The 2025 Ford F-150 Raptor R embodies the pinnacle of Ford's Raptor lineage, combining 15 years of pedigree into a single, formidable model. Dubbed the 'daily drivable Baja blaster,' it stands as the dirt-covered counterpart to a high-performance track car like the Porsche 911 GT3. This iteration boasts rapid-response Fox shocks and a snarling, supercharged V-8 engine, signifying its 'R' designation. After an initial First Drive, an extended test allowed for participation in the annual Raptor Rally off-road event and rigorous evaluations at the test track.

For the 2024 model year, the Ford F-150 Raptor R received significant updates, including new Fox Dual Live Valve shocks and an additional 20 horsepower, aimed at enhancing both off-road performance and comfort. The supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 engine now produces an impressive 720 hp and 640 lb-ft of torque, a noticeable increase from its debut 700 hp. This heightened output was substantiated at the test track, where the 5,993-pound truck achieved an eye-widening 0-60 mph sprint in just 3.6 seconds, shaving 0.1 seconds off its previous best. This performance also outpaced the Ram 1500 TRX, which required 3.9 seconds to reach 60 mph. The 2025 Raptor R continued to impress through the quarter mile, completing it in 12.1 seconds at 112.1 mph, tying its previous time but exceeding its trap speed, and once again, proving significantly quicker than the Ram TRX's 12.5 seconds at 108.3 mph.

However, the Raptor R's braking performance did not match its acceleration. Due to its off-road tires and substantial curb weight, the truck required 151 feet to stop from 60 mph, a longer distance than the 2023 model's 137 feet. Under forceful braking, the Raptor R exhibited considerable dive, hop, and bucking, compounded by a soft pedal that introduced an element of guesswork. While its suspension is phenomenal off-road, it proved less than ideal for the precise demands of a figure-eight test track, with the soft suspension, low-grip tires, and elevated ride height making each lap a distinct challenge. Nevertheless, it managed to significantly improve its figure-eight lap time to 27.6 seconds, besting the 2023 Raptor R's 29.4 seconds and the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX's 28.4 seconds.

In real-world driving scenarios, the 2025 Ford F-150 Raptor R proved surprisingly well-behaved. Its compliant suspension provided comfortable highway cruising and effectively absorbed road imperfections in city environments. Road and tire noise, remarkably subdued for an off-road truck, contributed to a surprising level of civility. The steering was well-weighted and improved, facilitating easier lane placement even on curvy roads. A 360-degree camera view was invaluable for maneuvering the widened F-150 into parking spaces. The only significant drawback to its streetable monster truck bliss was its