A few years back Ford used to pack a V8 engine just like any other pickup truck, but now the F-150 Raptor is powered by a 3.5 Litre Twin Turbo V6 variant which can produce 450 horsepower and a torque of 510 lb-ft. The engine is connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission which is pretty smooth in conjunction with a 4WD layout. To the unknowns, going for V6 over V8 might seem like a not-so-smart move but mind you that the Twin Turbo engine is a hidden gem and can easily outrun everything on the road. Think of it as the sportiest truck in the segment because it can go from 0-60 mph in just 5.2 seconds and can finish a quarter-mile in 13.9 seconds.
Models
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2020 Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCab
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2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Double Cab
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2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Double Cab
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2020 RAM 1500 Crew Cab
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MSRP
|
$53,455
|
$48,195
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$52,895
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$53,135
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Engine
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3.5 Liter Twin Turbo V6
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5.3 Liter V8
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5.3 Liter V8
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3.6 Liter V6
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Drivetrain
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4WD
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4WD
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4WD
|
4WD
|
Transmission
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10 speed automatic
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8 speed automatic
|
10 speed automatic
|
8 speed automatic
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Power (hp @ RPM)
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450 @ 5,000
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355 @ 5,600
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355 @ 5,600
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305 @ 6,400
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Torque (lb-ft @ RPM)
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510 @ 3,500
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383 @ 4,100
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383 @ 4,100
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269 @ 4,800
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0-60 MPH (seconds)
|
5.2
|
7
|
6.3
|
6.6
|
Quarter Mile (seconds)
|
13.9
|
15.3
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14.5
|
14.8
|
Top speed (MPH)
|
107
|
90
|
NA
|
130
|
Even if its rivals come with V8 engines, the Twin Turbo V6 engine of Raptor easily decimates everything that confronts it. Top-notch performance with an immense towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds is an engineering phenomenon that sets the benchmark for others to follow. The closest one to the former is the GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 that has yet to do a lot more to be at par. Therefore, the Ford clinches the space quite comfortably. Despite having a similar powertrain as the GMC, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is the slowest option in the segment taking 7 seconds to the 60mph mark.
How well does the 2020 Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCab handle?
Sure Raptor’s V6 engine is powerful enough but there are other factors too such as handling and suspension system which affect the overall driving experience. For instance, its steering wheel is pretty responsive with decent feedback from the road. Though the inherent body style makes it a bit difficult to maneuver around the corners yet the Raptor is the ultimate of offroading which is mainly because of the enhanced off-road suspension system with adaptive Fox Racing dampers as they can easily eliminate mid to large bumps effortlessly.
Further adding to that, comes the Trail control, Roll Stability Control, and HD anti-roll bars which make sure the toppling and lateral shifts are negated as much as possible. Even the wheels are in accordance with the requirements, providing that contact patch. Therefore, one can’t really complain about the handling pursuit, he/she gets entitled to, after owning it.
Braking Performance
Fortunately, Ford has loaded a competent braking system that is efficient enough to keep this beast under limits. You will find 13.8 inches front and 13.7 inches rear disc brakes and all are well ventilated. Features such as Hill hold control, electric parking brake, and hill descent control accompany the braking system and result in adequate control over the vehicle. This is why it manages to stop from 60 mph to a standstill in a short distance of 132 feet, a decent number for its segment considering how heavy and big it is. But it has to be kept in mind that the hard braking comes with nose dives.
Models
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2020 Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCab
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2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Double Cab
|
2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Double Cab
|
2020 RAM 1500 Crew Cab
|
Brake Rotors: Front (inches)
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13.8
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13.5
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13.5
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14.9
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Brake Rotors: Rear (inches)
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13.7
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13.6
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13.6
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14.8
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Curb Weight (lbs)
|
5,525
|
4,885
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5,150
|
5,232
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60-0 (feet)
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132
|
134
|
132
|
122
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When stacked against others, Ford F-150 Raptor offers bigger brakes than both Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra. However, RAM 1500 takes the lead here by offering the biggest ones that translate to the shortest distance of 122 feet. This is by far a huge margin despite the fact it is one of the heaviest as well. On the other hand, the same parameter measures to be 132 ft and 134 ft for the other two rivals, GMC, being a bit better.