In 1948, Ford introduced the first generation Ford F-150 pickup truck. Since then, it went through thirteen generations of remodeling and updated specifications. In 2010, Ford rebranded one of these newer models into its own lineup: Ford Raptor. Named after birds of prey (or potentially the extinct velociraptor), the Ford Raptor has gone through two generations of remodeling designed primarily for off-roading. It’s essential, however, for any Ford enthusiast to know the differences between the Ford Raptor and Ford F-150. We compare the 2019 versions of both pickup trucks so that you can decide on which one works the best for you. All information provided on the 2019 F-150 and 2019 Raptor comes from Ford’s technical specifications publication.
F-150
The F-150 is Ford’s signature pickup truck. Originally designed as a light-duty truck, over time Ford redesigned the F-150 for medium-duty purposes. The modern design for the F-150 found in the 12th generation (2009-2014) and 13th generation (2015-present) provide the full-size truck platform seen today. These generations influenced the Raptor’s design.
The 12th generation introduced the 3.7 Liter base V6 engine with EcoBoost. Ford also redesigned for durability and fuel efficiency in the 13th generation. Replacing the steel panel with aluminum, the pickup design dropped nearly 750 lbs. Regardless of this weight drop, the frame is still made from from high-strength steel. Today, the F-150 uses a standard NA 3.3L V6 engine with six speed transmission. Currently, the 2019 F-150 has these specifications (based on Super Cab configurations):
Body
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High-strength steel frame, aluminum cabin and bed
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Super Cab
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XL, XLT, Lariat trim options
Drive Train
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Front engine, rear wheel drive
Engine
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3.3L TI-VCT V6
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Regular unleaded fuel
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290hp at 6,500 rpm
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265lb torque at 4,000 rpm
Transmission
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10-Speed SelectShift Automatic or 6-Speed SelectShift Automatic
Suspension
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Heavy-duty gas-pressurized FOX front and rear shock absorbers
Steering
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Electric, Power-Assisted
Brakes
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Power anti-lock vented disc front and rear types
Fuel Capacity
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Standard Range: 23 gallons
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Extended Range: 36 gallons
Safety/Control Systems
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ABS: Four-Wheel anti-lock brakes, AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control
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Front, driver, and passenger airbags
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Active Driver Assist features
Wheels
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17-inch silver-painted steel wheels
Lighting
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Standard halogen headlamps and taillamps
Raptor
In the early 1990s, Ford added their Special Vehicles Team (SVT) series. This series was designed mainly for street racing through focus on the Ford Cobra and lightning truck programs. These vehicles had newly added configurations such as model-exclusive suspension, larger tires, wider fenders, and an extended pickup bed. In 2010, Ford introduced the Raptor in the SVT series. Uniquely, the Raptor was the first of its kind designed for off-road drivability. At its inception, it included four-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, and an upgraded suspension system compared to Ford’s previous truck models. After 2014, Ford dropped the SVT label as the 1st generation Raptor finished production. By 2019, with the 2nd generation of Raptors, Ford introduced the Ranger Raptor as a mid-size pickup truck; however, the Ranger Raptor is not available in North America. This is due to the F-150 Raptor’s higher demand in the United States and Canada. The 2.0L EcoBlue engine in the Ranger Raptor also can’t pass U.S. emissions standards. The 2019 F-150 Raptor has these specifications (based on SuperCab configurations):
Body
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High-strength steel frame, aluminum cabin and bed
Drive Train
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Front engine, Torque-on-Demand 4x4, Electronic-Locking Rear Differential with 4.10 rear-axle
Engine
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Hi-Output 3.5L EcoBoost V6, twin-turbocharged
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Regular or Premium unleaded fuel
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450hp at 5,000 rpm
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510lb torque at 3,500 rpm
Transmission
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10-Speed SelectShift Automatic
Suspension
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High-output, gas-pressurized, electronically controlled, continuously variable compression damping FOX Racing Shox system for front and rear shock absorbers
Steering
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Electric, Power-Assisted
Brakes
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Power anti-lock vented disc front and rear types
Fuel Capacity
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Standard Range: 23 gallons
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Extended Range: 36 gallons
Safety/Control Systems
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ABS: Four-Wheel anti-lock brakes, AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control
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Front, driver, and passenger airbags
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Active Driver Assist
Wheels
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17-inch Cast Aluminum with high-gloss machined face and magnetic-painted pockets
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All-terrain
Lighting
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Quad bead LED headlamps
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LED taillamps
Which One Do I Pick?
Choosing which pickup truck to own depends on your taste and usability. Ford Raptors are optimal for off-road driving but still are road safe. The FOX Racing Shox system is unique to the Raptor, which gives it power to travel through tough conditions—like rock crawling—that other trucks may struggle with. Against the F-150, the off-road design also makes the Raptor look more aggressive. Not to mention, the performance bumpers and flared fenders protect against debris and give serious dimension to the Raptor’s exterior. The LED headlights and taillights provide an intense bright, white light for the best visibility. One unique feature in the 2019 Raptor is Trail Control. This allows as a low-speed off-road cruise control. Drivers can manually select speed from 1-20 mph to accomplish precise wheel placement for power and braking. Even though Trail Control takes some of the thrill out of off-roading, it gives drivers smooth accessibility in rough situations. Still, the Raptor has its own disadvantages. For mileage, the Raptor gets roughly 15 city/18 highway MPG whereas the F-150 gets around 22 city/30 highway. Also, the F-150 has its signature blue “Ford” oval on its grille, although, the Raptor has an intense “FORD” detail. While the Raptor has a reputation for off-roading, both options have great street drivability. Both the F-150 and Raptor use regular unleaded fuel, but they can take premium for a more powerful performance. Both also provide great towing capabilities given their large frames and powerful engines. The F-150 is similar enough to the Raptor where you won’t notice much difference, but you sacrifice the off-road capability with this model over the other. Unlike the Raptor, the F-150 is more customizable. The Raptor offers some room for modification (like body style), whereas the F-150 has the potential for greater customization. You can change the engine, body style, trim levels, transmission, lighting, and wheels to your desired specifications. Horsepower is harder to compare as this ultimately depends on the engine used. All things considered, both are great options for any pickup truck fan.
No matter which pickup truck you choose, Specialty Performance Parts has the best Ford Raptor accessories and F-150 accessories. Check out our selection of general running boards, LED lights, and bed covers. We have it all!
