Ford Raptor Engine: A Closer Look At The Beast

Sandy B
Feb 9, 2021

Ford F 150 SVT Raptor

The Ford Raptor is a trim model for the Ford F-150 trucks. Considered a high-performance model, this vehicle offers a strong 3.5L engine. If you are thinking about buying it, you need the rundown on the Ford Raptor engine and its specs.

What are the specs for the Ford Raptor engine? 

The 2020 Ford Raptor engine is a 3.5L (213 ci) V6 engine capable of 450 horsepower at 5,000 RPMs and 510 lb-ft. This twin-turbocharged high-output engine has a 10-speed transmission capable of going from 0 to 60 in 5.1 seconds.  

Before you decide that the Raptor is the truck for you, take a closer look at the engine configuration and features. You’ll find that, like most Ford F-150s, the Raptor is impressive. Here, we’ll talk about those features and answer common questions related to this vehicle.

The History of the Ford Raptor Engine

The Ford Raptor itself was first developed in 2010. It was meant to be the high-performance vehicle for the F-150 lineup of vehicles. As of 2020, this vehicle is in its second generation. What makes this truck unique is that it is optimized for off-road use.

You’ll find that’s true across the board – the tires are exceptional, and the suspension is spot-on. We will not dive into all of the specs of the Raptor here, but let’s take a closer look at this vehicle’s powertrain as a whole.

Yet, it is the Ford Raptor engine that’s truly the best feature – it is one of the most powerful engines available in the manufacturer’s lineup of trucks.

The Ford Special Vehicle Team (SVT) introduced this vehicle initially with a standard 5.4L (330 ci) V8 engine but also offered an optional 6.2L (379 ci) V8 engine. This engine was rated at 500 horsepower or 370kW. Both engine options featured a six-speed automatic transmission.

In 2011, the company dropped the smaller engine. It opted to just build the Ford Raptor with the larger engine.

The second generation of the Ford Raptor was produced starting in 2017. The company put the Raptor on hold from 2014 through 2016. The new model featured a variety of changes, including a significant aluminum build to reduce its curb weight.

The powertrain in the second generation was significantly different. It is no longer offered as a V8 engine. Instead, the company chose to go with a 3.5L EcoBoost engine with a V6. This engine is much like the Ford GT and the Lincoln Navigator.

The model did offer a 10-speed 10R80 automatic transmission with it. This was the first time Ford put the transmission in a non-commercial vehicle.

It’s also important to note that the Ford Ranger Raptor is a different vehicle. Ford introduced the Ranger Raptor in 2019. This vehicle is more like the Ranger T6, which is a mid-size truck.

The Ranger Raptor features a 2.0L EcoBlue biturbo diesel engine. This engine produces 210 horsepower. It is the same engine that is in the Ford Everest and the Ford Transit.

Which Models Have the Ford Raptor Engine?

The Ford Raptor has been produced from 2010 through 2014 and then again starting in 2017. The engine on board this vehicle is only found in the Raptor.

People Also Ask These Questions Related to the Ford Raptor Engine

You may have some questions about the Ford Raptor engine and how it performs. We will try to answer some of those questions for you here. This vehicle is still in production, and that means things can change at some point down the road.

How much horsepower can you get out of the Ford Raptor engine?

The Ford Raptor, through the model year 2020, gets 450 horsepower out of the 3.5L engine. It is important to know, too, that the expectations for the 2021 mode will be that it offers a 5.2L Supercharged model, but that has yet to be seen.

What years did the Ford Raptor have a V8 engine?

The Ford Raptor’s first generation of vehicles included a 5.4L V8 engine. The company also offered a 6.2L (379 ci) V8 engine. This continued from 2011 through 2014. However, Ford discontinued the V8 engine.

There is some speculation that they will return it in the 2021 model.

Do Ford Raptor engines come supercharged?

The Ford Raptor engine could be a supercharged model for 2021. However, the previous models were not. The 5.2L Predator V8 engine is supercharged.

How much horsepower can come from a 3.5-L EcoBoost Engine?

You may hear “EcoBoost” and worry that it means the vehicle will lack horsepower in favor of using less fuel. However, that’s not always the case. The 3.5L EcoBoost on the Raptor can produce 375 horsepower and 470 lbft., making a statement right away.

How long can the Ford Raptor engine last?

The real question here is how long can the Raptor itself last. The key to know about this vehicle is that it is built with confidence and exceptional reliability. That means you may be able to get 200,000 or even 300,000 miles on it. That is if you maintain it properly.

Is the 3.5-L EcoBoost a good motor?

The 3.5L EcoBoost is a reliable vehicle without many known problems associated with it. This engine has the ability to last for years to come and can be easily refined and updated to fit the needs of the owner. In other words, you can appreciate it long term.

Is the Ford Raptor’s 3.5-L EcoBoost better than the V8?

That is a question that some owners would or may not want to answer. The fact is that the EcoBoost is highly efficient and powerful. Lowering fuel economy is always a good thing. If you want more power and performance, you may favor the V8.

avatar Sandy B
Sandy B. has written for The New York Times, Cleveland Magazine, and many online publications. She long-ago ditched the minivan life for the off-roading Ford Explorer (and hoping to restore a Shelby Mustang!)
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