With deliveries of the all-new 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R underway, reviewers and a select lucky few owners are getting to experience the truck’s rowdy supercharged Ford 5.2L V8 and its 700 horsepower in the flesh. Thus far, the muscular off-road pickup has received universally rave reviews, in spite of sporting a slight power disadvantage and larger price premium over its chief rival, the Ram 1500 TRX. Now, MotorTrend has gotten the chance to test both of these bonkers trucks side-by-side, and when the proverbial and literal dust settled, a clear winner emerged – the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R.
As most are well aware by now, these two trucks share quite a bit in common – both pack supercharged V8s producing more than 700 horsepower, both are equipped with serious off-road suspension upgrades and massive tires, as well as ultra-wide bodywork and aggressive styling. However, with a sticker price of $109,145, the Raptor R starts out at $23,360 more than the TRX, which features a base price of $85,785, though an as-tested sticker of $103,980 in the case of this comparison.
MotorTrend tried out both trucks at a Michigan test track, as well as on snowy off-road trails, and came away mighty impressed, as one might imagine. In terms of straight-line performance, the Raptor R rocketed to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and down the quarter-mile in 12.1 seconds at 111.8 mph, while the TRX actually lagged behind with a 0-60 run of 3.9 seconds, largely due to its 740 extra pounds of heft.
Both on and off the pavement, the Raptor R proved to be more comfortable and willing to soak up any obstacle that it drives over, though both ultimately impressed reviewers. However, when it came time to pick a winner, one truck stood above the other. “The Ram 1500 TRX packs a bruiser of an engine and a menacing, creatine-stuffed presence,” MT noted. “But whether you’re buying for the muscle-car engine or trophy-truck suspension, the Ford F-150 Raptor R delivers better performance and a fuller experience. The Raptor R is so monstrously capable and wildly indifferent to the terrain that there is simply nothing else like it.”
We’ll have more on the Raptor R soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for the latest Ford F-150 news, Ford F-150 Raptor news, and ongoing Ford news coverage.
Comments
Cool truck and very similar to the TRX, but with Ford dealers’ notorious ADM, you would be foolish to pay the tens of thousands (maybe up to $50k) more for the R than the TRX.
Agree, I can’t stand Ford dealerships. Every single one of them has inventory over MSRP. The closest one to me has 3 incoming and they’re all listed for $149,000.
Still the King!! Love both the Raptor and Raptor R
The issueis simple, who in their right mind, would ever want to own a Chrysler proudct.
Great review by M/T.
Already reports of these being listed for $169k-$175k at dealers. 100% not worth anything near that much. And I say that as someone that loves the truck.
My Antimatter Blue R has a build date of February 6th. Starting to get a little excited now that I have a vin#. I have a Gen 1 and could never get myself to like the V6 so I passed on that. I have a 2021 King Ranch Power Boost to trade in now. Nice Truck, but got to have a V8. Still keeping the Gen 1.
I have a 2021 with less than 30k (kms) or 18k miles and am on the third set of actuators and second set of hubs are on back order. Had to deactivate the 4 wheel drive – why do I never read about this as it is not an isolated problem, never been off road and vehicle is treated like a gem. Just sayin…..