FYI: The 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor R turns the desert near Palm Springs into its personal playground, proving that off-roading can indeed be thrilling at high speeds with a powerhouse engine to back it up.
### The Thrills of High-Speed Off-Roading: 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor R
JOHNSON VALLEY, Calif. – If you think rock crawling is the ultimate off-road experience, think again. Rock crawling can be tediously slow and nerve-racking, with every jagged rock and sharp branch posing a threat to your vehicle. Enter the 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor R—a different breed of off-roading beast. With this truck, speed takes center stage.
Imagine zooming through desert landscapes at a breathless 80 mph without a speck of asphalt in sight. I hit the brakes hard as a new path materializes, and the massive 37-inch tires struggle for grip on the dirt. Turning the wheel left, it feels like hitting a turbo-boost button when I slam the throttle. Forget the four-mode exhaust (though the off-road-only Baja mode is worth a mention); it’s the supercharger’s roar that commands attention. If there’s a vehicle that sounds like it could take you to heaven, this is it.
In the expansive desert north of Palm Springs, the Raptor R feels right at home. Before me, a colossal sand dune makes our motorcade of Raptors look like mere toys. The risk here is minimal—plenty of room to mess up without dire consequences. Even if you happen to get stuck on the dunes, Ford has equipped the Raptor R with a modular front bumper, enhanced tow hooks, and an optional Warn winch for such predicaments.
### Conquering the Dunes
When you finally climb the dunes, the Raptor R’s true potential emerges. The 720-horsepower, 5.2-liter supercharged V8 is more than just a muscle-flexing tool to one-up Ram TRX owners. As the sand gets deeper and the throttle demands increase, the 270-horsepower edge over the standard Raptor suddenly makes perfect sense. Even though it gulps fuel at merely 12 mpg combined, putting it to the test in real conditions makes the power felt and appreciated.
### The Raptor R’s Advanced Tech
Dual-valved Fox Live Valve shocks are another new addition. While the standard Raptor uses single-valve units, the Raptor R’s dual valves offer continuous adjustment for maximum comfort and control, regardless of the terrain. Paired with the five-link independent rear suspension and meter-long trailing arms, these shocks transform jumping into an uneventful—yet safe—experience.
### Master of the Desert
The Raptor R proves relentless, whether dashing through dirt trails or tackling quasi-autocross courses. Engaging Baja mode cranks the excitement up further, perfect for leaving plumes of dust in your wake. Even as temperatures soar to 100 degrees, the Raptor R’s cockpits keep you cool and composed, offering a much cheaper yet equally thrilling alternative to track days.
### Comfort Meets Capability
Ford has retained the Raptor’s essence with some updated twists. The 12-inch touchscreen now includes 5G connectivity and over-the-air updates. Recaro front seats offer increased stability and comfort over standard seats, and the steering interface provides quick access to adjust steering, shocks, and exhaust settings, making drive customization a breeze.
### Redesigned for the Future
For 2024, the Raptor R gets subtle exterior tweaks like a new front grille mesh, headlight units, and revised taillights. However, it retains its rugged essence with features like the modular front bumper and improved camera systems that remain functional even at high speeds in off-road mode.
### Pricing: Worth Every Penny?
The Raptor isn’t cheap. Starting at $80,325, the “Raptor 37” equipment group adds $11,470, culminating in a Raptor R priced at $110,225. While this may seem excessive for a truck, it’s still cheaper than a 2024 Porsche 911, and arguably more enjoyable in its intended environment. Only in a place like Johnson Valley can you truly appreciate this level of off-roading freedom.
So, if you’re looking for a vehicle that takes high-speed off-roading to thrilling new heights while keeping you comfortable and in control, the 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor R should be at the top of your list.
Jack Carney,
Editor of Automotive.fyi
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