The luxury off-road pickup truck market is more competitive than ever, but the 2023 Ford Raptor continues to stand out as a heavyweight contender. Is it the perfect truck? Not quite, but it comes incredibly close.
We took a deep dive into the 2023 model equipped with the optional 37 Performance Package to break down the features that make this truck a beast, and the frustrating quirks that might make you think twice.
Here are the 5 things we love and the 5 things we hate about the 2023 Ford Raptor.
5 Things We Love About the 2023 Ford Raptor
1. Factory 37-Inch Tires & Beadlock Wheels
The headline feature for the 37 Package is, of course, the rubber. Ford is currently the only manufacturer in the 1500-series pickup market offering a 37-inch tire option straight from the factory.
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Why it matters: In previous years (2020 and older), owners had to go aftermarket to fit 37s, often messing with suspension geometry. Now, Ford gives you 37s and beadlock-capable wheels as a standard factory option. It’s a smart move that saves enthusiasts time and money at the mod shop.
2. The 5-Link Rear Suspension & Fox Live Valve Shocks
Introduced in 2021, the 5-link rear suspension with Fox Live Valve shocks remains the gold standard in the luxury off-road segment.
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The Ride Quality: This setup provides arguably the best ride quality in the class, smoothing out daily driving while handling high-speed desert runs with ease. Even competitors like the GMC AT4X struggle to match the suspension refinement Ford has dialed in here.
3. Power Up/Down Tailgate
It sounds like a small detail, but in the luxury truck market, convenience is king. The Raptor features a full power tailgate that not only lowers automatically but can raise itself back up with the push of a button. It’s a feature that arguably should have been standard years ago, but we are glad it’s finally here as part of the luxury packages.
4. Unique Paint Options (Space White & Shelter Green)
Ford has finally stepped up its paint game to rival Mopar’s bold colors. For 2023, the standout colors are Space White (a cool grey-white hybrid) and Shelter Green.
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The Look: If you are buying a Raptor, you likely want to make a statement. These colors separate the Raptor from the sea of standard black, white, and silver trucks on the road.
5. Active Exhaust & Customization Modes
Despite being a V6 (more on that later), the exhaust note is surprisingly impressive thanks to the active exhaust system. You get four distinct modes:
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Quiet: For the neighbors.
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Normal: Daily driving.
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Sport: A bit more aggression.
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Baja: Full open throaty sound. Combined with adjustable steering feel and suspension stiffness, the ability to customize the truck's behavior on the fly is a feature competitors like the Ram TRX and GMC simply don't match in the same way.
5 Things We Hate About the 2023 Ford Raptor
1. The V6 Engine (and the Cost of the V8)
The standard Raptor comes with the 3.5L High-Output EcoBoost V6. While capable, many enthusiasts believe a truck of this caliber deserves a V8.
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The Problem: To get a V8, you have to upgrade to the Raptor R, which is roughly a $32,000 upgrade for a supercharged engine.
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The Wish: We wish Ford offered a naturally aspirated V8 option (perhaps a version of the 5.2L without the blower) at the same price point as the EcoBoost, rather than forcing a massive upsell for the V8 sound and feel.
2. No Massaging Seats
This is a luxury pickup truck with a luxury price tag. Lower trims like the F-150 Platinum, King Ranch, and Limited all offer massaging seats, but the Raptor does not. Given that the seats are already incredibly comfortable and the technology exists within the F-150 lineup, omitting this feature feels like a miss.
3. "Aftermarket" Factory Fog Lights
If you look closely at the front bumper, the fog lights are branded Rigid. While Rigid makes great lights, these are wired to the auxiliary upfitter switches rather than a factory fog light switch.
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Why it’s annoying: For a clean OEM look, we’d prefer Ford manufacture their own integrated fog lights rather than bolting in a third-party brand that feels like an aftermarket add-on.
4. No Power Running Boards
The Raptor comes with fixed, rugged running boards designed to protect the body from rock chips. While functional for off-roading, a truck at this price point should offer power-deployable running boards as an option. Owners who want the luxury entry/exit experience found in the Platinum trims are left out of luck here.
5. Removal of the Torsen Front Differential
In 2021, Ford replaced the Torsen limited-slip front differential with an active braking system.
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The Downgrade: The Torsen diff was a mechanical staple for serious off-roading, ensuring power was transferred effectively. While Ford claims the new brake-based system is just as good, removing a high-quality mechanical component for a software-based solution feels like a step backward for the "ultimate Baja truck."
Final Thoughts
The 2023 Ford Raptor is an engineering marvel, particularly if you opt for the 37 Performance Package. It dominates in suspension and ride quality, but it leaves some die-hard V8 lovers and luxury-seekers wanting more in specific areas.
Watch the full review video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YE9h1y08CxI