2021 Ford Raptor Returns and We Couldn’t Be Any Happier

2021 Ford Raptor Returns and We Couldn't Be Any Happier

Let's get this straight right off that bat: Trucks are cool. You'll get no argument from us on that score. But we also recognize there are trucks, and there are Trucks with a capital T. The 2021 Ford Raptor is the latter and then some. Ford's trophy truck, built on its bestselling F-150 platform, is back for another run, and we've got the lowdown on this off-road monster. Keep reading to find out why the 2021 Raptor might be our favorite offroad machine.

By Lethal Performance

Dinosaur DNA: The History of the 2021 Ford Raptor

The Raptor went into production in 2009 as part of the 2010 model year. Ford's plan was to take an offroad racing truck and make it legal for street use. Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT) already had designed the SVT Lightning, the hot-rod version of the F-150, so the Raptor was supposed to take off-road what the Lightning brought to the pavement.

2021 Ford Raptor Specs

Built to be the street-legal version of the F-150 SVT Raptor R racing truck that dominates International Off-Road Racing, including events such as the Baja 1000, the factory Ford Raptor is designed to do its dirty work where the pavement ends and adventure begins. Check the specs below to get an idea of what this truck can do when it trades the highway for less-predictable ground.

  • Horsepower: 450 hp
  • Torque: 510 lb-ft
  • Powerplant: 3.5-liter twin-turbo DOHC 24-valve V6
  • Curb Weight: 5,750 pounds
  • Drivetrain: 4WD, 10-Speed Automatic Transmission
  • Speed: 0-60 MPH in 5.5 Seconds

2021 Raptor Goes Where Few Trucks Dare to Go

Ford calls the Raptor "the original desert truck," and there's plenty of reasons why it performs so well in dirt, mud, snow, sand and grass. One of the first things that jumps out at you when you see the 2021 Raptor are the fat 37-inch tires — Ford calls them "optional," but could you really opt NOT to equip your Raptor with these? A Raptor with the 37s has a ground clearance of 13.1 inches, while the standard 35-inch tires have 12 inches.

The 2021 model is the third generation of Raptor, and it comes with a brand new rear suspension. Designed not only to accommodate the beefier tires, the new suspension also gives the latest Raptor more prowess off-road. The five-link, coil-sprung, live-axle rear suspension is a new feature for Ford and was completely designed for the 2021 Raptor. It boasts long trailing arms and 24-inch springs to help maintain stability, traction and overall performance over rough terrain.

Along with those bigger springs come larger shock absorbers that help the 2021 Raptor eat up whatever surface it meets.

What? No V8? Not Yet...

Off-road aficionados, including loyal Blue Oval supporters, are well aware of the Ram 1500 TRX and its gloriously powerful supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat V8 engine that delivers a whopping 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. This makes Raptor's 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque from its twin-turbo V6 look — well — not too impressive. But it's not necessarily all about the raw stats. The smaller motor helps Raptor remain quick and agile, important attributes for a truck that not only aims to conquer off-road terrain but do so swiftly.

However, there is good news for those would-be Raptor owners who absolutely need the power and bulk of a big V8. The Raptor R is slated to join the scene in 2022, bringing its own 700-plus horses to the show. Stay tuned.

All the Bells and Whistles, Because You're Not Really Racing

The Raptor is based on a racing truck platform. That does not mean it is a racing truck. It's meant to be a daily driver or weekend option for those who want to experience the thrills of an off-road trophy truck without stripping away the comfort and convenience we expect from our modern vehicles.

To that end, the Raptor is equipped with everything you could ask for and more. Let's take a look:

  • Suede-accented seats with optional Recaro bucket seats.
  • Aluminum or carbon-fiber interior trim
  • Plenty of interior storage, including locked compartments under the seats
  • Ford Performance steering wheel with paddle shifters
  • 12-inch touchscreen with Ford's Sync 4 infotainment system

Arguably the coolest feature is the onboard Pro-Power generator. This has become a popular option for owners of the non-Raptor F-150, and it expects to be just as big a hit with Raptor drivers who want to take advantage of the truck's long range and off-road capabilities on adventure excursions or camping trips.

So, How Much and When Can I Get Mine?

The Raptor is released in June 2021 with a starting MSRP of around $59,000.

Lethal Performance Can Make Your Raptor Even More Ferocious

Ford has packed a lot into the 2021 Raptor to make it an off-road monster without sacrificing the luxury and convenience we all need. But that doesn't mean there's no room for improvement. The newest Raptor hits the showroom in June 2021, and you can be sure Lethal Performance will have all the components you crave to customize your ride to improve its performance and style. Browse our entire collection of Ford Raptor parts.

Shop 2021 Ford Raptor Parts at Lethal Performance