2014 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Review

    Surprisingly, Ford actually has a great "high-performance" division, unlike Chevrolet's SS division, which puts a new engine in a vehicle and calls it a supercar. They have made many great products, possibly the best of which being the Focus RS, which is a rally-bred, 305-hp version of the regular Focus, and it is awesome. Sadly, they don't sell it anymore, but they still sell this: the F-150 SVT Raptor. Some people think it is the best off-roader on the planet, but personally, I think the Land Rover Range Rover or the Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6X6 are far better. Don't get me wrong, I think the Raptor is good off-road, I just don't think it's "the best." Power comes from a 6.2 liter V8 that produces 411 hp and 434 pound-feet of torque. I like this engine because Ford hasn't gone overboard with the power and expected raw power to do all the work, which is completely wrong. A lot of the work is done by things locking differentials (of which the Raptor has 1), a 6,000-pound tow rating, and wheels that can be converted to a serious off-road "beadlock" design, which essentially help lower the tire pressure for rock crawling. The interior is simple and durable but still has things like an 8-in. navigation screen and a special "SVT" steering wheel. I saw one in town today, and it couldn't fit in a parking space. So might be a better car for weekends than for errands, unless you live in Montana. This car only has one major competitor: the Ram 2500 Power Wagon. (It's name isn't as good.)

Here's a link to the Ford site: http://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/trim/raptor/