Image: Mike Schlee Image: Mike Schlee When did the modern off-road movement really kick off? That tipping point in which everyone became obsessed with ruggedizing all the SUVs and crossovers on the market, from Honda CR-Vs to the Volkswagen Atlas? There may be no exact answer to this question, but in our minds, it was the introduction of the original Ford F-150 Raptor. About fifteen years ago, Ford decided the brand needed a new halo pickup truck. Instead of making another high-performance street truck to terrorize drag strips, the manufacturer went the complete opposite direction and unleashed the Raptor on unsuspecting sand dunes across America. Now in its third generation of existence, it's been quite some time since we've been behind the wheel of the Ford F-150 Raptor. So, we figured there's no time like the presence to reacquaint ourselves with Ford's big, bad-boy off-roader. Quick Take Over fifteen years ago Ford began an off-road movement with the introduction of the F-150 Raptor. More capable than nearly any truck before it, it was a high-speed, sand-dune hopper with a full factory warranty. Fast forward to today and the third generation F-150 Raptor continues to have the presence, capability, and power to impress. The 2026 model may not be perfect, but it still has that special look and feeling, elevating above the ranks of regular everyday pickup trucks. Price of entry is steep, but the finest things in life never come cheap. What's New for 2026: 2026 ford f 150 raptor review icon of overkill Not much is changing for the Raptor this year. Just a few technology and material tweaks are on the cards. The core of what makes the F-150 Raptor special is unaltered though. Exterior Style: 2026 ford f 150 raptor review icon of overkill After all these years, the truck still looks the part. The widebody, chunky all-terrain tires, hood inserts, marker lights, and everything else comes together to make the everyman F-150 turn into a superhero. It's also one of the few vehicles that can get away with such an over the top graphics package. It just feels like the stickers are needed as part of the entire truck's persona. Although its length of 232.6-inches (5,908 mm) is on par with other models, it sits nearly 80-inches (2,030 mm) high and the width is a whopping 86.6-inches (2,200 mm). It's so wide, it needs those aforementioned marker lights up front, which are incorporated into the grille. That grille is part of an exclusive front fascia which houses massive FORD lettering ensuring there's no doubt which manufacturer makes the Raptor. At the back there is a unique tailgate that is power operated. Our tester also has the spray-in bedliner and hard tonneau cover over the pick-up bed. Powertrain and Fuel Economy: 2026 ford f 150 raptor review icon of overkill Under the hood of the 2026 Ford F-150 Raptor continues to be a 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 in high-output form, making 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. It's paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission and proper two-speed transfer case four-wheel drive system. Power is plentiful, exaggerated by the off-road bias suspension and 4:10:1 final drive ratio. Hammer the gas and the truck lurches forward, nose in the air, clawing at the pavement with its knobby all terrain tires. That stated, the actual output figures, especially for an upgraded engine package, aren't all that impressive anymore, at least by 2026 standards. Regular Ram 1500 trucks almost make the same power, while the turbocharged inline-six high-output versions crush it. 2026 ford f 150 raptor review icon of overkill While on the topic of turbocharged six-cylinder engines, the Ford F-150 Raptor has an adjustable exhaust. The engine note is quite loud in the most aggressive Baja mode, which is only supposed to be use off-road. Even in Sport mode though, it's loud and not the most pleasant sound either. A truck like this is meant to be brash, dare we say bordering on obnoxious, but this is a flat, unappealing sound. Ford should tune the exhaust to tweak the note that comes out in my opinion. Handling and Drivability: 2026 ford f 150 raptor review icon of overkill The suspension set-up on the 2026 Ford F-150 Raptor is a double-wishbone set-up in the front and a five-link coil at the rear. Of course, FOX Racing Shox electronically controlled dampers are standard at all four corners. On the road, the Raptor doesn't behave all that different from regular F-150 models. Its extra width though makes tighter confines, like an elementary school drop-off parking lot, a bit more of a challenge. But who cares how this beast drives on the pavement, it's meant for adventuring in the dirt. Although I didn't get to head deep into the woods, we did experience a lot of snow during my week with the truck. Unplowed roads and street-blocking snowbanks were no match for the Raptor's 12-inches (306 mm) of ground clearance, nor the 14-inches of front and 15-inches of rear suspension travel. Even if the 315/70R17 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires are not dedicated for the snow, the churned up and gripped onto the white fluffy stuff, pressed down by the Ford's 5,710 pound (2,590 kg) curb weight. 