The Raptor is the baddest, most capable off-roading F-150 the Ford brand makes. While many have already gotten their hands on the new 2021 Ford F-150, the anticipation for the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor is staggering. And reasonably so, considering the newest F-150 Raptor promises to be not only the most capable yet, but the most connected and tech-savvy as well. 

The new Ford F-150 Raptor will be the most tech-connected yet

A lot has changed with the latest Ford F-150 Raptor, and one thing it promises is to be the “most connected” yet. According to Ford, for the first time ever, the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor will come standard with “over-the-air updates and a new connected experience,” through an improved SYNC 4 system. Over-the-air (OTA) updates allow the SYNC system to update automatically and wirelessly, as needed, with improved software and maps.

OTA updates can be done invisibly and unbeknownst to you or on a schedule, but either way, automatic updates optimize the driving experience and can even help reduce the need for trips to the dealership. This technology will also allow the Raptor to “deliver potential features like shareable digital trail maps or other off-road technologies in the future.” Alongside the OTA updates are cloud-connected navigation, voice search, and the ability to control the truck’s lights, check on your truck, and more, from the FordPass mobile app. 

While luxury brand Tesla was the first to popularize OTA updates, advancements in the industry move quickly and as Ford is proving with the new Raptor, continuous tech upgrades seem to be quickly becoming the new standard. 

What else to expect from the new 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor

The 2021 F-150 Raptor isn’t just the most-connected yet, but also the “most off-road capable.” Built for every off-road adventure, the 2021 Raptor will feature a new five-link rear suspension, electronically controlled shocks, and even first-for-its-class 37-inch tires. It will be powered by a 3.5-liter V6, with a new 3.0-inch exhaust system that can be configured based on four desired sound quality/levels: Quiet, Normal, Sport, and Baja. The EcoBoost powertrain will have “a projected EPA-estimated range of more than 500 miles on a full tank of gas.”

The new Raptor also comes with an onboard generator and increased towing and payload capacities. Maximum payload for the Raptor increase to 1,400 pounds, while maximum towing capacity also increases to 8,200 pounds.

As MotorTrend points out, the SYNC 4 system with OTA updates isn’t the only new addition to the Raptor’s interior and technology. In fact, most of its cabin is new, including a “fold out center console that doubles as a sort of mini desk and the fully customizable 12-inch digital gauge cluster” as standard equipment. Of course, it doesn’t end there. Other new features include “bolstered leather seats,” a variety of color options for interior seating, accents in bronze, aluminum, and/or carbon fiber, a 360-degree camera, six auxiliary switches on the overhead console, and four USB ports.

When you can buy it and how much you’ll be paying

The regular 2021 Ford F-150 is already on sale, but the off-roading Raptor isn’t set to hit dealerships until the summer of 2021. Ford has yet to release official pricing of the newest Ford F-150 Raptor, but according to Car and Driver, the starting price is estimated to be around $59,000. Of course, this is just an estimated starting price and there will be plenty of available packages and options to choose from. But for what the new Raptor is promising, it may just be a bargain.