Everyone wants a piece of the action. When Ford came out with the F-150 Raptor, there weren’t other off-road half-ton trucks that offered the same hardcore equipment. Today, we see the Ram TRX, which has incredible power, the Chevy Silverado ZR2, a good off-roader in its own right, and the GMC Sierra AT4X, which blends luxury and off-road performance together. Heck, even Ford made a more capable Raptor with the Raptor R. Does this mean the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor has been surpassed in the off-road truck world? Let’s find out.

The Raptor still brings the capability you want in the 2023 Ford F-150

The undeniable formula of a light V6 engine with a pair of turbochargers is still impressive for fast off-road driving. Car and Driver tells us that Ford continues to bring the venerable 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine to the half-ton Raptor. This engine delivers 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque to make this a mean and powerful truck on any trail.

Of course, the powertrain is only one aspect of what makes the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor one of the best off-road trucks in the market. This pickup also has:

• Fox Racing Shocks
• A beefed-up suspension
• 4×4 Hi-Lock transfer case
• A modified hood
• Upgraded fenders with built-in air extractors
• BFGoodrich all-terrain tires
• A 2-speed automatic AWD with mechanical locking 4WD system
• MyMode drive mode selection system
• Two new driving modes, Baja and Off-Road

This Ford truck has a driving secret for you

Most off-road-focused vehicles are terrible on asphalt. They get between the lines and seem completely out of their element. Thankfully, that’s not the case for the Ford Raptor. This incredible truck offers a smooth right. The long-travel suspension is made to handle high-speed bumps, dips, and jumps in the desert, but it also gives you a soft and forgiving ride over potholes and rough pavement. This suspension makes the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor a smooth truck to drive on and off the roads.

Does the half-ton Raptor offer any comfort and convenience features?

The Ford F-150 Raptor doesn’t limit you to hardcore off-road driving and a sparse cabin. It brings some comfort and convenience features to meet your needs. With this truck, you’ll have:

• 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen Unleased audio system
• Interior work surface
• Heated and ventilated leather front seats
• Heated rear seats
• Power-adjustable pedals
• Heated steering wheel
• Power sliding rear windows
• Pro Trailer Backup Assist
• Adaptive power steering
• Trailer sway control
• Six blank upfitter switches (for your accessories)

How much does the F-150 Raptor tow and carry?

Typically, you don’t expect high payload or towing numbers from an off-road-focused pickup truck. The 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor can tow 8,200 pounds and carry up to 1,400 pounds of payload. These numbers are 200 pounds higher than the 2022 version of this Ford half-ton truck.

How much does the Ford Raptor cost?

The starting price for a 2023 version is $75,775. This price is comparable to other full-size off-road trucks in the market.

Is the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor still the off-road truck champion?

Most consumers looking for an off-road-focused truck will likely turn to the Raptor before looking at some of the other trucks. This could be due to longevity in the market, but don’t discount the fact that the Raptor is still an extremely impressive truck.

If you want the most power, the Ram TRX has that crown at 702 horsepower, but off-roading isn’t all about power. The F-150 Raptor has the reputation and capabilities desired for high-speed desert running, and it’s not giving up the crown easily.

Next, check out the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X, or watch this Ford F-150 Raptor video below: