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All Three Ford F-150 Raptor Generations Compared: Deep Dive

Prior to the introduction of the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, off-road oriented full-size trucks weren’t really a thing, at least not from the factory. But Ford determined that a market existed for such a beast and outfitted their truck with all the goodies enthusiasts would want out of such a vehicle. Ford steadily improved on their original winning formula with subsequent generations, and with the somewhat recent introduction of the all-new 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor, we thought it would be interesting to compare all three iterations with one another.

Ford F-150 Raptor Exterior Dimension Comparison
2010-2014 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCab 2011-2014 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew 2017-2020 Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCab 2017-2020 Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCrew 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCrew (35 inch tire) 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCrew (37 inch tire)
Wheelbase (inches) 133.3 145.2 134.2 146 145.4 145.4
Overall Length (inches) 220.9 232.1 220 231.9 232.6 232.6
Overall Width* (inches) 86.3 86.3 86.3 86.3 86.6 86.6
Overall Height (inches) 78.4 78.4 78.5 78.5 79.8 80.7
Front Track Width (inches) 73.6 73.6 73.9 73.9 74 74.3
Rear Track Width (inches) 73.6 73.6 73.6 73.6 73.6 73.9
  • * without mirrors

Looking at the exterior dimensions of each Ford F-150 Raptor generation reveals only slight changes, due to the fact that full-size trucks have been sized to a relative similar standard for many years, although it is interesting to see that the 2021 model (which is SuperCrew only) will arrive with a slightly shorter wheelbase. On any other type of vehicle – like a front-wheel drive sedan or crossover – this would be cause for concern, as wheelbase tends to dictate how well a vehicle performs over road imperfections. But with all the additional suspension enhancements Ford bestows on the Raptor, it most likely isn’t an issue.

Ford F-150 Raptor Interior Dimension Comparison
2010-2014 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCab 2011-2014 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew 2017-2020 Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCab 2017-2020 Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCrew 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCrew
Seating Capacity 5 5 5 5 5
Front Headroom (inches) 41 41 40.8 40.8 40.8
Front Legroom (inches) 41.4 41.4 43.9 43.9 43.9
Front Shoulder Room (inches) 65.9 65.9 66.7 66.7 66.7
Front Hip Room (inches) 60.5 60.5 62.5 62.5 62.5
Rear Headroom (inches) 39.7 40.3 40.3 40.4 40.4
Rear Legroom (inches) 33.4 43.5 33.5 43.6 43.6
Rear Shoulder Room (inches) 65.7 65.5 65.8 65.9 66
Rear Hip Room (inches) 65.4 64.6 64.7 64.7 62.6

Turning our eyes to the cabins of each Ford F-150 Raptor generation shows us two things. For starters, a first generation owner trading in their truck for a second or third gen model would most likely notice a bit more room up front for themselves and their passengers, as there were noticeable gains in that area. Second, any second generation owner with a burning desire to upgrade to the new model will find no reason to reject it based on cabin space, as the dimensions have remained pretty much the same for the 2021 Raptor, save for rear hip room. Perhaps the rear doors got a bit thicker? Either way, that single dimensional reduction is hardly a deal breaker for any sane Raptor owner.

Ford F-150 Raptor Powertrain Comparison
2010-2014 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCab 2011-2014 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCab 2011-2014 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew 2017-2020 Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCab 2017-2020 Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCrew 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCrew
Engine 5.4L Triton V8 6.2L Boss V8 6.2L Boss V8 3.5L EcoBoost V6 3.5L EcoBoost V6 3.5L Ford EcoBoost V6
Power (hp) 310 411 411 450 450 450
Torque (Ib-ft) 365 434 434 510 510 510
Transmission 6-speed automatic 6-speed automatic 6-speed automatic 10-speed automatic 10-speed automatic 10-speed automatic
Transfer Case electronic shifting electronic shifting electronic shifting 2-speed electronic shifting 2-speed electronic shifting 2-speed electronic shifting
Rear Axle Ratio 4.1 4.1 4.1 4.1 4.1 4.1
Towing (Ibs) 6000 6000 8,000 6,000 8,000 8,200
Payload (Ibs) 1,020 930 1,030 1,000 1,200 1,400

The big news with this powertrain comparison between every Ford F-150 Raptor variant is the gains made in the second generation. The massive torque boost from the Ford 3.5L EcoBoost V6, combined with the adoption of the 10-speed automatic transmission, undoubtedly made the Raptor faster. In fact, given the 2021 model’s incorporation of the same powertrain, we wonder if second generation owners will want to make the switch to the new model at all. Ford could make the new model faster with some additional tweaks, but that might not be enough of an enticement, especially with the V8-powered Raptor R on the horizon.

