The 2020 Ford F-150 Raptor Is Perfect for 1 Type of Off-Roading
There’s nothing like a 2020 Ford F-150 Raptor with its huge all-terrain tires and wide, lane-filling presence. Thanks to a long-travel suspension, the Raptor can deliver both a comfortable ride and incredible off-road prowess. Armed with an EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine that gets 450 hp and a 10-speed automatic transmission, it can reach 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds.
As awesome as the Raptor is, it’s perfect for one specific type of off-roading. Which one?
The Ford F-150 Raptor is ideal for open deserts
According to U.S. News, the 2020 Ford F-150 Raptor isn’t the truck you want to take into the tight, shadowy woods. It’s best suited for the open desert sands. The EcoBoost V6 gives you 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. All that power gets directed through a 10-speed automatic transmission as part of a torque-on-demand four-wheel-drive system.
After all, the Ford F-150 Raptor was based on the Baja desert racing trucks that could navigate sands at high speeds. It features specially-made Fox Racing Shox that make the roughest of terrains feel like a smooth ride. There’s a little body roll in cornering. But the width lets you corner at a decent speed even if it does make a three-point turn a bit more of a challenge.
The 2020 Ford F-150 Raptor is part of the second generation that uses aluminum and a better powertrain. It’s lighter and easier to guide as a result.
Off-road features of the F-150 Raptor
With those big fenders, wide track, and the Ford name embedded in the grille, the Raptor is an off-roading trim that makes its presence known.
The Raptor offers a two-speed transfer case with hill-descent control, terrain management with multiple drive modes, and a two-speed transfer case with a low-range. The drive modes offered are Normal, Sport, Slippery, Tow/Haul, Deep Snow/Sand, Baja, and Rock Crawl.
Without a V8 under the hood, you don’t have the V8 lurch when accelerating. That’s not to say acceleration isn’t strong. It very much is. When it comes to cruising on highways in the mid-range between 20 and 50 mph, the Raptor really brings it.
Considering its versatility, an abundance of features, and impressive performance, the Raptor is a lot of truck for a great price. Car and Driver recommended the SuperCrew model for its size, roomy backseat, and the available 4.10:1 front axle with a Torsen limited-slip differential.
They explain that with the Equipment Group 801A package you get a powerful off-roading truck that offers great value. It gets you blind-spot monitoring, power-folding exterior mirrors, power-sliding rear window, and many other great driver-assist features.
The 2020 model
Made to tackle mud and sand wherever you want to go, the 2020 Ford Raptor was built to handle anything. But it’s also roomy enough to bring the entire family along on all your adventures. With the SuperCrew cab, you can seat up to six people. It can be practical for day to day errands and trips or take you on a road trip adventure.
Wait. Is it comfortable? Just because it’s an off-roading model doesn’t mean it sacrifices comfort in any way. It has standard cloth seating with even better available options. You could have a 10-way-adjustable perforated leather seat with heat and cooling capabilities (part of that 801A package) and that’s just one example.
There’s good infotainment, too, with Ford’s SYNC3 and a standard 4.2-inch screen with an 8-inch available option. You get SiriusXM Satellite Radio standard and you can get an available Kicker subwoofer or B&O PLAY audio system.
Raptor also has great driver-assist features like adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot info system with cross-traffic alert, and coverage for trailers. There’s FordPass Connect 4G Wi-Fi Mode, integrated trailer brake controller, pro trailer backup assist, and more.
