Surprise! The Ford F-150 Raptor isn’t marketed as an all-around family truck. Most families on the hunt for a new vehicle have a mind to switch to a minivan like the Honda Odyssey or the Chrysler Pacifica. Or one of those large, boat-like SUVs such as the Ford Expedition or Chevy Suburban.

These are really great choices for a family vehicle, which probably explains why they are marketed as such. But what about a truck that’s marketed as an absolute beast? Is the Ford F-150 Raptor a good truck for families?

The Ford F-150 Raptor

We have to agree with MotorTrend that the Ford F-150 Raptor “feels like a long-running staple.” But this off-road predator has actually only been around for a decade. While that’s not exactly a short amount of time, the Raptor is definitely more youthful than the Toyota Tundra or the Nissan Titan which have been in production since 2000 and 2003, respectively. The Ford Raptor launched in 2010, settled right in, and enjoyed a quick reputation as the most powerful off-roading truck out there.

The first Raptors ran with a 5.4-liter V8, but Raptor lovers crave power and we were hungry for more. In 2014, the SVT Raptor debuted with an absolute beefcake of a 6.2-liter V8 that generates 411 horsepower and 434 pound-feet of torque. Later came the second Ford Performance Raptor with an EcoBoost 3.5 liter V6 twin-turbo that makes 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. The V8 rates 11 mpg city and 16 mpg highway and the V6 gets 15 mpg city and 18 mpg highway.

The Ford F-150 Raptor was inspired by desert racing and comes equipped do so. But we already know this dune-hopper eats sand for breakfast. But how does it perform as a family hauler? Well, that really depends on what kind of family you are.

Is the Ford Raptor a family truck?

The Raptor pickup truck is a great truck for…certain families. If off-roading is high on your priority list and when you picture trucking down a trail you think of frequent family fun, then the Ford F-150 Raptor might be your next family vehicle. If you’re concerned about gas mileage, the V6 is a no-brainer as it is clearly the more efficient choice.

Carseats? No problem. The Ford Raptor is wide and roomy. According to Cars.com, the F-150 Raptor easily fits three child safety seats in the spacious back seat. The lower latch anchors are easy to find and all three seats have loops behind for forward-facing car seats.

Some of them required a peek at the manual to figure out. And for certain seats removal of the headrests was necessary for proper installation. Still, three child safety seats––of pretty much any variation you can think of––fit well across the Raptor’s rear.

The biggest issue for any family is going to be the towering height of the Ford F-150 Raptor. With nearly 10 inches of ground clearance for all the hardcore off-roading you and your family are planning, the Raptor may require the use of a small step ladder for children to climb up to the safely secured seats.

How much is the Ford Raptor?

If you are thinking that a Raptor is your family vehicle match made in heaven, keep in mind that they don’t come cheap. Probably its biggest downside in terms of being family friendly is the price tag. A new Ford F-150 Raptor Super Crew is obviously the only choice for families because its back seat is huge and accomodating.

The 2020 Raptor starts at $57,785, according to Car and Driver. The option for the upgraded front axle with a limited-slip differential by Torsen is entirely necessary for the off-roading fam’s adventurous needs. Also, adding an equipment package with family-minded amenities such as power-sliding windows, blind-spot monitoring and other driving assist features.

It’s easy to stack up the cost of a new Raptor, and the used models aren’t cheap either. But if you are ready to spend the cash, the Raptor will make a great family vehicle. It’s no Toyota Sienna, but it’ll do.