The 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor roared onto the scene, not just as a truck, but as a statement. As I prepared to navigate the tight alley behind Roadshow HQ in San Francisco, the sheer size of this beast, particularly the four-door SuperCrew configuration, was immediately apparent. This wasn’t just any pickup; it was a 2017 Ford Raptor 4 Door, a machine designed to conquer both city streets and untamed landscapes. The question was, could this king of off-road trucks handle the mundane as well as the extreme?
2017 Ford F-150 Raptor: Four Doors of Off-Road Domination
Pros:
- Unmatched power and Baja mode for serious off-road adventures.
- Spacious and practical four-door SuperCrew cabin.
Cons:
- Large size can be challenging in urban traffic and on narrow trails.
The Bottom Line: The 2017 Ford Raptor 4 door is a thrilling blend of raw power and off-road prowess, offering a unique driving experience with the added practicality of a four-door cabin.
Navigating the urban jungle in the 2017 Ford Raptor 4 door SuperCrew presented immediate challenges. Squeezing through the narrow alley, I was acutely aware of its height, a constant reminder of the truck’s imposing dimensions. The Raptor, even in its four-door configuration, is not built for subtlety. However, as I misjudged a curb and dropped a wheel, the truck simply absorbed the impact without a fuss. This is the essence of the Raptor – it shrugs off minor obstacles with the same ease a professional athlete dismisses a minor stumble. It’s a testament to its off-road pedigree, translating to unexpected urban resilience.
Parking the 2017 Ford Raptor 4 door on city streets was another exercise in spatial awareness. The SuperCrew model, with its extended wheelbase, demands considerable real estate. Finding a parking spot large enough felt like a small victory. Reversing into a curbside space, the Raptor’s 360-degree camera system proved invaluable. It offered a comprehensive view, allowing me to maneuver the wide truck, ensuring the curbside wheels were safely on the sidewalk – a necessary tactic given its width – while avoiding the street furniture that seemed to sprout aggressively from the curb. Parking the Raptor 4 door in San Francisco felt less like parking and more like a strategic negotiation with the urban environment.
The original Raptor, launched in 2010, was a shockwave to the truck market. It was unapologetically bold, prioritizing off-road capability above all else. For enthusiasts craving dirt-slinging thrills, it was revolutionary. The 2017 Ford Raptor 4 door builds upon this legacy, albeit with some initially controversial changes. Concerns arose around the replacement of the robust 6.2-liter V8 with a smaller, turbocharged V6 and the adoption of an aluminum body.
However, these changes proved to be advancements. The 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 engine in the 2017 Ford Raptor 4 door delivers an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This surpasses the previous V8’s output, silencing doubters with sheer performance figures. Coupled with the aluminum body, which reduces weight by 500 pounds, the 2017 Raptor is more powerful and agile than its predecessor. This translates to enhanced off-road performance and surprisingly brisk on-road acceleration, especially for a truck of this size.
Ford further amplified the 2017 Ford Raptor 4 door’s off-road credentials by increasing wheel travel. Boasting 13 inches of front and 13.9 inches of rear travel, it’s factory-built to tackle demanding terrains. Its Baja pedigree is undeniable; Ford even entered a near-stock Raptor in the grueling 2016 Baja 1000 race, where it finished on the podium, subsequently being driven home – a testament to its durability and race-ready engineering straight from the showroom. The four-door configuration doesn’t compromise this capability, offering the same robust performance with added passenger and cargo space.
The 2017 Ford Raptor 4 door is more than just a desert racer; it’s a versatile machine thanks to its six distinct drive modes and advanced transfer case. From rock crawling to mud bogging, snow driving to high-speed runs, and even everyday driving, the Raptor adapts. While it’s undeniably at its most thrilling off-road, it manages to maintain a degree of normalcy when required, albeit a “Raptor normal.”
Terrain Management: A Mode for Every Challenge
Baja mode is where the 2017 Ford Raptor 4 door truly comes alive. Engaging it instantly transforms the truck into an off-road weapon. Four-wheel drive is activated, torque is evenly distributed, and an antilag system keeps the turbocharger spooled, ensuring immediate power delivery even during throttle modulation, crucial for off-road finesse. The 10-speed automatic transmission intelligently locks out the top five gears, keeping the engine in the optimal rev range for aggressive driving, whether using paddle shifters or letting the truck shift autonomously. For the truly adventurous, Baja mode allows overriding the transfer case to maintain two-wheel drive, channeling all the power to the rear wheels for controlled drifts and dirt-flinging excitement.
