2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Review

First Impressions

Folks, this beast kicks sand in the Hummer H2’s face. The 2010 F150 Raptor (view photos) is a cross between trophy truck and Baja racer built for the public. Every surface on the flashy exterior of this truck is useful. Massive fender cutouts and the additional eight inches in width are not just for looks.

Weighing in at about 6,000 pounds, the Ford F150 Raptor is a tad heavy for its 5.4 liter V8 – on asphalt. The Raptor looks fast standing still. Off road, the whole package comes together and presents a massive footprint (the Ford F150 SVT Raptor is eight inches wider than a regular F150).

Although I am not particularly partial to the optional side graphic stickers and Molten Orange color, it does match the look and feel of a dirt bike. I think that’s the point. This machine, which comes standard with a tow package (factory installed trailer brake controller, tow hitch and trailer sway control), can tow 6,000 pounds of toys just about anywhere – while being able to keep up with said toys in the dirt. The 5 foot, 5 inch bed can hold off-road machines too – provided the tailgate is down.

FOX Racing suspension shocks can easily (and deliberately) be seen by passers-by hiding behind massive BFGoodrich 35 inch tires. The front bumper and hood are accented with functional cut-outs and vents. Even the grill imparts a feeling of intimidation with its black matte finish and massive “F-O-R-D” spanning from one headlight to another. Still, all this showmanship is backed up by super capability.

Let me put it another way – this is one of the only mass produced trucks that is built to handle jumps. SERIOUSLY!

Pricing, Trims and Options

Ford’s F150 SVT Raptor is currently offered only as a SuperCab. If sales are strong, Ford may offer other cab configurations in the future. Base model Ford F150 SVT Raptors start around $38,000.

Fully optioned, the Raptor will run around $47,000. Some noteworthy options include the $1,075 Graphics Package, $2,430 Sony (stereo/navigation) Package, $495 Molten Orange paint option and $1,950 Luxury Package (heated/power driver and passenger seats, heated mirrors and adjustable pedals). Combined, all options will add up to over $7,000.

The optional, larger 6.2 liter V8 pricing has yet to be announced.

Interior Features

The interior is a mixed bag of regular F150 components and specialty items specific to the SVT Raptor. Most notable is the center stack and unique toggle switches located by the standard MP3 inputs.

Seats are unique and comfortable up front. Rear seats are a tad small for taller adults, but are capable of holding three in a pinch. With the rear-hinged back doors, family-types will enjoy the ease of loading children in the back.

The Sony stereo is excellent and it was a fight among fellow journalists to find the American music that best suited this ‘Merican truck (we settled on a mix of Springsteen, Metallica, Van Halen and Elvis). The backup camera that comes with the Sony navigation package truly helps in backing as there is a very high tailgate.

All that said, this is not an easy vehicle to enter or exit. Ford added massive side steps, which work well for shorter folks but aren’t so great for taller. Every time I entered and exited, I smacked my leg against the steps. If the driver is a business type, the inside leg of any trousers would be marked by that step – frustratingly often.

Many of the interior materials are cheap-feeling plastics. I suppose it could be a benefit for those who intend on constantly muddying the interior. With such an outlandish and capable exterior, I expected steel and aluminum interior components.