rooster tails.
Rock mode caters to low-speed technical terrain. Locking the rear differential and engaging four-low creates a 50:1 crawl ratio, providing maximum torque multiplication for conquering steep inclines and rocky obstacles. While the Raptor’s approach (30 degrees), breakover (22 degrees), and departure (23 degrees) angles are respectable, they aren’t class-leading compared to more specialized rock crawlers like a two-door Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. However, for a full-size truck, the Raptor demonstrates surprising agility and capability in rock crawling situations.
Mud/Sand mode optimizes traction in low-grip environments. It locks the torque split at 50/50 in four-wheel drive and automatically locks the rear differential when needed. The transmission holds gears longer, and traction control is relaxed, allowing for wheel spin to maintain momentum through mud and sand. The standard BFGoodrich KO2 35-inch tires excel in these conditions, especially when aired down for an even larger contact patch and improved grip.
Weather mode showcases the Raptor’s intelligent all-wheel-drive capabilities. Utilizing the advanced transfer case, it proactively distributes power to the front wheels when slippage is detected. Throttle response is softened to prevent wheel spin on slick surfaces, and traction control is maximized. This unique system sets the Raptor apart, offering a level of all-weather confidence unmatched by other trucks in its class.
The Raptor’s terrain management system empowers drivers of all skill levels. It instills confidence to tackle challenging off-road situations, from steep side hills to high-speed whoops. The truck handles much of the technical work, allowing the driver to focus on line selection and enjoying the experience. Pushing the Raptor to its limits forges a unique connection between driver, machine, and terrain.
For on-road driving, Sport and Normal modes offer distinct personalities. Both operate in two-wheel drive, but Sport mode sharpens throttle response and holds gears longer for a more engaging driving experience. Normal mode prioritizes fuel efficiency with an automatic stop-start system and early upshifts, which may feel less responsive for those accustomed to the Raptor’s performance potential.
Fuel economy, while improved by 23% over the previous generation, remains a consideration. EPA ratings of 15 mpg city, 18 mpg highway, and 16 mpg combined mean frequent gas station visits, especially with enthusiastic driving.
On the highway, the Raptor exhibits surprising composure, considering its off-road focus. The long-travel suspension and large tires absorb imperfections effectively, providing a comfortable ride. Sport mode transforms highway on-ramps into opportunities for spirited acceleration, with quick gear changes via the paddle shifters.
The 10-speed automatic transmission, while seemingly excessive, operates seamlessly. In automatic mode, it downshifts promptly when needed and cruises efficiently in the higher gears at highway speeds.
Inside, the Raptor’s cabin prioritizes spaciousness. However, material quality is a mixed bag. While the available leather-trimmed seats are comfortable and supportive, some interior plastics feel less premium, particularly the climate control buttons and center console.
Technology features, including blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera, are bundled in a pricey option package. While incredibly useful, especially given the Raptor’s size, their inclusion in a less expensive technology package alongside lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and other driver aids would be a more logical configuration.
The tested Raptor included the Sync 3 infotainment system, a user-friendly interface with a responsive touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Voice recognition and pinch-to-zoom functionality further enhance usability. The FordPass app enables remote vehicle functions and provides vehicle status updates, adding modern convenience.
Raptor: Unrivaled in its Class
The 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor occupies a unique space in the automotive landscape. It faces virtually no direct competitors in the full-size off-road truck segment. While the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro offer off-road capabilities, they are mid-size trucks with significantly less power. The Ram Power Wagon, while similarly sized, prioritizes rock crawling with solid axles, sacrificing high-speed desert running prowess.
With a starting price of around $50,000, the Raptor presents a compelling value proposition compared to custom-built off-road rigs that can cost significantly more and lack factory warranties. However, option packages can quickly inflate the price. The test vehicle, loaded with nearly $18,000 in options, reached almost $70,000. While some options, like the 360-degree camera, are highly valuable, others, like graphics packages, may be less essential for many buyers.
Ultimately, the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor delivers an unmatched blend of off-road performance, technology, and everyday usability. It’s a truck that redefines the boundaries of factory off-road capability, making it the undisputed king of its class. Just remember to mind the overhead clearance.
