Go ahead, let that dinosaur roar out because the Ford F-150 Raptor R is coming after the king. The Ram 1500 TRX has been unstoppable for years, but the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor is bringing incredible upgrades to the desert. 

2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R vs. 2022 Ram 1500 TRX 

We are getting closer and closer to the official debut of the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R, and it could be the first real competitor for the Ram 1500 TRX. The Raptor R could have enough V8 power and off-roading upgrades to make people forget about the TRX. 

According to Ford Authority, the Raptor R was developed under the codename, ‘Carnivore,’ which is fitting. This is especially true if the rumors about the new Predator engine are correct. 

After seeing the Raptor R play in the desert and hearing it roar, we can’t imagine it being equipped with any other option. The 5.2-liter V8 Predator engine from the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 cranks out 760 hp and 625 lb-ft of torque. 

In the Raptor R, it could pump out between 720 to 740 hp and 655 lb-ft of torque, but we’re waiting for the official figures. The Ram 1500 TRX has a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 HEMI with 702 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. 

What else do we know about the F-150 Raptor R?

The 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R will come equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission instead of the seven-speed dual-clutch system that’s found in the Mustang GT500. This is to provide faster response times for racing through the wild. 

The Ram 1500 TRX is equipped with a high-torque capacity TorqueFlight 8HP95 eight-speed automatic transmission. The TRX can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 3.7 seconds. It has a top speed of 118 mph. The Raptor R will need to be faster if it wants to be king. 

Rumors suggest that the Ford F-150 Raptor R will ride on 17-inch wheels wrapped in 37-inch BF Goodrich K02 tires. This is an excellent choice for desert racers. 

The Ram 1500 TRX has standard 18-inch wheels wrapped in 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory all-terrain tires. It offers Beadlock capable option too. 

Ford may have made improvements to the Raptor’s five-link, coil-spring rear suspension to ensure it’s equipped to handle more power. It will probably include Fox Live Valve shocks and an electronic locking rear differential. 

How much does the 2023 Raptor R cost? 

The 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R could start around $70,000, but we will update you once the official figures are released. You can get started in the 2022 Ram 1500 TRX for about $77,780. This would allow buyers to save with the Raptor R. 

We wouldn’t be surprised if the Raptor R starts above $70k to cover the costs of the significant off-roading upgrades. Plus, we can expect a luxurious racing-themed interior with leather seats, carbon accents, and soft-touch covered surfaces. 

The Raptor R could come with the massive 15.5-inch vertically oriented touch screen, a new digital gauge cluster, and a head-up display. It might have ventilated seats to keep the driver and passengers cool. 

We will keep you updated with the latest Ford F-150 Raptor R news. Until then, you can watch it do donuts in the sand.