Ford F-150 Raptor Suspension Comparison
Suspension 2010-2014 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCab 2011-2014 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew 2017-2020 Ford F-150 Raptor 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCrew
Damper type Fox internal bypass shocks Fox internal bypass shocks Fox internal bypass shocks* Fox Live Valve
Damper diameter (inches) 2.5 2.5 3 3.1
Front Suspension Type double wishbone, coil-on-shock double wishbone, coil-on-shock double wishbone, coil-over-shock double wishbone, coil springs
Rear Suspension Type Hotchkiss, solid axle, leaf spring Hotchkiss, solid axle, leaf spring solid axle, leaf spring solid axle, 5-link, coil springs
Front Suspension Travel (inches) 11.2 11.2 13 14
Rear Suspension Travel (inches) 12.1 12.1 13.9 15
  • * Fox Live Valve adaptive dampers equipped on 2019+ models

In contrast to the previous datasets, this particular spec sheet details the most compelling reasons why previous generation Raptor owners might want to upgrade to the newest model. Aside from the benefits of the adaptive dampers on all 2019+ Raptors, the third generation represents an additional leap forward with its coil spring rear suspension, making it more capable than the second gen version and notably superior to the first generation.

Ford F-150 Raptor Off-Road Spec Comparison
2010-2014 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCab 2011-2014 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew 2017-2020 Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCab 2017-2020 Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCrew 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCrew (35 inch tire) 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor (37 inch tire)
Approach Angle (degrees) 30 30.2 30.2 30.2 31 33.1
Depature Angle (degrees) 22.7 22.7 23.1 23 23.9 24.9
Breakover Angle (degrees) 20.8 19.5 22.9 21.8 22.7 24.4
Ground Clearance (inches) 11.2 11.2 11.5 11.5 12 13.1

Ford’s decision to axe the Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCab variant might have upset some owners, but this dataset reveals a key reason why Ford decided to drop that configuration. Aside from selling in low numbers, The Blue Oval virtually eliminated any compromises that came with opting for a longer wheelbase SuperCrew model. In previous iterations, the SuperCab variants possessed slightly better breakover angles, a key metric for off-roaders who actually want to rock climb with their Raptors. But the 2021 model essentially matches what a 2020 SuperCab Raptor could accomplish in that regard, and new Raptors outfitted with the 37-inch tires will even outdo them, which is a pretty impressive feat.

Ford F-150 Raptor Wheel & Tire Comparison
2010-2014 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor 2017-2020 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor
Standard
Wheel 17×18.5 inch painted cast-aluminum with machined finish 17×18.5 inch cast aluminum 17×8.5 inch cast aluminum wheels with bright machined face and Magnetic painted pockets
Tire LT315/70R17 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO tire LT315/70R17 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tire LT315/70 R17 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tire
Optional 1
Wheel 17×18.5 inch forged aluminum beadlock capable 17×18.5 inch forged aluminum beadlock capable 17×8.5 inch unique pattern forged aluminum bead-lock capable wheels Matte black painted wheel and ring
Tire LT315/70R17 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO tire* LT315/70R17 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tire LT315/70 R17 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tire
Optional 2
Wheel 17×8.5 inch unique pattern forged aluminum bead-lock capable wheels Magnetic painted wheel and ring
Tire 37×12.50R17LT BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tire
  • * Introduced for 2013 model year

Our final comparison reveals that while some things have changed, others remain the same. The 2021 model enables Raptor buyers one additional choice with the adoption of some very beefy 37-inch tires. Otherwise, the tire and wheel sizes haven’t been radically altered much, and that’s not exactly a bad thing.

We’ll have more Ford-centric deep dives soon, so subscribe to Ford Authority for the latest Ford F-150 Raptor news, Ford F-150 news, and continuous Ford news coverage.

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Ed owns a 1986 Ford Taurus LX, and he routinely daydreams about buying another one, a fantasy that may someday become a reality.

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  1. Its time for the 7.3 GODZILLA to go in!!

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