For the last decade, the Ford F-150 Raptor has dominated the landscape of purpose-built Baja inspired
performance factory trucks. Since 2010, Ford has pushed the envelope on what can be possible for a
purpose-built off-road truck. Unlike any other vehicles before the Raptor, nothing could come close to
what Ford had developed. Using decades of off-racing experience and engineering, SVT began the process
before 2010 to create a truck that any off-road enthusiast could buy off the showroom floor and take
straight to the desert floor or any trail across America. Since then, Ford engineers have continued
pushing the boundaries on America’s favorite off-road truck, whether it is better suspension, tires,
drivetrain, or technology. Unlike any of the Raptor's competitors from Chevrolet and Mopar, the Raptor is specifically designed to
conquer any terrain, mountain, or desert. Leading into 2017, Ford Performance was hard at work to create
the second-generation Raptor, which would change course in terms of engine choice from a big American
6.2L V8 to a 3.5L EcoBoost Twin
Turbo, which was a dramatic change for hardcore purists in the off-road
community. The second-generation Raptor furthered to push the envelope on what is capable in a Baja
ready pickup. Using lessons learned from the original Raptor, Ford Performance took their time to
perfect and upgrade the suspension by adding revised triple bypass Fox Shocks, beefier lower control
arms, stiffer leaf springs, and a better terrain management calibration. Among enthusiasts, the biggest
downfall to the second-generation Raptor is the EcoBoost engine. Luckily there is hope for purest enthusiasts who love an all-American V8 under your right foot. After
years of waiting and the 2021 F-150 introduced to the public, we finally have confirmation (thanks to
Mike Levine at Ford) that the V8 will be returning to the Raptor in 2022! For now, however, a more
powerful 3.5L EcoBoost V6 was dropped into the 3rd-generation 2021 F-150 Raptor, along with many
interior and exterior changes. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Video
Exterior
Interior
Engine
Chassis
Gen 2 vs Gen 3
Performance Parts
Without a doubt, Ford did an amazing job at refreshing the exterior skin of the new 3rd-gen Raptor while
keeping the essence of the Raptor’s lineage since its debut in 2010. This is quite distinct on the front
fascia of the 2021 Raptor. Much like the standard 2021
F-150, you’ll see those 90-degree daytime running
lights surrounding the blacked out headlights. However, they’re amber for the Raptor which gives it such
a menacing look. Tie that in with the LED headlights and new available LED fog lights from Rigid in the
lower bumper, and you have all the light output you need to take on the unknown. Not enough light? Pick
up an LED Light Bar and wire it in to one of the many auxiliary switches in the
overhead console inside
the truck. Keeping eyes on the front of the new Raptor, you’ll see the revised heat extractor in the center of the
hood. This was modeled after the F-22 Raptor fighter jet alongside the functional fender side vents as
well. Also included is a wider front skid plate and more rectangular center amber running lights. Moving to the rear, you’ll see blacked-out taillights and an available matte/satin black tailgate
applique that really sets this truck apart from the rest of the F-150 lineup. Additionally, you have
three different 17-inch wheel options with standard 35” tires and first-ever optional 37” tires for
jumping those dunes! The theme around the new 2021 F-150 was that it was the most productive F-150 ever. When it came to the
Raptor, much of that new tech made it over to this model as well. Perhaps the most prominent thing you
see when sitting in the driver’s seat is the new 12-inch digital instrument cluster. Much like what we
found in our review of the Bronco Sport, the
font used across the menus and center stack is all branded
to the Raptor. These kinds of touches are what remind you just how much attention Ford pays in designing
these vehicles. To power through that 10-Speed 10R80 Automatic Transmission, you’ll get aluminum paddle shifters, just
like what you see in the new Shelby GT500.
Additionally, you’ll get a large center infotainment screen
that houses the newer, faster SYNC 4 and powers that available 18-speaker B&O Unleashed sound system.
