2023 Ford F-150 Raptor Test Drive This could be the favorite of off-road enthusiasts

'2023 Ford F-150 Raptor Test Drive A favorite for off-road enthusiasts'

【Phoneauto Test Drive】 What many people may not know is that in the American car market, the most popular type of vehicle is not sedans or SUVs, but pickup trucks. Among them, the Ford F-150 is the most popular. Ford’s F-series pickup trucks have been the best-selling vehicle in the United States for decades, which shows the love Americans have for pickups.

2023 Ford F-150 Raptor

On the other side of the ocean in China, due to policies and regulations, the domestic pickup truck market has been lukewarm. However, as the country gradually relaxes restrictions on pickup trucks, the domestic market will gradually see a spring. Ford, as a well-established pickup truck manufacturer, naturally sees this opportunity.

• Starting from a minimum price of 288,000 yuan, the all-new NIO EC6 is officially launched It can achieve 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 44 seconds
• Equation Leopard 5 interior unveiled, featuring a tough industrial design and adjustable gear lever
• Extreme Krypton Car has delivered over 150,000 vehicles, far ahead of other new energy vehicle companies!

In April of this year, Ford officially launched the new generation Ford F-150 in China. Unlike the US market, due to importation, Ford introduced the F-150 Raptor in China. With a starting price of 720,800 yuan, which is almost the same as the North American market price after deducting taxes and fees, it can be said to be very reasonable. Recently, we had the opportunity to experience this vehicle and feel the unique charm of a pickup truck.

The vehicle we experienced this time is the 2023 F-150 Raptor. It features a different front-end design from the regular F-150, giving it a more aggressive and sporty look. The headlights use LED light sources and are equipped with unique “eyeline” light strips, enhancing recognition. The upper part of the grille prominently displays the “FORD” logo, and below it is a large intake grille that provides sufficient airflow. The lower part of the front bumper is equipped with a silver protective plate, protecting the engine compartment and chassis components. The fog light area features two circular LED light groups, increasing safety during nighttime driving.

2023 Ford F-150 Raptor

From the side, the most attractive feature of the 2023 F-150 Raptor is its huge 17-inch all-terrain off-road tires, which is one of the biggest highlights of the vehicle. The equipped all-terrain tires allow the vehicle to have strong grip and traction in various road conditions. There is also enough space between the tires and the body to ensure good clearance and shock absorption. The side of the body is also labeled with the word “Raptor,” highlighting the identity and performance of the vehicle.

2023 Ford F-150 Raptor

At the rear of the vehicle, the 2023 F-150 Raptor adopts a design style that echoes the front face. The rear taillights also use LED light sources and are equipped with light strips that correspond to the front headlights. The upper part of the rear bumper is also printed with the word “FORD” and is equipped with two circular exhaust pipes. On the rear trunk lid, there is a large-sized spoiler with a third brake light.

2023 Ford F-150 Raptor

Overall, the 2023 F-150 Raptor maintains the characteristics of the Raptor series in terms of appearance, while adding some changes in detail, making the vehicle look more powerful and domineering, attracting people’s attention whether in the city or in the wild.

As for the interior, the 2023 F-150 Raptor adopts a design with black as the main color, paired with some red and carbon fiber decorations, creating a sporty and luxurious atmosphere. The seats of the vehicle are made of leather and fabric materials, and are equipped with the words “RAPTOR” and the “R” logo. The front seats also have functions such as heating and ventilation, providing good comfort and support. The steering wheel is also wrapped in leather and has a red center mark, making it convenient for the driver to grasp the position of the steering wheel. The steering wheel also integrates multi-function buttons, which can control functions such as the audio system, cruise control, and phone.

2023 Ford F-150 Raptor

In terms of the instrument panel, the 2023 F-150 Raptor is equipped with a 12.4-inch full digital instrument panel, which can display information such as vehicle speed, engine speed, fuel level, water temperature, and compass. It can also switch between different display modes to show corresponding data based on different road conditions and driving modes. On the center console, there is a 12-inch touchscreen that can control the navigation, air conditioning, audio system, and other functions. The vehicle is also equipped with the Ford SYNC 4A intelligent infotainment system, which provides more intelligent and convenient services through voice recognition, cloud services, and wireless updates.

As for the powertrain, the 2023 F-150 Raptor is equipped with a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, which can deliver a maximum power of 423 horsepower (311 kilowatts) and a peak torque of 684 Nm. This engine is matched with a 10-speed automatic transmission and comes with a standard four-wheel drive system.

2023 Ford F-150 Raptor multifunction steering wheel

We experienced the performance of this vehicle in two different road conditions: highway and off-road. On the highway, this vehicle left a deep impression on us. Its power is very strong, and as long as you step on the accelerator, it can provide a good sense of acceleration, which is quite rare for a vehicle weighing over 2.6 tons. Due to the use of a high-density 10-speed transmission, the shifting is smooth without the noticeable jerking feeling often found in pickup trucks. Moreover, the shifting performance is proactive, automatically matching the corresponding gear according to the depth of the accelerator.

As for comfort, due to the use of off-road tires, its performance on the road is certainly not as good as that of ordinary sedans, but in the context of off-road pickups, its performance is still commendable. Its suspension system can effectively absorb bumps and vibrations on the road, and the wide and thick seats provide good support and wrap-around feel, resulting in overall good comfort.

2023 Ford F-150 Raptor Off-Road

Compared to the highway mode, off-road sections are the true home ground for this vehicle. We test drove this vehicle on different road surfaces such as muddy, sandy, rocky, and steep slopes, and it was able to pass through them easily without encountering any difficulties. Its four-wheel drive system can automatically adjust torque distribution in different driving modes, providing the vehicle with good traction and pulling force on various road conditions. The equipped rear differential lock can lock the rear wheel speed when needed, giving the vehicle stronger traction on muddy or snowy surfaces, thus better achieving off-road recovery.

2023 Ford F-150 Raptor Off-Road

The vehicle is also equipped with the all-new generation FOX 3.1 Live Valve shock absorbers, combined with the new five-link spiral spring rear suspension system, which allows the vehicle to adjust suspension stiffness and damping in real time according to road conditions and driver’s operation, resulting in good stability and accessibility during off-road driving. The equipped Trail Control system and Trail 1-Pedal Drive system can also provide more convenience and safety for the driver during low-speed off-road driving. The 360-degree panoramic camera can provide the driver with more visibility and information during off-road driving, allowing the driver to better assess the road conditions and obstacles around, and can also enlarge and display the details of the road ahead through the front camera, enabling the driver to have more precise control over the vehicle’s position.

2023 Ford F-150 Raptor Shock Absorber

The 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor is an impeccable off-road pickup truck. It not only has powerful performance, excellent handling, and a comfortable interior, but also unparalleled off-road capabilities and technological features. It is a pickup truck that can fly on the highway and conquer the wilderness. It can meet daily driving needs and fulfill the desires of adventure enthusiasts. If you are a veteran off-road pickup truck enthusiast, this 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor would be a great off-road companion.

We will continue to update Phone&Auto; if you have any questions or suggestions, please contact us!