The 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor marked the beginning of the third generation of this iconic truck, bringing significant upgrades over its predecessors. It was designed to bridge the gap between a daily driver and a high-speed desert racer.
This model year introduced a completely redesigned suspension system and improved technology, keeping it at the top of the off-road food chain. Even though it faced new competition, the 2021 Raptor maintained its reputation as a balanced, high-performance pickup that offers incredible capability right off the dealership lot.
What Makes the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor Special?
What truly sets the 2021 Raptor apart from standard trucks and previous versions is its engineering focus on high-speed off-roading rather than just rock crawling or towing. The biggest change for this specific model year was the introduction of a five-link rear suspension with extra-long coil springs, replacing the traditional leaf springs found on most trucks.
This change provided better control, faster acceleration over rough terrain, and a much smoother ride on the highway. Additionally, this was the first time Ford offered the option for factory-installed 37-inch tires, allowing for even greater ground clearance and capability without needing aftermarket modifications.
Engine, Horsepower, and Performance Specs
Under the hood, the 2021 Raptor is powered by a high-output 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine. This engine delivers an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, providing massive acceleration and power. It is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly and intelligently depending on your driving mode.
While some enthusiasts hoped for a V8 engine in this model year, the V6 offers a lighter front end which helps with agility, and Ford updated the exhaust system to include a "trombone loop" that makes the V6 sound deeper and more aggressive than before.
Off-Road Capability and Suspension System
The suspension is the heart of the Raptor, and the 2021 model features top-tier hardware. It uses Fox Live Valve internal bypass shocks that electronically adjust damping rates hundreds of times per second based on how you are driving. The rear suspension redesign features 24-inch coil springs, which are the longest in its class, allowing for massive wheel travel to soak up bumps and jumps.
The truck offers over 13 inches of travel in the front and 15 inches in the rear, meaning you can drive over washboard roads or desert dunes at high speeds with surprising comfort and stability.
2021 Ford F-150 Raptor Interior and Comfort
Inside the cabin, the 2021 Raptor blends luxury with rugged durability. The interior features high-quality materials, including available Recaro bucket seats with heavy bolstering to keep you in place during off-road maneuvers. The steering wheel features a laser-etched logo and an orange centering mark, adding a sporty feel.
Ford also focused on practicality by including an optional "Interior Work Surface," where the gear shifter folds down to create a flat table for a laptop or lunch. The cabin is spacious, especially in the SuperCrew configuration, offering plenty of legroom for rear passengers.
Infotainment and Technology Features
Technology took a major leap forward in the 2021 model with the inclusion of Ford's SYNC 4 interface. This system runs on a massive 12-inch touchscreen that is responsive and easy to use, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The driver also gets a 12-inch digital gauge cluster that displays customizable information, including off-road data and navigation.
For music lovers, the truck offers an available 18-speaker B&O Unleashed sound system by Bang & Olufsen, which even includes speakers in the headrests for an immersive listening experience.
Exterior Design and Dimensions
The exterior design of the 2021 Raptor is aggressive and wider than the standard F-150 to accommodate its massive suspension and tires. It features the signature grille with big "FORD" lettering and amber marker lights that are legally required due to the truck's width.
The hood features a functional heat extractor, and the fenders have functional side vents inspired by the F-22 Raptor fighter jet. If you opt for the 37-inch tire package, the truck looks even more imposing and sits slightly higher, giving it a dominant stance on the road.
Towing Capacity and Payload
While the Raptor is built for jumping dunes, it is still a truck capable of doing work. The 2021 model saw improvements in this area, offering a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 pounds. This is an increase of 200 pounds over the previous generation, allowing owners to tow modest travel trailers or boats. The maximum payload capacity also increased to 1,400 pounds, meaning you can carry plenty of gear, camping equipment, or spare tires in the bed without overloading the suspension.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Fuel economy is generally not the selling point for a performance truck, and the Raptor is no exception. The EPA rates the 2021 Raptor at approximately 15 mpg in the city, 18 mpg on the highway, and 16 mpg combined. However, if you choose the optional 37-inch tire package, those numbers drop slightly to about 15 mpg combined.
In real-world driving, especially if you are enjoying the turbo acceleration or driving off-road, you can expect these numbers to be lower. It has a large 36-gallon fuel tank, which helps provide a decent driving range despite the fuel consumption.
Safety Features and Driver-Assistance Tech
Ford equipped the 2021 Raptor with a suite of advanced safety features under the Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0 umbrella. Standard features include forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking. It also offers specific off-road assistance tech like "Trail Control," which acts like cruise control for low-speed off-roading, and "Trail 1-Pedal Drive," which allows you to accelerate and brake using only the gas pedal to navigate tricky rocks. These features make off-roading safer and accessible even for drivers who are new to the experience.
Comparison: 2021 Ford Raptor vs. Ram 1500 TRX
The biggest rival to the 2021 Raptor is the Ram 1500 TRX. The main difference lies in the engine; the TRX boasts a supercharged V8 with 702 horsepower, significantly more than the Raptor's 450 horsepower. However, the Raptor is lighter and feels more agile and nimble on narrow trails compared to the heavier TRX.
The Raptor is generally considered to have a more sophisticated suspension setup for high-speed runs, while the TRX dominates in straight-line speed and raw power sound. The Raptor is also more affordable than the TRX, making it a better value proposition for many buyers.
2021 Ford F-150 Raptor Price (New vs. Used Market)
When it was released, the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor had a starting MSRP of around $65,000, but options could easily push the price over $80,000. In the current used market, the 2021 Raptor holds its value exceptionally well.
Depending on mileage and condition, you can expect to pay anywhere from $60,000 to $75,000 for a used model. Trucks equipped with the sought-after "Raptor 37 Performance Package" often command a premium price because of their rarity and desirable upgrades.
Conclusion: Is the 2021 Raptor Still Worth Buying?
In conclusion, the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor remains an excellent purchase for anyone looking for a high-performance pickup. It offers a perfect blend of daily driving comfort, modern technology, and unmatched off-road suspension engineering.
While it may lack the V8 roar of the Ram TRX, its lighter weight and agility make it incredibly fun to drive. If you want a truck that can survive a desert run on the weekend and comfortably take your family to dinner on a Tuesday, the 2021 Raptor is still one of the best options on the market.
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