Picture an abandoned desert trail with loose rocks and sun-baked ground emerging from a dried lake bed into the sunlight, creosote bushes twisting upon themselves, the once lively prickly pear wilting its pads due to the scorching heat. Now visualize a truck zooming by at nearly triple-digit speeds, kicking up dust clouds that resemble a storm in the rearview mirror. In this Mad Max-like scenario, the truck abruptly brakes, takes a sharp left turn, leaps over a berm, skids sideways, grinds through deep sandy dirt tracks, conquers bumps and slopes, then descends, with creosote bushes leaning in and prickly pears swaying like enthusiastic rally spectators.
It’s almost surreal to envision this unlikely scene with a 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor R. Looking back on it, I find myself double-checking my notes, my phone, and even my sanity to confirm that it was indeed real.
The Raptor R is an absolute beast, a marvel of engineering gracefully maneuvering through desert landscapes at high speeds, with the rapid wheel movements mimicking the motions of a 720-hp V-8 engine, yet inside the cabin, it’s strangely tranquil. No excessive head bobbing or spine-jarring; a person shouldn’t feel this comfortable navigating in so many directions simultaneously.
During my flight to Palm Springs, California, I accidentally broke a crown on a troublesome molar. I was bracing for a painful experience in dentistry and chiropractics while pushing this full-size factory truck to its limits near the King of the Hammers off-road course in Johnson Valley. Surprisingly, the Raptor R maintained cabin stability to the point where I could feel the gap in my mouth with my tongue without any mishaps.
2024 Ford F-150: What’s different?
Every 2024 Ford F-150 undergoes a mid-cycle update, enhancing the interior with a 12.0-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.0-inch touchscreen. Fear not, Ford retains large dials for drive modes, towing assistance, audio controls, tuning, and climate settings.
The changes to the exterior are subtle yet significant. A new curved wrap-around grille flows into the fenders, housing slightly tweaked C-shaped LED headlights. An optional modular bumper hangs lower, concealing the active grille shutters in select models, while accommodating a factory-installed Warn winch (with a 12,000-pound rating for the Raptor) or a Rigid LED light bar and other add-ons. The end caps expose more of the tire—ideal for the Raptor R’s 37-inch BFGoodrich K02s.
In off-road modes, the small fog lights adjust based on wheel direction, illuminating the path accordingly. If you steer right, the right fog light lights up; if you’re centered, both remain on. The taillight design curves like an elbow, protruding more from the fender than the tailgate to accommodate Ford’s available Pro Access two-way tailgate with a center door that swings open towards the passenger side (not available on the Raptor R).
2024 Ford F-150 Raptor R: What’s changed?
The Raptor R has received numerous enhancements, with the highlight being the 5.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine. The 3.5-generation Raptor R now delivers 720 hp and 640 lb-ft of torque, up from its previous 700 hp. The 2024 Raptor still utilizes the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 engine producing 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. For a historical perspective, when the F-150 Raptor first debuted in 2009, the available 6.2-liter V-8 peaked at 411 hp.
Indeed, the 2024 Raptor R now surpasses the 702-hp Ram 1500 TRX. What’s more impressive is that Ford continues to offer the Raptor R. The 20 hp increase is achieved by Ford integrating what essentially acts as a substantial snorkel beneath the front section of the Raptor R’s bonnet.
“We intake a significant amount of air to generate that power,” shared Ford Performance chief Carl Widmann with Motor Authority. “By allowing more air into the system at full throttle, we can achieve 720 hp.”
The gleam in his eye and the grin on his face weren’t just due to his birthday. This maestro piloted a formidable machine that, in Baja mode, uncovers the baffles and fills the cabin with a calculated roar synchronized with your heartbeat.
The 10-speed automatic transmission holds gears longer to access peak torque at 4,300 rpm, yet in my trials, there was no concern about hitting the redline, instilling more confidence to push until Ford enforced the limits.