2026 ford f 150 raptor review icon of overkill Even with limited time in slippery conditions, I am reminded how the F-150 Raptor is an advanced off-road tool. Anyone can get in the Raptor and crawl over gnarly terrain most other trucks wouldn't dare tackle, but to really get the most out of the F-150 Raptor's capabilities and technology, a knowledgeable off-roader is required. Still, my novice abilities quite enjoyed having the advance-trac turned right off, as the big truck is easy to modulate and manipulate through slick conditions. 2026 Acura Integra: All The Details 2026 ford f 150 raptor review icon of overkill Competitors: Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 Bison Ram 1500 RHO Toyota Tundra TRD Pro Ride Quality and Comfort: 2026 ford f 150 raptor review icon of overkill With so much suspension travel, the F-150 Raptor laughs at larger bumps in the road. Traffic calming speed bumps are barely felt, regardless if one slows down or not. That stated, this still is a truck, and it can be prone to jitteriness when unloaded. While on the topic of load, the Raptor can do truck things, as its 52.8 cubic foot (1,495 L) bed can hold up to 1,400-pounds (635 kg) of payload, or it's capable of towing upwards of 8,200-pounds (3,719 kg). Inside, the crew cab configuration offers space for days. Up front, passengers get 40.8-inches (1,036 mm) of headroom and 43.9-inches (1,115 mm) of legroom. Those in the back get a fraction less space at 40.4-inches (1,026 mm) of headroom and 43.6-inches (1,107 mm) of legroom, but there's still plenty of room for all but the absolutely tallest of humans. Interior Style and Quality: 2026 ford f 150 raptor review icon of overkill The styling of the 2026 Ford F-150 Raptor is more restrained inside compared to the exterior. There's contrasting stitching, with red bits here and there to add some visual interest, but it's not nearly as in your face. Even the Raptor logos that abound to remind all occupants this is the special F-150 aren't over the top. The feel inside really does reflect that of a truck approaching a six-figure price tag. But a truck this still is and there are plenty of hard buttons which are necessary in a vehicle designed for rugged work. It also has the power-folding gear selector that allows the center console lid to unfold into a large, flat, workspace. Tech and Safety: 2026 ford f 150 raptor review icon of overkill More than just off-road tech, the Raptor comes stuffed with plenty of other features. There is the 12-inch digital driver information screen, 12-inch infotainment screen, remote start, a 2.0-kilowatt Pro Power Onboard set-up, built-in navigation, 360-degree camera with split-view display, 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, rain-sensing wipers, ambient lighting, and much more. Safety systems also abound, with forward collision warning and dynamic brake support, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, trailer coverage and reverse brake assist, distance alert/distance indication, pro trailer backup assist, and more. Value Dollars and Sense: 2026 ford f 150 raptor review icon of overkill There's a price to pay for all that the 2026 Ford F-150 Raptor brings to the table, and that tallies at a starting figure of $81,800 (all prices include destination charges) in the United States. As tested, our Raptor rang in at $86,170 with the added tonneau cover, spray-in bed liner, and panoramic moon roof. Price wise, that puts the truck right on top of its main competition when similarly equipped, the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Bison and Ram 1500 RHO. For Canadian readers, the 2026 Ford F-150 Raptor starts at a price of $111,970, while our tester came in at $117,520. Final Thoughts: 2026 ford f 150 raptor review icon of overkill The Ford F-150 Raptor is still such a cool vehicle. It takes a regular truck, the one that just happens to be the most popular vehicle on sale today, and completely transforms it into an absolutely, overkilled, off-road beast. It's no excuses excess. It's more truck than anyone is ever going to need, but it's all the truck many will want. Category 2026 Ford F-150 Raptor Powertrain 8 / 10 Efficiency 6 / 10 Handling and Drivability 7 / 10 Passenger Comfort 8 / 10 Ride Quality 3.5 / 5 Exterior Style 4.5 / 5 Interior Style and Quality 8 / 10 Infotainment 8 / 10 Cargo Capacity and Towing 4 / 5 Safety 4 / 5 Value 7 / 10 Emotional Appeal 9 / 10 TOTAL 77 / 100 Pros Cons Aggressive Style Engine Power Merely Adequate in 2026 Off-Road Capability Thirsty Interior Design Size FAQs: Q: Is Ford changing the F-150 Raptor in 2026? A: Not a lot. There will be minor changes, but the truck essentially is quite similar to the 2025 mode. Q: How much is the 2026 Ford F-150 Raptor? A: The 2026 Ford F-150 Raptor starts at $81,800 including destination charges in the United States, or $111,970 including destination charges in Canada. Q: How much horsepower does a 2026 Ford F-150 Raptor have? A: Standard, it has 450 hp. Specifications Engine/Motor 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 Output: 450 hp, 510 lb-ft Drivetrain: 4X4 Transmission: 10AT Fuel Economy (MPG): 14 city, 18 highway Fuel Economy (L/100 km): 16.7 city, 12.8 highway Starting Price USA $81,800 incl dest Starting Price Canada $111,970 incl dest As Tested Price USA $86,170 incl dest As Tested Price Canada $117,520 incl dest Top 10 Wildest Cars at the 2026 Detroit Auto Show