Best Ford Raptor Year: What Should You Get?

Born ready to perform, the Ford Raptor is an incredible pickup truck. From its tough exterior to top-of-the-line specifications, it is built to conquer even challenging conditions. Nonetheless, not all Raptors are created the same. 

If you want to know the best Ford Raptor year, read on! Especially if you are buying a used model, you must know the best and worst years to ensure the best performance. Spare yourself from driving nightmares and costly repairs by being knowledgeable. 

Best Ford Raptor Year 

To enjoy the best bang for the buck and have a great driving experience, below are some of the best Ford Raptor years that should be on your radar. 

• 2010

The Ford Raptor debuted in 2010 and instantly became a hit. Motoring enthusiasts raved about this full-sized pickup, making it an immediate favorite among many people who are looking for a highly-capable truck. With that, its first-generation model is one of the best years of the Ford Raptor. 

Also called the F-150 SVT Raptor, the 2010 model was built to deliver impressive off-road performance. The initial model had a 5.4-liter modular V8 engine, which was later upgraded to a 6.2-liter V8 also known as The Boss. 

The model with the V8 engine is capable of generating 411 HP and 430 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, it has an upgraded chassis system, as well as an internal bypass shock. It creates up to 12 inches of rear suspension movement and 11 inches in the front. Such features make the truck exceptional on difficult terrains. 

With this power, however, comes one drawback—fuel consumption. On average, it runs 11 mpg in the city and 16 mpg on the highway. Despite such, it is a great vehicle, especially considering that it is still viewed by many as a valuable truck despite the emergence of newer models and competitors. 

• 2020

Hard-core off-roaders who are looking for a reliable pickup are sure to be happy with the 2020 Ford Raptor. From its wider body compared to its predecessor to the large all-terrain tires, its appearance is sure to turn heads. The performance won’t disappoint either. 

One of the best things about the 2020 Ford Raptor is the twin-turbo V6 engine. Some might not like how Ford has ditched the previous V8 engine for the 2020 model, but such should not be an issue. It has a 10-speed automatic transmission and impressive power of up to 450 HP. The suspension is also notable, guaranteeing a comfortable ride even when driving on rough roads. 

Additionally, the 2020 Ford Raptor is also excellent in terms of its towing capacity. It can haul cargo of up to 8,000 pounds while the truck bed supports a weight of up to 1,200 pounds. 

When it comes to fuel consumption, it runs at an average of 15 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway. It may not be the most fuel-efficient, but compared to many of its competitors, the mileage is decent. 

• 2022

If the budget is not an issue, we suggest going for the 2022 Ford Raptor. As the newest truck in the lineup, it features some of the company’s most innovative technologies, promising comfort and convenience on the road. Considered a pickup on steroids, it has a stouter powertrain and a bulkier body compared to a regular Ford F-150. 

Looking at its technical specifications, the 2022 Ford Raptor has a high-output 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine that delivers up to 450 HP. It also comes with a three-inch exhaust system, which adds roar to the pickup truck. The chassis enhancements from the previous models are also worth noting.

Even the interior of the F-150 Raptor is impressive. It has all-weather rubber floor mats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with thumb pads, a 12-inch digital display, power-adjustable pedals with memory, fade-to-off interior lighting, and a push-button start. 

Meanwhile, to guarantee its top-notch off-road performance, the 2022 Ford Raptor has a 5-link rear suspension with a Panhard rod. It provides generous trailing arms to maintain the best axle position, regardless of the terrain conditions. 

Ford Raptor Years to Avoid 

Meanwhile, here are two of the worst years of the Ford Raptor that you might want to avoid. If you are buying a used pickup, be wary of these models as they can be prone to problems, which can be expensive to repair in the long run. 

• 2012

While it is an all-terrain beast, the 2012 Ford Raptor can be prone to numerous problems. Among others, one of the most common issues is the transmission. Many owners note that the transmission is prone to slipping without warning the driver. The frames of the transmission can also crack. 

Steering faults are also common, especially after running 55,000 miles. At such a point, the steering can be trickier, requiring more effort to maneuver the truck. Like other problems, however, you can avoid this by paying attention to proper care and maintenance. 

• 2014

The 2014 Ford Raptor is the last model in the truck’s first-generation before the production halted, which returned only in 2017. A common complaint about this year’s model is that it might fail to start during the first ignition. This is also an issue in other first-generation models. The fragile wiring can be the culprit. 

More so, it is also common to have window issues. It can shatter in difficult conditions, especially when you are in an extremely cold location. It can cause injury. Not to mention, it can also be expensive to repair. 

Upgrade Your Ford Raptor for Better Performance 

You can make the most out of your Ford Raptor and upgrade its performance by doing the following: 

Add a Roof Rack 

If you need more space for hauling cargo in your Ford Raptor, consider installing a roof rack. Such will complement the space in the truck bed. Find one that is shaped specifically to seamlessly integrate with the Raptor’s roofline. Also, make sure there is enough clearance to avoid damaging the roof.

It is also a good idea to have lights on the roof rack, which will make a functional accessory for your truck. 

Change the Spark Plug 

It might seem like a minor upgrade, but doing something as simple as changing the spark plugs can dramatically change the performance of your Ford Raptor. Such is especially true if the truck has already traveled over 100,000 miles. By default, the Raptor has a wasted spark type of ignition system. They can be difficult to access and may not provide the power that you need. 

Replace the Cold Air Intake 

For cost-effective modifications, one that is worth considering is a cold air intake. It has a low cost per horsepower, making it a popular addition to a Raptor for those who are looking for upgraded performance. It has a horsepower gain of up to 13 HP, depending on the quality of the specific product that you will choose. The best thing is that the replacement can be a simple DIY task, so you do not need to pay a mechanic for the job. 

Install a Standalone Tuner 

Another great option for a Ford Raptor performance upgrade is a standalone tuner. It is a powerful accessory, which is also why some people think that adding one is complicated. Truth is, you can do it yourself without the need to sweat. The tuner will alter the ECU signal in your pickup. As a result, you can improve fuel consumption while also increasing the towing capacity of the Ford Raptor. 

Add a Supercharger Kit 

While it is costly, this is one of the Ford Raptor performance upgrades that can deliver a higher horsepower improvement. This is an air compressor that increases pressured delivery to an internal combustion engine. The outcome is that it significantly boosts the performance of your Raptor. 

Make It More Tow-Capable 

The Ford Raptor is built ready for towing. Nonetheless, even if it has a tough body and powerful engine, towing is better if you do a variety of performance upgrades. Installing towing accessories will also ensure safety on the road. This way, your load will be more balanced and you can run your truck smoothly even when you are on challenging terrains. 

FAQs

Is the Ford Raptor reliable? 

Yes, the Ford Raptor is reliable. Most of the truck’s models will withstand long-term use, even in challenging conditions. Most of the problems are minor and can be avoided with regular maintenance. 

How long do Ford Raptors last? 

A Ford Raptor can last 100,000 to 300,000 miles. It will last longer if you use it in the city than in off-road conditions, although the truck is built for the latter. Over the years, it can be prone to issues like steering problems, but you can avoid such from harming its performance with proper maintenance. 

Conclusion 

The best Ford Raptor years are 2010, 2020, and 2022. From the interior to the exterior, these models can offer the best performance, even to the most discerning users. Nonetheless, even if the pickups from these years are incredible, they can still be prone to problems, so make sure to consider performance upgrades and regular maintenance.