The Ford Raptor nameplate is known for toughness, durability, speed, and power. Ford designed the high-performance trucks and SUVs that bear the Raptor name to excel off-road while performing admirably on the road, too. One of the most notable Ford Raptor models is the F-150 Raptor.
First released for the 2010 model year, the F-150 SVT Raptor quickly gained notoriety for its off-road performance. The latest F-150 Raptors continue this tradition of excellence with a few new bells and whistles to better fit the times. Our team at Bird Kultgen Ford has put together this complete walkthrough of the 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor’s towing capacity and engine performance.
Raw Power Unleashed: Engine Performance
At the heart of every 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor is a powerful engine. Depending on if the customer opts for the standard Raptor or the Raptor R, their truck will come with one of two engine options:
- A 3.5-liter V-6 EcoBoost high-output engine that generates 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque.
- A 5.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine that produces 700 horsepower and 640 lb-ft of torque.
Each engine comes with a paddle-shifted 10-speed automatic transmission that sends power to every wheel through a standard four-wheel-drive system. Regardless of the chosen motor, Ford built the F-150 Raptor to perform both off-road and on the road. Combined with four-wheel drive, these potent engines ensure the truck can conquer any terrain. Plus, with a refined suspension that includes Fox internal-bypass dampers and a five-link rear coil-spring setup, the ride will be as smooth as possible no matter what kind of road you and your F-150 Raptor take.
Hauling Beyond Limits: Towing Capacity
To maximize off-road effectiveness, the F-150 Raptor sacrifices a small amount of towing and payload capacity compared to a regular F-150. A normal F-150 Raptor boasts a maximum towing capacity of 8,300 pounds, while the Raptor R pulls up to 8,700 pounds. Both Raptor models have a maximum payload capacity of 1,400 pounds. Regular F-150s, depending on their engine type, can pull between 13,000 and 14,000 pounds, with maximum payload capacities ranging from 1,840 to 3,250 pounds.
Still, other versions of the F-150 don’t match the Raptor’s ability to haul heavy loads while traversing almost any environment. This combination of capabilities makes the Raptor an ideal choice for towing a trailer, boat, or almost anything else, regardless of your final destination or the road it takes to get there.
Other towing-friendly features available on the F-150 Raptor include:
- A Class IV trailer hitch with a smart trailer tow connector, a seven pin to four pin connector, and a Class IV trailer hitch receiver.
- Front and rear tow hooks.
- A tailgate step that folds down from the open tailgate to provide an easy step into the truck bed.
- Ford’s smart hitch, which activates through the center touch screen to determine the approximate trailer tongue weight and whether the trailer weight is distributed correctly.
- Dynamic Hitch Assist to help the driver quickly line up and attach their trailer to the F-150 Raptor.
- Fully automatic adaptive suspension that, depending on the selected drive mode, adjusts the Raptor’s shock absorbers in real time to match the road surface and driver inputs, giving the driver enhanced vehicle control, especially when towing or hauling heavy loads.
Power Beyond the Pavement: Off-Road Towing
As mentioned above, while the Raptor sacrifices some overall towing and hauling output compared to the normal F-150, it more than compensates for it when doing off-road towing. Ford designed every inch of the F-150 Raptor to shine off-road, especially when towing.
Some of the key highlights that maximize the F-150’s off-road towing performance include:
- A five-link rear suspension featuring extra-long trailing arms, a Panhard rod, and 24-inch coil springs. With the Raptor’s sophisticated engine, this suspension allows the Raptor to send more torque to the rear wheels for faster acceleration and better throttle responsiveness while producing more comfort, stability, handling, control, and traction over rugged landscapes.
- Front and rear Fox Live Valve internal bypass shocks provide position-sensitive damping adjustability, allowing the Raptor to resist heat buildup better and react quicker to terrain changes.
- Terrain Management System with seven selectable modes (Normal, Slippery, Sport, Tow/Haul, Off-Road, Baja, and Rock Crawl). This system makes it possible to adjust the Raptor to best meet the road, or lack thereof, around.
- Heavy-duty skid plates to protect the Raptor’s undercarriage.
- Trail Control with Trail 1-Pedal Drive and Trail Turn Assist.
- 35- or 37-inch tires give the Raptor additional ground clearance, allowing you to maneuver through more types of environments.
Balancing Power and Efficiency: Engine Performance
While the EPA has yet to rate the 2024 F-150 Raptor’s fuel economy, the 2023 F-150 Raptor performed admirably in this category. The 2023 Raptor with the V-6 achieved 15 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway. When equipped with the V-8, the Raptor reached 10 mpg in the city and 15 mpg on the highway. These figures stack up favorably to competitors such as the Ram 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado.
The 3.5L V-6 EcoBoost, available only on the Raptor, allows the truck to generate substantial output while maintaining respectable fuel economy. Also, the F-150 Raptor comes standard with an extended range via its 36-gallon fuel tank. So, although it won’t achieve the mileage of a sedan, drivers won’t have to worry about frequently filling up during their adventures.
Unmatched Towing and Performance: 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor
If you’re an off-road enthusiast or spend a lot of time outdoors, the 2024 F-150 Raptor is an ideal choice that excels off-road and will haul or tow across virtually any terrain. Ready to test-drive a new 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor and feel its power for yourself? Visit Bird Kultgen Ford in Waco, Texas. Our family-owned business has been the city’s trusted Ford dealer since 1936, and we have a history of treating our customers like a part of our family. Contact us online, call 254-633-3006, or drop in to the dealership at 1701 W Loop 340 in Waco.
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