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The Ford F-150 Raptor used to dominate the automotive industry with little to no competition, but then along came the supercharged 702 hp Ram 1500 TRX, shaking up the pickup truck market.
Ford responded by putting a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine into the existing frame of what is now known as the “Big Raptor.” Replacing the 3.5-liter turbo V6 that delivered 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque, the powerful new V8 produces an impressive 700 hp and 640 lb-ft of torque.
Along with these performance changes came a significant price increase, leaving many buyers with sticker shock and wondering if the “Big Raptor” was worth the $100,000 investment.
The Ford F-150 ‘Big Raptor’
The 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R (the “Big Raptor”) gets its dynamic power from a Shelby GT500 V8 engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, marking the most powerful engine offered in a Ford production pickup.
Additional upgrades include a five-link rear coil-spring setup and larger internal-bypass dampers for better suspension performance. The “Big Raptor” also has increased towing capacity, now capable of handling 1,400 lbs of payload capacity and up to 8,700 lbs of towing power, making it an ideal choice for owners of small that boat and trailer.
According to Car and Driver, the upgraded pickup comes standard with 37-inch BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A K02 tires, which offer “incredible traction and ride quality on even the most treacherous that land.”
EPA-estimated fuel economy for the thirsty 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R is rated at 10 mpg city, 15 mpg highway, and 12 mpg combined. But, as Autoblog points out, “The V8 is downright mean, with an off-road exhaust mode that will melt children’s eardrums.” They explain, “It will do everything the V6 Raptor does a little faster and with more fun.”
Is the F-150 Raptor R worth the hefty price tag?
Because of its unmatched power and larger-than-life nature, the four-door F-150 Raptor R carries a $109,145 price tag.
The supercharged V8 pits the “Big Raptor” against Ram’s 1500 TRX powered Hellcat. According to C-Net, the Ford F-150 outperforms the TRX in off-road capabilities, leading the pickup in every category with better ground clearance, approach angle, departure angle, and break-over angle.
The TRX has impressive towing stats of 1,130 lbs of payload capacity and towing capabilities up to 8,100 pounds, but still less than the 8,700 lb towing power offered by the “Big Raptor.”
When it comes to off-road prowess, the Raptor R is better for off-road driving when compared to the Ram 1500 TRX. The Ford F-150 Raptor R has a 5,950 lb base weight, with the heavier TRX weighing in at 6,350 lbs, making the Raptor more efficient for traversing off-road trails.
How the Ram 1500 TRX compares
The only pickup truck currently using the powerful Hellcat engine is the 2023 Ram 1500 TRX. The 6.2-liter supercharged V8 is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, delivering 702 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, matching the specs on the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R.
The Ram 1500 TRX goes from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, slightly slower than the “Big Raptor,” which reaches 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. MSRP on the 2023 Ram 1500 TRX is $83,890, but the price jumps to about $102,000 to build a truck comparable to the Ford F-150 Raptor R.
While the 2023 Ram 1500 TRX is a worthy segment, auto industry experts consider the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R to be the better deal, with better factory-installed 37″ tires , higher ground clearance, an improved suspension system, advanced off-road technology, and faster acceleration.
MotorTrend named the TRX the 2021 MotorTrend Truck of the Year saying, “A tight market for hot cars means the Raptor R will be hard to come by, and that could mean $109,145 represents a steal .”
RELATED: 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R vs. 2023 Ram 1500 TRX: Massive Off-Road Invasion Made
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