Ford F-150 Raptor R Finally Gets More Power Than TRX—on the Ram's Deathbed

It's hard to believe that it's been nearly 15 years since Ford introduced its first F-150 Raptor. At launch these trucks were powered by the company's 5.4-liter V-8 engine that produced an admirable, if unexciting 310 hp. A 411-hp 6.2-liter V-8 joined the party and later became the truck's only engine option midway through the 2010 model year and remained the sole mill until the end of the first generation. To much chagrin, Ford dropped the V-8 engine in favor of a 450-hp high-output 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 when the second-generation Raptor debuted for 2017, which remained the only option through 2022.

When Ram launched its supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat V-8-powered TRX in 2021, the first real challenger to Raptor's off-road domination, many were left wondering if Ford would have an answer. Thankfully, it did: The 2023 Raptor R, which would be powered by a supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 withjust700 hp. A collective groan when up from all corners of the blog-o-sphere. Already two years behind, and with Ram's TRX laying down 702 hp (and the Shelby GT500 Mustang from which Ford lifted its new engine was rated at 760 ponies), it remained a mystery why Ford would not go for the jugular and put down Stellantis's dinosaur for good. Sure, the Raptor R is quicker than the TRX in every way, but in this day of viral marketing numbers matter.

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Now, suddenly, Ford is striking the final blow on the endangered Ram TRX just as that truck makes its way to extinction. For 2024, the one-year-old F-150 Raptor R receives a bump in output to 720 hp. This makes the Raptor R the most powerful factory-built full-size gas-powered pickup, ever.

Ford says the 20 hp increase was made possible by reducing air inlet losses and with a more optimized engine calibration. While torque remains the same at 640 lb-ft, the new calibration is said to result in a wider curve. No other mechanical changes were announced for the 2024 Raptor R, however, Ford had previously announced that the Raptor family would be receiving a new three-piece high-clearance modular front bumper along with new forged tow hooks, updated headlamps, and a new grille (see photo at top; the 2023 model is shown in the gallery above). Raptor R and Raptor 37 models will benefit from improved Fox Dual Live Valve dampers that now include a second valve that controls rebound damping. Previous versions of Raptor's Fox Live Valve shocks have only adjusted compression.

The 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor goes on sale early next year with a base price of $79,995, including a $1,995 destination charge. Raptor R brings a $31,575 upcharge over the base truck, for a starting price of $111,550.