Rock mode on the 2017 Ford Raptor 4 door caters to more technical off-roading. It locks the rear differential, engages four-low, and provides a 50:1 crawl ratio for maximum traction on steep, rocky inclines. While approach, breakover, and departure angles are respectable, they are not class-leading. A smaller, nimbler vehicle like a two-door Jeep Wrangler Rubicon might be more adept at extreme rock crawling. However, for a full-size, four-door truck, the Raptor’s rock-crawling abilities are impressive and more than sufficient for most off-road enthusiasts.
Mud and sand mode optimizes the 2017 Ford Raptor 4 door for low-traction environments. It locks the torque split at 50/50 in four-wheel drive and automatically engages the rear differential for maximum grip. The transmission holds gears longer, and traction control is relaxed to allow for wheelspin, essential for maintaining momentum in mud or sand. The 35-inch BF Goodrich KO2 tires excel in these conditions, especially when aired down to increase the contact patch and further enhance traction.
2017 Ford F-150 Raptor: Born to Get Dirty
Weather mode leverages the 2017 Ford Raptor 4 door’s advanced transfer case to provide all-wheel-drive capability. It proactively directs power to the front wheels when sensors detect slippage. Throttle response is softened to prevent wheelspin on slick surfaces, and traction control is maximized. This sophisticated system is unique in the truck market, enhancing safety and stability in adverse weather conditions.
The array of off-road technology in the 2017 Ford Raptor 4 door elevates driver confidence. It empowers drivers to tackle challenging terrain, although the bravery to attempt extreme maneuvers like steep side-hilling or high-speed whoops still rests with the person behind the wheel. For those willing to push its limits, the Raptor delivers an unparalleled sense of connection with the truck and the environment, rewarding daring driving with exhilarating experiences.
On paved roads, the 2017 Ford Raptor 4 door offers Sport and Normal modes. Both maintain two-wheel drive, but Sport mode sharpens throttle response and holds gears longer for more dynamic driving. Normal mode, in pursuit of fuel efficiency, incorporates an automatic stop-start system and prioritizes upshifts, which may feel less engaging for some drivers.
Fuel economy in the 2017 Ford Raptor 4 door is improved compared to the previous generation, but it remains a consideration. EPA ratings of 15 mpg city, 18 mpg highway, and 16 mpg combined mean frequent gas station visits.
Surprisingly, the 2017 Ford Raptor 4 door exhibits composed highway manners despite its off-road focus. The suspension, while soft for absorbing off-road impacts, provides a comfortable ride on the highway. Sport mode and paddle shifters make on-road driving enjoyable, allowing drivers to exploit the engine’s power and the quick-shifting 10-speed transmission.
The 10-speed automatic transmission is a notable feature. While seemingly excessive, it operates seamlessly. In automatic mode, it readily downshifts for acceleration and cruises efficiently in higher gears at highway speeds.
The 2017 Ford Raptor 4 door SuperCrew cabin is exceptionally spacious, a key benefit of the four-door configuration. However, maneuvering this large truck requires acclimatization, especially for drivers unaccustomed to its width. Blind-spot monitoring and the 360-degree camera system are valuable aids, though bundled within a costly option package. This package includes desirable features like heated and cooled seats, trailer backup assist, and Sync 3 with navigation. A separate technology package adds lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and other driver-assistance features. Integrating blind-spot monitoring and the 360-degree camera into the technology package would seem more logical.
The tested 2017 Ford Raptor 4 door was equipped with the Sync 3 infotainment system. It’s a user-friendly system with a responsive touchscreen, intuitive interface, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Voice recognition and pinch-to-zoom functionality enhance usability. The Ford MyPass app allows remote vehicle control and status monitoring. While not a Wi-Fi hotspot, it supports Wi-Fi for automatic updates.
Interior materials are generally good, with comfortable and supportive leather-trimmed seats. However, some elements, like the climate control buttons and center console, feel less substantial than expected, contrasting with the truck’s rugged exterior and heavy-duty skid plates.
Class-Leading, Unrivaled
The 2017 Ford Raptor 4 door occupies a unique segment. No direct competitor offers a factory-built, full-size pickup truck with comparable off-road performance. The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro are smaller, midsize trucks with less power. The Ram Power Wagon, while full-size, prioritizes rock crawling over high-speed desert running due to its solid axles.
The base price of the 2017 Ford Raptor 4 door starts at $49,265, a reasonable value considering its capabilities. However, option packages can significantly inflate the price. The test vehicle, loaded with options, reached nearly $70,000. While some options are worthwhile, others, like graphics packages, may be less essential.
Ultimately, the 2017 Ford Raptor 4 door is an exceptional machine. It blends extreme off-road capability with the practicality of a four-door cabin, creating a unique and thrilling driving experience. While its size and fuel economy are considerations, for those seeking unmatched off-road performance in a full-size truck, the Raptor remains in a class of its own.