On the road, the authoritative driving position and 74.3-inch track width (73.9-inch at the rear), exceeding an F-150’s width by six inches, reminded me of its substantial stature; extending over 86 inches in width, the Raptor R features three amber lights as a safety halo in the upper grille, as it’s classified by regulations similarly to a commercial delivery vehicle. Out in the desert, away from the constraints of road signs, rules, and other vehicles, it felt compact and significantly easier to handle.
Achieving 0-60 mphThe concept of time holds no significance while navigating rugged desert terrain with an elevated suspension system that effortlessly transitions from firm ground to soft sand in a blink, yet the sensation of the front end rising during liftoff resonated harmoniously with the exhilaration in my stomach.
During a particular launch over a tabletop feature, the sheer power almost felt overwhelming. The lengthy trailing arms, connecting to the multi-link rear suspension and massive 24-inch coil springs, effectively harnessed that potent power during acceleration. Approaching the tabletop, I had to briefly ease off the throttle at 70 mph before applying more power for takeoff. It was more about my jitters than the capabilities of the truck itself. Pushing it at 80 mph may have resulted in a spectacular leap akin to Michael Jordan in flight, but it could have also led to an early exit from the rugged off-road course. The essence of performance driving lies in ensuring you live to drive another day.
Upgrade in suspension to the 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor R elevates the euphoric experience. Catching air in a 6,077-pound truck is a surreal blend of unsettling and awe-inspiring sensations. However, the true test lies in the landing. As the rear wheels make contact with the ground after the jump, keeping the front wheels aligned, regaining control, and smoothly applying the brakes for the 13.8-inch ventilated discs are crucial steps before initiating a controlled drift maneuver.
The Raptor R now features enhanced Fox Dual Live shocks, a replacement for the standard Raptor’s Fox Live Valve shocks, optimizing the rebound stroke for quicker recovery after encountering rugged terrains. Utilizing position sensors on each wheel monitored by a control unit enables more responsive damping tailored to driving behavior and terrain conditions. Paired with revised NTN half shafts angled at 35 degrees (inner shaft) and 45 degrees (outer shaft), yielding an additional half-inch of wheel travel, resulting in 13.5 inches at the front and 14 inches at the rear. The refined wheel travel not only enhances control but also boosts confidence at higher speeds.
The balance achieved through these enhancements provided me with a sense of confidence that surpassed my skill level. With every lap around the diverse terrain, from desert peaks to autocross circuit lows, I found myself improving, pushing the limits further, navigating obscure turns with a wild grin on my face, oblivious to the one missing tooth.
Navigating through challenging twists and turns was facilitated by Ford’s decision to increase the steering ratio to 16:1 from 17.2:1. Even when the terrain attempted to wrest control of the steering wheel, it swiftly re-centered, enabling precise handling to maneuver through subsequent bends with a swift quarter turn.
As I ascended and descended through the desert landscape, my capabilities improved rapidly, cruising at higher speeds, darting around hidden apexes, all while sporting a wide grin like a daredevil, unaffected by my dental imperfections.
In the realm of high-speed off-roading, particularly in a post-apocalyptic desert devoid of civilization, the answer to the dilemma is crystal clear – Raptor R.
The monetary aspect, however, presents a stark reality. Priced at an eye-watering $112,220, inclusive of a $1,995 destination fee, the 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor R demands an additional $31,895 compared to its predecessor, the 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor. With that difference, one could almost acquire an F-150 XL or opt for a GMC Hummer EV pickup or SUV instead. Although obtaining a Ram TRX may not be feasible, the Hummer EV offers a distinct vehicle category – a technological marvel capable of off-road expeditions, albeit not at the velocity levels of the Raptor R.
When the goal is high-velocity off-road adventures, especially within a barren, dystopian wilderness far from civilization, the choice becomes unequivocal – Raptor R.
Ford generously covered airfare and accommodations for Motor Authority to facilitate this immersive review.