One of our favorite things about the newer F-150, and many of Ford’s recently released vehicles, are the
materials used in the interior. Just glancing at the dashboard, you’re seeing hints of carbon fiber,
suede, alcantara, and brushed aluminum. All of these touchpoints are important to a customer paying the
tall price tag a Raptor begs; they need to be reminded why they spent that money. Luxury on the inside,
menacing looks on the outside, and performance at your right foot. Speaking of your right foot, a new standard feature on the 2021 F-150 includes 1-Pedal Drive which makes
extreme off-roading and rock crawling much easier. In many situations when you’re navigating rough
terrain, the driver would be using both feet to power both the brake and accelerator simultaneously.
This is where 1-Pedal Drive comes in to allow the driver to use just the accelerator to either move
forward or slow down the truck. Pressing down on the gas pedal accelerates the vehicle, and lifting up
will apply the brakes. What everyone was waiting for… the V8. Unfortunately, you’re not going to get it for the 2021 model year.
However, Ford has confirmed that the V8 is coming back to the Raptor in 2022 - in the form of the Raptor
R. What kind of V8, we’re not sure. We’re certainly hoping for either that rumored 6.8L V8, or even
better, the 5.2L Supercharged V8 out of the GT500. For this year, however, you can expect a slightly upgraded twin-turbo 3.5L EcoBoost V6 under the hood.
Compression was bumped from 10.0:1 in the Gen 2 Raptor to 10.5:1 in the Gen 3. Between that and the
upgraded turbochargers, you can definitely expect bumped power and torque numbers out of this new
Raptor… which are still unannounced, unfortunately. We’re curious to see what’s on the horizon for the other engine option on the Raptor, though! Part of us
was hoping to potentially see some variation of the PowerBoost in the Raptor, as 570 lb-ft of instant
torque in the standard F-150 is certainly no slouch. Regardless, we’ll be sure to keep you posted on
what’s next! When it comes to the suspension and chassis of the 3rd-gen Raptor, there is no shortage of changes to
address. First and foremost, we’re most excited about the available BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires
in 37-inch form. This is a huge win for the Raptor, especially in comparison to the recently-released
Hellcat-powered RAM TRX. Additionally, the 2021 Raptor features first-in-class Active Valve Exhaust with
multiple modes including Quiet, Normal, Sport and Baja. Let’s be honest… we know you’re going to keep it
in Baja mode, right? When it comes to exhaust, the Ford engineers noticed at the balks of enthusiasts when the 6.2L V8 went by
the wayside for the Gen 2 Raptor’s EcoBoost V6. The EcoBoost performs better literally in every way,
except for that signature V8 rumble you expect out of a performance truck. The Ford team took notice of
this and incorporated a new design into their free-flowing 3-inch exhaust system including a built-in
patent pending x-pipe and mid-pipe “trombone” loop to create equal-length exhaust -- all in an effort to
provide a throatier exhaust note. But, if that’s not enough for you… just wait for the Raptor R! In terms of suspension, the highlight of the new Raptor definitely has to be the 5-link rear suspension.
This is a huge step up in comparison to leaf springs. It not only provides a better ride on the street,
but also off-road where it counts most. You’ll also get extra-long trailing arms, a panhard bar and
longest-in-class 24-inch coil springs in the rear suspension as well. Ready to take on the dunes is
next-generation Fox Live Valve internal bypass shocks with a larger 3.1” diameter anodized aluminum
shock body filled with low-friction shock fluid decreasing the frictional losses inside each shock.
Between that and the electronic control technology, this revised Fox suspension is capable of changing
the damping rates at each corner of your Raptor 500 times per second! When it comes to the 3rd-generation F-150 Raptor, the Ford and Ford Performance teams certainly left no
rock unturned in designing this impressive off-road machine. And we’re even more excited when they drop
the new 2022 F-150 Raptor R! However, if you’re looking for the best in performance parts for your
Raptor, new or old, then look no further than Steeda for your needs!
Image Credit: Ford | Ford Performance2021+ Gen 3 F-150 Raptor: Specs & Details
2021 F-150 Raptor: Video Overview
2021 F-150 Raptor: Exterior Changes
2021 F-150 Raptor: Interior Changes
2021 F-150 Raptor: Engine Changes
2021 F-150 Raptor: Suspension & Chassis Changes
Gen 2 Raptor vs Gen 3 Raptor Differences
2021 F-150 Raptor: Performance Parts
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