I Test Drove the 2025 Ford Raptor R: Here’s the Real Verdict

UPDATED: Apr 29, 2025 7:39 PM EDT

Ford Raptor R = Baja-worthy greatness

Since 2010, Ford’s F-150 Raptor has set the benchmark for high-performance off-road trucks, becoming an absolute legend in the process. Fast forward to today, Ford cranks things up to eleven with the introduction of the Raptor R, a truck that growls its way into Baja-worthy greatness before leaving its competition in the dust – literally. Under the hood rallies a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 borrowed straight from its Shelby GT500 stablemate. Of course, 700 horsepower in a truck with heated seats is a combo we never knew we needed but always wanted!

Uniquely Raptor R

The new Raptor R’s breathing heart is a 5.2-liter V8 with a supercharger that’s nicknamed ‘Predator’. Together, they’re responsible for channeling 700 horsepower and 640 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels via a 10-speed auto. That’s enough muscle to launch this truck to 60 mph in under 4 seconds, blazing fast for a truck tipping the scales at roughly 6,100 pounds. Bury the throttle and it’ll hit a top speed of 114 mph (electronically limited, of course) in no time.

However, where the Raptor truly shines is off-road, all thanks to next-gen suspension tech. We start with the Fox Live Valve shocks that adapt in real-time to terrain changes, absorbing bone-jarring impacts with uncanny precision. Meanwhile, up to 15 inches of suspension travel ensures the Raptor glides over jumps as if it were part of a Baja race team. Speaking of Baja-inspired DNA, the new Raptor floats on massive 37-inch BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrains that give it the grip to climb (or crawl) across any surface.

For particularly gnarly trails, the Raptor throws in the two-speed transfer case and an electronically locking rear differential to ensure that all 700 horsepower are fed to the wheels that need the most traction. And, finally, let’s not forget the Raptor’s Terrain Management System that offers seven distinct drive modes – namely Baja, Rock Crawl, and Sport – that tune the truck for every scenario you throw at it.

Driving the Raptor vs Raptor R

Having driven both the “standard” Raptor and this Raptor R, let me tell you, they are worlds apart. The sheer, unadulterated power the R delivers makes it feel blistering quick off the line. The regular Raptor, with its turbocharged V6, is certainly no slouch, but it never quite feels truly ‘fast’ in the same way. And the sound? Forget about it. While the EcoBoost V6 doesn’t sound bad, the supercharged V8 takes the auditory experience to an entirely different level. Punch the gas, and you’re rewarded with that glorious supercharger whine and an exhaust note that growls deeply, unlike the higher-pitch whine of the regular Raptor. It’s ridiculously easy to get the rear tires to break loose – this truck is just an absolute blast, offering a visceral, laugh-out-loud driving experience that’s unmatched in the supertruck category right now.

Inside the Raptor R’s cockpit

Climb inside the Raptor R, and you’re greeted with enough premium touches to almost justify the six-figure sticker. The seats are the star of the show here, donning deeply bolstered Recaros clad in a mix of supple leather and grippy Alcantara suede – perfect for keeping you planted when the truck inevitably gets sideways. Red contrast stitching adds a sporty flair, with carbon fiber trim popping up around the cabin.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a modern truck without screens. The Raptor R obliges with a generously sized 12-inch SYNC touchscreen handling infotainment duties. Thankfully, it plays nice with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and FordPass connectivity is standard. Ahead of the driver sits another customizable 12-inch digital cluster, ditching analog gauges for a screen that can display everything from speed and revs to vital off-road stats like pitch, roll, and steering angle. And yes, it’s got the safety tech covered too – ADAS features like lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree cameras, and parking sensors make highway cruising and navigating tight spots a bit less stressful.

A suit of armor

The Raptor R announces its arrival with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer. This truck’s exterior design screams purpose – it’s wide, aggressive, and looks like it could punch through a brick wall just for fun. Up front, that massive, blacked-out grille proudly spells out F-O-R-D in block letters, flanked by signature LED lighting that gives it an intimidating stare. Below sits a proper steel bumper, complete with tow hooks and skid plates – reminders that this isn’t just a pavement princess. Those huge 37-inch BFGoodrich K02 tires, standard on the R, barely fit under the massively flared fenders, giving it a stance that’s pure Baja pre-runner. Ford sprinkles a few ‘R’ badges around, just in case the V8 rumble wasn’t enough of a hint. Out back, it’s just as bold, with more F-O-R-D lettering across the tailgate and black-tipped dual exhausts that look ready to spit fire. It’s a functional, aggressive design that perfectly matches the beast lurking within.

2025 Ford Raptor R pricing

Building the ultimate 2025 Ford F-150 Raptor R involves starting with the standard Raptor (which begins around $79,000) and adding the mandatory Equipment Group 803A (the R package). This adds $31,925 to the pricetage, fundamentally transforming the truck with the powerhouse 720-hp 5.2L Supercharged V8 and essentials like advanced Fox Dual Live Valve shocks, 17-inch forged aluminum bead-lock capable wheels, and distinct Raptor R exterior graphics and interior accents (like unique Recaro seats and carbon fiber appliques).

Final thoughts

Think of it this way: just as the Shelby GT500 represents the absolute peak of Ford’s street performance, the Raptor R is the ultimate expression of their factory off-road capibility. It’s Ford Performance showing off, crafting a halo truck that’s essentially a Baja-ready machine you can drive straight off the dealer lot. Now, realistically, most owners will probably use its incredible suspension travel to navigate speed bumps at the mall rather than desert whoops. But knowing you could theoretically outrun a sandstorm on your way to pick up groceries? That’s part of the Raptor R’s slightly absurd, yet undeniably appealing, charm. It’s an incredibly capable, hilariously fun truck that sets the bar for factory-built off-road insanity.