Review: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is an off-roading dynasty

March 25, 2010October 29, 2011 Omar Rana 2010, Ford F-150, Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, Pickups

For the past 33 years, the Ford F-150 has been the best-selling truck in America, and for 23 of those years, it has been the best – selling vehicle. With the twelfth-generation of the much storied American truck, Ford expanded the F-150 lineup to include the all-new F-150 SVT Raptor; a high-speed off-road truck that is also engineered to be suitable for the everyday commute, though throughout that commute one is left day-dreaming of off-road shortcuts to your destination.

A product of FoMoCo’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT), the Raptor builds on the solid foundation of the F-150 and targets the rapidly-growing off-road enthusiast market and aims to deliver the ultimate in off-road performance trucking. This vehicle certainly sets the benchmark for the largely untapped High-performance off-road market.

Follow the jump to read more and to view our high-res image gallery (at the bottom of the post).

Review: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor:

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Specifications:

Base Price: $38,020.
Price as Tested: $46,020.
Engine: 5.4L Triton V8 3-valve – 320-hp / 390 lb-ft of torque
Transmission: 6-speed Six-speed automatic overdrive with Tow Haul Mode.
Towing Capacity: 6,000 pounds.
Curb Weight: 5,863 lbs.
0 to 60 mph: 8.5 seconds.
Fuel-Economy: 14/18 mpg (city/highway).

Exterior:

Though it shares a platform and assembly-line with the standard F-150, the Raptor takes on a much more chiseled look that combines with the massive size of the vehicle to deliver an extremely aggressive stance.

Size aside, the Raptor stands distinct from the standard F-150 by the distinctive grille with ‘FORD’ carved into the center. Additional differentiation marks include front bumper, front fascia and fenders, functional vented hood extractors, fender extractors with “SVT” bored out, visible FOX Racing Shox and skid plates on the underbody for protection. The Raptor also stands 7-inches wider than the base model in order to support the wider suspension and much larger tires. The Raptor sits atop a 133 inch wheelbase , and occupies a space 221 inches long, 86.3 inches wide, and 78.5 inches high.

Buyers have rather limited paint options, but all suit the car well; Blue Flame Metallic, Tuxedo Black, Oxford White, and Molten Orange Tri-Coat will all make the car look sharp. Available exterior options include; a power sunroof, tailgate step, a stowable bed extender, and a graphics package; all of which will give your Raptor an even more aggressive look.

Interior:

The aggressiveness of the exterior continues into the vehicle; this can especially be seen in the extra-wide center console and dash board. Depending on the option package, the steering wheel comes wrapped in black leather and features a Molten Orange strip that serves as a point-of-reference for centering the steering wheel; a feature that comes in extremely handy during extreme driving maneuvers, and the two-tone leather-trim seats have upper and lower leather bolsters with fabric and perforated leather inserts. The seats also provide for a comfortable ride with their supportive, hugging feel.

With 41.5 inches of headroom in the front and 39.7 in the rear of the cab, the SVT Raptor comfortably seats 5 individuals. The front seat offers 41.4 inches of leg room while the rear seat offers a significantly smaller amount; 33.4 inches. Anyway you slice it, there is sufficient room for a 6-foot tall adult to sit comfortably in either the front or back seat.

The truck comes standard with Microsoft Sync, but for those who desire a little extra, interior options are available. Voice-activated navigation with integrated SIRIUS Travel Link, Sony audio system, rear-view camera, dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control (DEATC), power adjustable pedals, PowerCode remote start system, and 10-way power (6-way power seats are standard) leather-trim front seats are all available for buyers to opt for to make the vehicle feel like their own.

While the interior has certainly warranted some mention, let us not forget that this car is all about the performance, and that is where it shines.

Performance/Utility:

The SVT Raptor comes standard with the F-150’s 5.4L Triton V8 three-valve engine and puts out about 320-hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. This is certainly enough power to push and maneuver the truck through some of the most challenging terrains; but one can’t help themselves but to crave more power when driving this truck. Thankfully, Ford is also offering an optional 6.2L V8 that produces 400-hp and 400 lb-ft of torque.

As with any off-road vehicle, the Raptor is a truck heavily focused on the suspension. A new upper A-arm, lower A-arm, tie-rod, and new half-shaft joints accompany the heavy-duty axle to suit the Raptor for serious off-roading. To give the truck a smoother ride on the streets however, the suspension provides 12.1 inches of usable travel in the rear and 11.2 inches in the front.

The exceptionally smooth ride on this vehicle comes in large part from the wide track and soft suspension. That ride however, would not be possible without the FOX Racing Shox, and this is the first time they have appeared on a production truck, allowing the SVT Raptor to dominate any terrain that should find its way under its tires. To really enhance the off-road performance of this truck, Ford called upon BFGoodrich and used their all-terrain TA/KO 315/70-17 tires with special tread compound to help provide precise and predictable steering.

One of the most important technology features of the F-150 SVT Raptor is the off-road mode, which engages a third throttle map and a third shift schedule for improved off-road performance. The third throttle map alters the throttle by changing the driver demand table so as to be better suited for high- and low-speed off-road driving conditions. The inclusion of a third shift schedule is a unique strategy for the off-road environment that holds the transmission in each gear for a longer period of time, allowing better engine throttle modulation to control the vehicle.

The Raptor also brings with it Ford’s first application of their Hill Descent Control technology. Using ABS, the driver can control hill descent without applying the brakes. The speed is set for the truck to descend the hill by pushing a button and allows for the driver to concentrate on driving, rather than on how to modulate the brakes on a steep decline.

Living in suburban New Jersey, the opportunity for extreme off-roading didn’t really present itself, but the few conditions we did come across proved the car to handle spectacularly. The perfect balance that this truck strikes between off-road dominance and everyday driving comfort is really brilliant, and – believe or not – one of the most impressive things about it.

Overall:

Pricing for the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor starts at $38,020; a $16,200 difference over the standard F-150, which starts at $21,820. Moving up to the 400-hp 6.2L SOHC V8 will cost you an extra $3,000. The car isn’t offered with many optional features either, as the truck was designed to impress as is. All we know is, it seems like the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor will continue to hold the crown for the best off-roading pickup until General Motors and Chrysler come up with something. Even then, Ford will probably answer with something bigger and better since it’s already ahead of the game.

Ford has already received more than 5,300 orders for the new F-150 SVT Raptor ““ topping the company”s initial sales expectations.

“We couldn”t be more pleased with the popularity of the F-150 SVT Raptor,” said Mark Grueber, F-150 Marketing manager. “Orders have exceeded our expectations. The truck is so popular that we actually wound up building more 5.4-liter V-8 models than we had originally anticipated. The order banks are now open for the all-new 6.2-liter V-8, and the orders keep rolling in.”