While any truck worth its salt can be stacked with accessories to become a badass all-terrain explorer, Ford’s SVT Raptor is prepackaged to help you find whatever you’re looking for out in the world beyond pavement. The Raptor is based off of the F-150, which is already the Prom King of pick-ups, but Ford has injected this version with X-Men type mutant prowess. Svtusa.com really nails it when describing SVT Raptor as ‘the world’s biggest Tonka toy.’ The Raptor can perform the things you practiced on a smaller scale as a child in the living room, because this is Ford’s domestic version of the truck that cut its teeth at the Baja 1000 off-road endurance race.
In case you’ve been stuck in the desert sun without any Ford truck news, here’s what the 2012 SVT Raptor has to offer.
SVT Raptor Features
To get all the modified suspension components in, Raptor’s wingspan is stretched 7” wider than the base F-150, but it’s all beneficial for flight. You’ll be able to choose between SuperCrew or SuperCab styles, either of which is paired with a 5 ½ foot box. A 400 horsepower engine is the only option you’ll get, but tagged as the most powerful half ton on the market, you won’t need more. Sync is standard and comes with XM radio. Other specialized features include front and rear camera options, tow hooks, aluminum running boards, Raptor-toned exterior and interior styling, all-terrain tires with 17” aluminum wheels, and an aura of invincibility.
SVT Raptor Performance
Ford pairs its Raptor with a 6.2 liter V8 engine capable of 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque- that’s some nice bang for your truck when you consider a base price that’s just under $43,000. You’ll get a 6-speed automatic transmission with 4-wheel drive standard, of course.
Helping the Raptor feel more at home in normally non-ideal conditions are Fox Racing Shox (shocks) that provide cloud cushioning, an electronic locking rear differential and Torsen front diff. for Spiderman grip, and 35” all-terrain tires that help the whole package launch over cacti and land safely back down.
The Trailer Tow Package is included, and you’ll have up to 6,000 (with SuperCab) or 8,000 (SuperCrew) pounds to haul things behind.
SVT Raptor Fuel Economy
SVT Raptor’s MPG’s stand at 11/16/13 (city/highway/combined); numbers that manage to dip just slightly below the threshold of ‘daily driver.’
SVT Raptor Interior Highlights
Ford differentiates the Raptor from other F-150 trims by offering SVT exclusive cloth/leather seating, with a Blue Accent option that places aluminum trimmings on the dash and center console. Up front are two bucket seats, and the specialized steering wheel offers telescoping flexibility and audio/gauge controls for the 4.2” Productivity Screen displaying fuel economy, towing info, and off-road details. The back row features a 60/40 flip up rear seat that completes seating for up to 5.
And in case you pine the sweet life while out adventuring, Raptor offers heated/cooling front seats, dual-zone climate control, and hey, even a sunroof.
SVT Raptor Safety
Raptor has standards like 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, stability control, trailer sway control, a post-crash alert system, and 6 standard airbags, including Ford’s Safety Canopy System, which better utilizes the side curtain bags. SVT exclusives include skid plates that help protect the chassis and engine from impacts with the Earth, a full-size spare tire, and optional front and rear cameras. I can’t say that Ford has tested Raptor on the impact from herds of buffalo or falling boulders, but governmental crash ratings give the SuperCrew editions 4/5 stars overall. Expect a similar-to-exact rating with SuperCab editions.
SVT Raptor’s Bottom Line
This obviously isn’t your normal F-150. It really is an off-roader’s super car, and this truck seems like a mirage at just $43,000. For that specialized percentage out there, the ones who roll over speed bumps dreaming they could be taking on dunes or mountains, this is your truck.
The 2012 Ford SVT Raptor: stop playing with toys and get the real thing at Carwoo.
Image by Car and Driver
