Since it burst on the scene in 2010, the F-150 Raptor has turned heads with its brash performance and devil-may-care attitude. In their original review, MotorTrend described it as what happens when hot rodders decide to go off-road racing. For my money, it’s the vehicle that truly spawned the “mainstream super-truck” category of souped-up trucks you can purchase directly from a dealer. Featuring bigger everything than a regular F-150—bigger engines, tires, shock absorbers, and even sound systems—it’s remained a leader among enthusiasts.
Faced with challenges in recent years from other off-road tunings of well-known trucks such as the Chevy Silverado 1500, Ram 1500 TRX, and Jeep Wrangler 392, Ford responded in kind. From new suspension designs to restoring the V8 engine option, the Ford F-150 Raptor is more monstrous than ever. When you go to look at a Ford F-150 for sale, the Raptor will tower above the King Ranch, Platinum, and all other takes on this truck.
The 2023 model year was a big one for the F-150 Raptor with the introduction of the super-sized Raptor R. Ford has continued its push in 2024 with even more snazzy features and upgrades. Today, I’m looking at what’s new with the 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor and how it elevates this high-performance basher. Some updates are exclusive to the F-150 Raptor, while others are seen across the entire Ford F-150 range; either way, you’re getting the benefits of new performance, styling, and technology that will supercharge every outing.
The Raptor R’s Engine Is Even Bigger and Badder
When Ford added the F-150 Raptor R to its 2023 lineup as a response to the Ram 1500 TRX, it symbolized a new era for off-road truck brawn. Using a 5.2L V8 supercharged engine adapted from the Ford Mustang GT500 Predator powerplant, it cranked out an absurd 700 hp and 640 lb-ft of torque. Even with off-road tires and the added weight of a truck, it still zipped from zero to sixty in 3.7 seconds, taking you over highways and dunes like lightning.
Somehow, Ford has managed to make this engine even more obscene. It now boasts a manufacturer-estimated 720 hp; that’s eighteen horses more than the Ram 1500 TRX, which was briefly king of the super-truck segment. It may well have scared the TRX into retirement, as well, with recent news that 2024 would be its final model year. Ford pulled this off by optimizing the ECU calibration and making the air inlet more efficient. If you’re an off-road seeker who wants to kick butt and take names, the newly-tuned Raptor R engine is ready to do both.
New Suspension Components for Smooth Off-Roading
Whether you’re piloting the 2024 F-150 Raptor R or the regular Raptor with its 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine, you can now control exactly how the truck feels on every terrain. In addition to the standard front and rear Fox Racing shock absorbers that have live valve technology, Ford is now offering an optional upgrade to dual-live valve technology. (Note that you’ll also need to upgrade to 37-inch tires to take advantage.)
What’s the difference between live valve and dual-live valve shocks? On live valve shocks, the amount of compression damping is determined automatically by an adaptive damper algorithm. With dual-valve shocks, the owner can independently tweak the rebound damping on each shock. Furthermore, the shock body is now larger and more resistant to heat, and Ford has updated the damping algorithm accordingly. The result is even more amazing handling that stays consistent during long excursions.
Another change when you get the 37-inch tire outfit is that the front bumper end caps are narrower, leaving more of the tire open to the air. This improves grip on rough terrain and reduces the chances of snagging on obstacles or debris.
Body Updates for High Function and Aggressive Style
Whichever Raptor you’re looking at, you’re going to get a fresh, bold look that helps you do more on desert adventures. That front bumper on the big-tire Raptor we just mentioned is now modular, making it easier to install dealer or aftermarket accessories—including the optional light bar for nighttime exploring. The tow hooks are wider, too, and made of forged steel, so you can drive other vehicles or your own out of precarious situations.
Ford has modified the front grille and headlight assembly, too, making them bolder and more menacing. The blackout grille is unique to the Raptor and has block Ford lettering, while the headlights and tail lamps also have black surrounds. Want to get unloaded quickly once you arrive at your favorite biking or boarding spot? You can get a Pro Access power tailgate with more depth, a wider step slot, and a 100-degree side opening mechanism; the truck bed also now has a standard integrated storage box and the option to add another box for your tools and gear.
The paint palette is now expanded with Shelter Green, a hue perfect for those who spend more time overlanding. For the final touch, you can add Raptor hood and side graphics with different packages for the V6 and V8 engines.
A Cabin Designed to Do More and Enable Greater Fun
The goal is to spend a lot of time in your F-150 Raptor, and you want that time to be safe and memorable. Ford achieves both with a series of interior updates and overhauls. The 12.0-inch instrument cluster now offers the option to display two views at once when you’re in certain drive modes. Look at a combination of basic telemetry, navigation information, and off-roading data as you drive. The F-150 Raptor now has an optional Head-Up Display with a customized view when you’re using Tow/Haul and Off-Road modes (or Ford BlueCruise on the highway).
Are you worried about your F-150 Raptor being swiped by grubby fingers? It now comes with one year of Ford Stolen Vehicle Services and the option to purchase more. When you activate this service, it will let the owner know immediately if anyone tries to take off or tamper with their prized steed. Ford SVS also uses location data to track your truck for recovery.
Finally, the standard sound system is now anything but standard. While a six-speaker sound system was once the baseline on all Ford F-150 trims—including the mighty Raptor—Ford has replaced it with a fourteen-speaker system by Bang & Olufsen. Part of Samsung and HARMAN International, B&O designed this award-winning premium sound system (which debuted with the Mustang Mach-E), and their Ford partnership now includes a cutting-edge roar from every F-150 Raptor.
The Ford Raptor Flies Again
The 2024 F-150 Raptor continues the tradition of delivering powerful performance and style that doesn’t compromise. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t have to; Ford simply takes the things people already love about their super-truck and turns them up a notch.
With this fine-tuned design, the awards continue to pour in. The 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor received the Editor’s Choice Award from Car and Driver; more significantly, the F-150 Raptor R won the stock full-size class in the 2023 SCORE Baja 1000—so, in perhaps the most famous off-road race in the world, which spans nearly 1,200 miles, the Raptor stood alone. Hence, whether you’re going 12 or 1,200 miles, the 2024 F-150 Raptor will have you at full song the whole way.
