F150 Raptor and Raptor R – Is This Truck Worth $110K?

Since Ford introduced the Raptor as a high-end performance and off road package, it’s struggled with the “performance” side of things. Yes, it’s a 6,000-pound truck, and yes, it’s designed for off road capability, but the fact is, most Raptors (and most trucks) spend 99.9% of their lifetimes on pavement. More than a few Raptor owners have been reminded that “performance” on the trail and that on the street are very different.

So it was really only a matter of time before Ford decided to up the ante on the Raptor’s performance, and the Raptor R, with 700 horsepower to the wheels, is not only a great off road rig, it’s also truly fast truck.

0-60 times in the mid-three second range, and a quarter mile time in the low 12 seconds is serious performance in a straight line, and while that might not be a big deal for some, it’s noteworthy.

The Ford F-150 Raptor and Raptor R represent the pinnacle of off-road engineering, blending capability, performance, and rugged style in two incredible packages. But with the Raptor R commanding a premium of nearly $30,000 over the standard Raptor, many enthusiasts are left asking: is it worth the extra cost? Let’s break down the key differences between these two trucks and help you decide which is the better choice for your needs.

What Sets the Raptor Apart?

The F-150 Raptor is an off-road beast, designed to dominate everything from rugged trails to desert dunes. Equipped with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine delivering 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, the Raptor offers plenty of power for high-speed runs and technical terrain. Its 4.10:1 electronically locking rear axle, advanced Fox Live Valve suspension, and optional 37-inch tires make it one of the most capable off-road trucks on the market.

Off-road enthusiasts will appreciate the Raptor’s Terrain Management System™, which includes driving modes like Rock Crawl and Baja. Trail Turn Assist and skid plates provide additional confidence when navigating tricky trails. All of this comes with a starting MSRP of approximately $78,375, making the Raptor a solid value for its level of capability.

Enter the Raptor R

The Raptor R takes everything that makes the standard Raptor great and dials it up to 11. At the heart of the Raptor R is a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine, borrowed from the Shelby GT500, that churns out a staggering 700 horsepower and 640 lb-ft of torque. This engine transforms the Raptor R into a straight-line monster capable of 0-60 mph in just 3.6 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 12.0 seconds at 113 mph. For context, this is sports car territory—in a nearly 6,000-pound truck.

Styling cues also differentiate the Raptor R. Unique badging, subtle design tweaks, and a roaring V8 soundtrack ensure it stands out, even among other Raptors. But with a starting MSRP of around $109,145, the Raptor R’s performance and exclusivity come at a significant cost.

Off-Road Performance: How Do They Compare?

Off-road, the Raptor and Raptor R share many similarities. Both trucks feature:

• Fox Live Valve Shocks: Advanced suspension systems that adapt to terrain in real time.
• Tires: Standard 35-inch all-terrain tires, with an option for 37-inch tires on both models.
• Ground Clearance: Impressive clearance for navigating rocky trails and deep ruts.
• Trail Technology: Including Trail Turn Assist and a suite of off-road drive modes.

In most off-road scenarios, the Raptor’s twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 provides more than enough power to tackle steep climbs, deep sand, and mud. The Raptor R’s V8 shines in high-speed desert running or when you need to power through loose terrain with authority. However, for tight, technical trails, the additional weight and power of the Raptor R can sometimes feel like overkill.

The reality is that both trucks are so well-engineered for off-road use that the differences may not be noticeable to many drivers. If your primary focus is trail driving or occasional off-road adventures, the standard Raptor’s capability is likely more than sufficient.

On-Road Performance: The Raptor R Shines

Where the Raptor R truly pulls ahead is on the road. Its supercharged V8 delivers a visceral driving experience that the EcoBoost simply can’t match. The acceleration figures speak for themselves: the Raptor R’s 3.6-second 0-60 mph time is significantly faster than the standard Raptor’s 5.6 seconds. For enthusiasts who value straight-line speed and on-road performance, the Raptor R’s power is hard to ignore.

That said, the standard Raptor’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 isn’t a slouch. It offers plenty of power for merging, passing, and spirited driving. And with Stage 3 Motorsports’ extensive catalog of performance upgrades, including tuners, cold air intakes, and exhaust systems, it’s possible to unlock even more power from the EcoBoost engine—closing the gap between the Raptor and Raptor R for a fraction of the cost.

Is the Raptor R Worth $30,000 More?

That’s really the big question, isn’t it? The answer depends on what you value most in a truck:

• Turn-Key Power: The Raptor R delivers supercar-like performance right out of the box. If you want to own one of the fastest and most powerful trucks on the market without any modifications, the Raptor R is worth the investment.
• Exclusivity: The Raptor R’s V8 engine and unique styling make it a statement piece. It’s not just a truck; it’s a conversation starter.
• Practicality: The standard Raptor offers 90% of the off-road capability and plenty of on-road performance for significantly less money. For many enthusiasts, the extra cost of the Raptor R might be better spent on aftermarket upgrades or other priorities.

Building Your Perfect Raptor with Stage 3 Motorsports

One of the great things about the Raptor is its potential for customization, and there is a lot of juice in the EcoBoost still to be unlocked (Yes, there’s some more in the 5.2, too…). At Stage 3 Motorsports, we offer a wide range of parts and accessories to help you tailor your truck to your exact needs:

• Performance Upgrades: Unlock more power from the EcoBoost V6 AND the 5.2 powerplant with tuners, intercoolers, and exhaust systems.
• Suspension Kits: Fine-tune your suspension for specific off-road scenarios or add lift kits for a more aggressive stance.
• Tires and Wheels: Choose from a variety of off-road tires and custom wheels to match your style.
• Exterior Enhancements: Add bumpers, winches, light bars, and other accessories to enhance both form and function.

For enthusiasts who enjoy the process of building their perfect truck, the standard Raptor is an excellent starting point. With the right upgrades, you can achieve incredible performance and create a vehicle that’s uniquely yours—all while staying well under the cost of a Raptor R.

The F-150 Raptor and Raptor R are both exceptional trucks that set the standard for off-road performance. The Raptor R’s turn-key power and exclusivity make it an attractive choice for those who want the ultimate performance truck without modifications. However, the standard Raptor’s value, capability, and potential for customization make it a compelling option for enthusiasts who want to save money and build their dream truck.

At Stage 3 Motorsports, we’re here to help you make the most of whichever truck you choose. Explore our extensive catalog of parts and accessories today, and let’s build a Raptor that’s perfect for your adventures.