What’s not to love about the new 2018 Ford Raptor?

We have a big beefy frame, exceptional performance, and a new V-6 EcoBoost engine.

Wait, what?

That line might have raised a few question marks to fans of the previous models of Ford Raptor trucks.  A V-6 engine sounds like a downgrade from the V-8 engine last year’s Raptor sported. But trust us, not all is bad.  In fact, nothing is bad about this change.  Read along with us to learn why the Raptor’s new V-6 engine is anything but a downgrade.

The Specs

When Ford first announced the 2018 Raptor, its engine became a heated topic in automotive news.  But the truck made headlines for all the right reasons.  Let’s take a look at some of these new specs to give you an idea of why the change to a V-6 engine is a good thing. 

First of all, note that fewer cylinders does not mean this truck receives any less torque or horsepower.  In fact, the Raptor’s new 3.5L engine presents some pretty impressive numbers.  This V-6 engine produces 450 horsepower—this is 39 more than the V-8 engine.  Also, the 2018 Raptor provides 510 lb-ft. of torque, which is a 76 lb-ft. improvement over the previous model.

As you may have guessed, the improved horsepower and torque create some impressive performance, but reducing the engine to six cylinders also resulted in the truck weighing 500 lbs less than previous models. 

If a lighter weight is not good enough to catch your attention, then check out this truck’s gearbox.  The quick-shifting 10-speed automatic really allows this truck’s power to reach its maximum potential.  In fact, this gear shifter allows enough versatility to drive through just about any terrain you could ever imagine. 

Don’t lie, we also know you’re curious if the engine’s sound changed at all.  Thankfully, even with a V-6, the Ford Raptor still produces those gritty, powerful roars you would expect from a truck with exceptional performance.

Now, this is an EcoBoost engine.  As you might have guessed, the name is more than just clever marketing.  This engine improves the fuel economy by 23% over the previous Raptor’s V-8. You can also expect 15 mpg for city driving and 18 mpg for highway driving. These numbers are pretty impressive for a truck of this size.  At the end of the day, the EcoBoost engine will treat your wallet well.

The Six Drive Modes

To further prove the incredible performance of this six-cylinder engine, let’s take a look at each of the Raptor’s available drive modes.  Keep in mind that you can access these all at the flick of a switch.  From here, the truck and engine do the rest of the work for you. Well, aside from the driving that is.

• Normal—really, there’s not much to say here. This is the mode you will likely use most often when transporting parts from the hardware store back to your home.
• Sport—here is where the fun begins. In this mode, the Raptor provides heavier steering, faster throttle responses, faster shifts, and delays in holding gears.  Altogether, this allows the truck to release its maximum power.
• Weather—Is the rain or snow looking too heavy? Wet roads are no problem for the Ford Raptor.  Here, the truck activates Ford’s AdvaceTrac technology.  In this mode, you will see a reduction in throttle responses to help the Raptor’s tires gain a bit more grip.
• Mud/Sand—again, the name says it all here. Electronic locking helps this vehicle maneuver well in these off road conditions.  Furthermore, 4 High activates and power steering helps the truck gain some impressive control
• Rock Crawl—Here the truck activates 4 Low. Meanwhile, the engine adjusts throttles and shift responses to help the truck drive through any rocks and boulders.  Here, the truck’s utility extends beyond the engine with a camera to grant better visibility at 15 mph.
• Baha Mode—According to Ford, this is the mode for “high-speed desert running.” Here, the V-6 EcoBoost engine performs faster shifts.  At the same time, the truck activates traction control settings for optimal power in sandy terrains.

Here’s the bottom line: 

The six drive modes prove that the 2018 Ford Raptor’s V-6 EcoBoost engine will handle any situations thrown at it.  So, even if horsepower isn’t your thing, perhaps seeing this truck drives through a variety of terrains will peak your interests.  With all this in mind, there’s no denying that this engine is definitely the automotive innovation truck pickup enthusiasts have been wanting for years.  We cannot wait to see how other trucks on the market respond and improve their engines.