The Ford F-150 is the bestselling pickup in America, and the Raptor is the icing on top of the cake for what is one of the best models on the market year after year. In this review, we’ll be going in depth on the latest rendition of the critically acclaimed offroader. In today’s 2025 Ford F-150 Raptor horsepower and towing review, we’ll be going under the hood and onto the trails to help you decide if the new Raptor is the best model for your needs in the 2025 model year.
Key takeaways
- The Ford F-150 is the bestselling truck in the Ford family, and the Raptor trim brings it to another level.
- The Raptor brings desert ready performance to a solid, workable frame.
- Race ready parts turn the solid street truck into a menace to be reckoned with.
Are there any changes to the 2025 Ford F-150?
The squared-off front end with split headlights is a design theme that ties the F-150 to the broader F-Series lineup, as well as the Ranger and first-generation Maverick, giving it a tough, unmistakably Ford appearance. Buyers have plenty of configuration options, with three cab styles—Regular, Super Cab, and SuperCrew—and three bed lengths. However, the 8-foot bed is exclusive to the Regular Cab XL, while the 6.5-foot bed is available on more trims and cab styles.
The most popular setup is the SuperCrew cab paired with the 5.5-foot bed. Grille and wheel designs vary by trim, with wheel sizes ranging from 17 to 22 inches, including beadlock-capable options. Tire choices align with each trim’s purpose, from practical all-seasons on the XL to 20-inch all-terrains on the upscale King Ranch and Platinum models. Buyers also get to choose from different tailgate designs, including a split tailgate that eases bed access when towing and another with an integrated step for easier climbing.
What are the specs on the 2025 Raptor?
Under the hood of the F-150 Raptor lies Ford’s familiar high-output 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6, generating 450 horsepower and paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine exhales through a 3.0-inch exhaust system that provides a satisfying growl, though it lacks the thunderous roar of a V-8.
Power is sent to all four wheels via a standard four-wheel-drive system. For those seeking even more performance, the Raptor R ups the ante with a supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 from the Shelby GT500, tuned to deliver 720 horsepower and 640 pound-feet of torque.
The Raptor lineup offers 17-inch wheels with 35-inch tires as standard, but buyers can opt for 37-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A K02 tires to improve approach, departure, and breakover angles. The Raptor R comes standard with these 37s, which boost ground clearance to 13.0 inches. Every Raptor is equipped with an advanced suspension system featuring Fox internal-bypass dampers and a five-link coil-spring rear setup.
Trucks with 37-inch tires benefit from Fox Dual Live Valve shocks, offering continuously variable rebound control for superior ride comfort and responsiveness. During off-road testing, the Raptor showcased exceptional traction and ride quality, effortlessly handling rugged and challenging terrain.
Summary
The Ford F-150 Raptor is the biggest model in the Raptor family, and it uses that size to great effect to dramatically enhance its offroad performance. Resembling a trophy truck at times more than a customer model, it's a truck that shows what happens when Ford commits to the bit and takes off the limiters on the impressive F-150 base. Come in and see for yourself at the Jarret Scott showroom in Plant City.