2011 Ford F-150 Raptor Super Crew 6.2 Review

The new 2011 Ford F-150 Raptor Super Crew is the perfect combination work horse and family ride. The crew cab offers full-sized doors which make for an easy in and out regardless of age and ability. Most crew cabs have been known to be high on function, but pretty low on style. The new Raptor has completely changed this perspective. 

Specs

The new Raptor is equipped with a 6.2L V8, putting out 411 horsepower and 434 foot pounds of torque. The Raptor comes stock with LT315/70R17 BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires which proved to be all it needed to perform well under all testing circumstances. The SuperCrew is equipped with a 36-gallon fuel tank and averages 13 MPG on the open road. Towing capacity is about 8,000 pounds.

All the Bells & Whistles

The 2011 Ford F-150 Raptor is a beast no matter where you drive it, and it comes with so many features you practically need a class to show you how to push this truck to its limits. The Off-Road mode is an incredible mix of handling and the drive of a desert racer. The power response excels throughout the power band and the hill descent control automatically controls the brakes so you’re able to concentrate on the steering. Depending on how comfortable you feel at higher speeds, you have the option to leave the Advanced Trac-Stability features on, off or set in sport mode. The Raptor is outfitted with a standard 42" trip computer in the instrument panel and now boasts a new Raptor Mode, which tells you what modes all of your features are in. This makes for easy adjustments.

Testing

The new 2011 Ford F-150 Raptor was tested in the 100-degree temperatures of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park near San Diego. After the brutal desert testing, the Raptor was taken to Smithers Winter Test Center in Raco, Michigan and the temperature never topped 15 degrees. The Raptor was put through a series of three tests: Skid Pad, Road Course and Slalom Course. 

Skid Pad Test

The Raptor did reasonably well in the skid test. The four-wheel-drive mode was the best all around with a snow-on-ice situation. When sliding on desert sand, letting off the accelerator proved to help the truck stick back down and take much of the momentum out without using the brakes. 

Slalom Test

The Slalom test was done on an icy runway with cones set up and the Raptor performed well, especially on the stock tires mentioned. Handling was superior as showed in other testing.

Road Course 

Because the road is the most likely situation for most drivers, it’s important to know how the truck handles on a road course. Suspension handled well and on wet surfaces the superior handling did its job. The option of electronic locking differentials also ensured the truck stayed tight against the asphalt. 

This truck performed like a pro in all the testing and proves a force to be reckoned with in the off-road category, and it also scored major points for comfort in both the front and rear seating options.