Ford’s Raptor line of off-road vehicles exceeds expectations for those who have tested or purchased one. Big, tough, and rugged trucks and SUVs ready to rumble? Sign us up! While Ford has long been known as a producer of pickups, that hasn’t stopped the brand from varying its offerings in other ways, expanding into different types of tough vehicles for the everyday driver and off-road enthusiast alike. Most notably, the Raptor line has taken off as the new favorite among rugged adventurers who want to take their off-road experience to another level. These powerful vehicles are also prized by daily commuters, as their handling, tech, and style make for quite the show. If you are looking for a used Raptor for sale, let Future Ford of Sacramento help you find the perfect adventure companion.
What Is the Raptor?
The inspiration behind the Raptor line comes from the Baja 1000, a grueling desert race across Mexico. Ford wanted to create a street-legal version of the Baja trophy trucks that a normal driver could handle comfortably wherever their adventures took them. Thus, the F-150 Raptor was born and became part of the F-150 pickup family as the high-performance off-road model. Noted for its powerful engine, durable suspension, and big tires, the F-150 Raptor is ready to traverse the most rugged terrain, even in inclement weather.
While some might prefer a smaller vehicle to go off-roading, the full-size F-150 Raptor is equipped to handle quite a bit of rough going, whether you’re crawling rocks, speeding over the desert, or splashing through creek beds. Having a vehicle like this means you can go hiking, camping, kayaking, and spend time pursuing outdoor interests without having to worry about your ride not being able to take it. The F-150 Raptor is not only up to the challenge; it exceeds expectations.
While the F-150 Raptor was the original, there’s now more than one option in the Raptor line. The Bronco Raptor was unleashed in 2022, and the Ranger Raptor is making an appearance in 2024. Depending on what you’re looking for, you now have plenty of options, although there’s nothing stopping you from getting them all. Every Raptor model is capable of performing daily duties and acting as an adventure buddy, so pick the one that appeals to you. Curious about the Ford F-150 Raptor? Let’s take a closer look at the Ford pickup known for walking on the wild side.
How Long Has the F-150 Raptor Been Available?
The pickup version of the Raptor hasn’t been around for long, but it has still made an indelible impression. This might be because of its inspiration, combining the desert racing trophy truck, the velociraptor, and birds of prey, but it might also be that Ford’s dedication to creating practical, powerful pickups has gone full steam ahead. The original F-150 Raptor arrived in 2010, right after the introduction of the twelfth-generation Ford F-150. Before the Raptor’s introduction, Ford had other high-performance vehicles, but the Raptor has eclipsed its siblings and made a name for itself all on its own.
In 2017, the second generation of the Ford F-150 Raptor became available to buyers. While some were disappointed by the switch to a High-Output EcoBoost engine, this generation improved performance and added more modern features. We were introduced to the third-generation F-150 Raptor in 2021, which took this truck to the next level with options like the Raptor 37 and Raptor R. Given its immense popularity, it seems as if the F-150 Raptor will be around for several more generations to come.
Since its debut, we have received multiple options for the F-150 Raptor, including special editions, engine choices, color palettes, add-on features, and more, all of which appeal to drivers who want to differentiate themselves on the road. These quintessential off-road racers are capable of both on and off-road exploration and, as far as we can see, will remain the standard for a long time to come. It’s to be expected that Ford has a reputation for being innovative, reliable, and in tune with its drivers’ needs and wants. We believe Ford truly cares about the vehicles it builds, and with the F-150 Raptor, it’s easy to see how much thought went into the creation of one of the most well-loved off-road trucks we see in the wild.
The F-150 Raptor’s Best Features
What is all that chatter about? Naturally, you’ll want to know more about the F-150 Raptor and some of its best off-road features. When you’re looking to explore the wild outdoors, you’ll need the proper equipment inside and out––off-roaders appreciate higher ground clearance, along with things like off-road specific suspension systems. Fortunately, Ford has equipped the F-150 Raptor to be an off-road all-star, so you don’t have to worry about buying a lot of extra aftermarket kits or accessories. Once you get in the pickup and drive off, you can explore the landscape around you to your heart’s content.
The F-150 Raptor is the only vehicle available with factory 37-inch tires, allowing you to crawl and climb over debris, rocks, and logs with ease. The extra two inches over the truck’s standard 35-inch tires might not seem like a lot, but when you’re traveling over and through rough terrain, those few extra inches can save your pickup’s underbody from being scratched, dented, or worse. Bigger tires mean more areas to explore, and traveling in bad weather won’t be as nerve-wracking as driving a small car.
Tires, however, mean little if they don’t have power to back them up, which is why the F-150 Raptor comes with a unique High-Output EcoBoost engine rated at 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. This powerhouse of an engine is meant for off-roading and can be the difference between getting stuck in the mud and roaring through the mud on a mission to have as much fun as possible. In the third-generation F-150 Raptor, Ford has also installed a multi-link rear suspension system, providing more control and wheel travel than a traditional truck suspension. This is especially helpful during high-speed off-roading, as the suspension system can move more easily to accommodate off-road conditions.
Buy Your Very Own Used Raptor Today!
Here at Future Ford of Sacramento, we are ready to help you find a used Ford Raptor of your own. You can contact us online, via the phone, or in-person to ask questions about our used Raptor inventory. We will do our best to ensure your experience is happy and productive and that you find the Raptor you’re looking for. We’ll help you through each step of the car-buying process with friendly, polite conversation, a wealth of knowledge regarding the Raptor, and a commitment to excellent service.
Even if you don’t have a lot of specifics in mind, let us know, and we can help you see what’s available and narrow down your options. Even if you are new to the world of high-performance off-road vehicles, we can get you behind the wheel of your dream truck in no time. Every member of the Raptor line is ready to take you on an adventure, through the forest, over hills, and toward the future. Are you ready? Find your Raptor at Future Ford of Sacramento today!
