Skip to main content
An image of the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor in the desert.

The 2021 Ford Raptor Fails to Meet Ram’s Challenge

The 2021 Ford Raptor just made its debut but it fails to live up to the muscle provided by the Ram 1500 TRX. Ram dared the new Ford Raptor to pop its hood to see which beast has more power, and the Ram 1500 TRX is the beefy winner.  The 2021 Ford Raptor fails to …

The 2021 Ford Raptor just made its debut but it fails to live up to the muscle provided by the Ram 1500 TRX. Ram dared the new Ford Raptor to pop its hood to see which beast has more power, and the Ram 1500 TRX is the beefy winner. 

The 2021 Ford Raptor fails to outmuscle the Ram 1500 TRX 

According to Motor1, Ram challenged the 2021 Ford Raptor to pop its hood to determine which truck has more power. The Ford Raptor showed up with an updated version of the 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost engine it already has. 

The EcoBoost pumps out 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. With the high output variant, you get 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. But Ford hasn’t released the amount of power it will offer, yet. It could have more muscle.

The Ram 1500 TRX provides 702 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. It remains the strongest super truck for now, but Ford says the new Raptor will be available with a V8 engine later. 

An image of the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor in the desert.
2021 Ford F-150 Raptor | Ford

But the Raptor has an edge in terms of towing power. When properly equipped, the Raptor can tow up to 8,200 lb. The TRX can only tow up to 8,100 lb, so horsepower might not be everything. 

Also, the Raptor is expected to provide an EPA estimated range of 500 miles while the Ram 1500 TRX gets about 14 mpg on the highway. The lighter frame of the Raptor may help it save fuel and speed to victory in the Baja 1,000. 

What’s new for the 2021 Raptor? 

Along with new engine options, the 2021 Ford Raptor comes with tons of goodies such as class-exclusive Pro Trailer Back-Up Assistance. For off-roading, the Terrain Management System offers seven modes including Normal, Sport, Slippery, Tow/Haul, Snow/Sand, Baja, and Rock Crawl. 

Trail Control is a cruise control system for off-roading that allows you to set a speed of up to 20 mph. The system then managed acceleration and braking to send more torque and stopping power to each wheel as needed while you focus on steering over obstacles. 

You also get FOX live valve monotube shocks with an internal bypass technology that features an electronic solenoid valve that provides continuously variable compression damping. The Torque-On-Demand transfer case automatically applies torque to the front or rear. 

Plus, the electronically locking rear differential locks the axle with a firmer grip for both wheels. The Raptor uses BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO2 tires with available Beadlock-capable wheels for more traction if needed. Optional sizes include 35 and 37-inches. 

2021 Raptor features 

The 2021 Ford Raptor includes optional LED box lights, stowable loading ramps, an integrated tailgate step with lift assist, and deployable side box steps to make working easier. The 12-inch productivity screen and a 360-degree camera with a split-view display help you work smarter too. 

An image of the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor in the desert.
2021 Ford F-150 Raptor | Ford

If it comes with Ford Co-Pilot360, it will include blind-spot warning with trailer coverage, lane-keeping assistance, pre-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a rearview camera, and automatic headlamps to keep you safe. Pricing and a production date for the 2021 Ford Raptor haven’t been released yet. 

The Raptor is available with the class-exclusive Pro Power Onboard generator too. This allows the truck to be used as a mobile generator with an optional 2.0 kilowatts of exportable output to run power tools, camp lights, and more.

Related

Supercharged 650-Hp Roush Ford F-150 Isn’t Exactly Stealthy