How does driving a Raptor feel compared to other F150s?

I know the Raptor is built differently, but how does it actually drive compared to regular F-150s like the XLT, Lariat, Tremor, etc.? Anyone here owned both and can share their thoughts?

I’ve had four F-150s, a Sierra, a Tundra, and now a Raptor. It’s still very much an F-150, but it tows less. The Platinum and King Ranch have more luxury features, but the Raptor isn’t missing much except the hybrid option and massaging seats.

You can tweak the settings to make it feel more like a luxury truck by using Comfort Steering and Quiet Exhaust. It won’t be as silent as a PowerBoost at low speeds, and it won’t take corners as fast because of the suspension and tires, but it’s hands down the best-riding F-150 I’ve owned. The base 801A with 35-inch tires actually rides the best.

Edit: Just realized I meant massaging seats—Raptors do have heated and ventilated seats.

@Peyton
Thanks! Sounds like you’ve had a lot of experience with different trucks. How does the steering compare? Does it feel tighter or different from the regular F-150s?

Florian said:
@Peyton
Thanks! Sounds like you’ve had a lot of experience with different trucks. How does the steering compare? Does it feel tighter or different from the regular F-150s?

The steering changes depending on the settings. Regular F-150s have drive modes that adjust steering and shift timing together, but the Raptor gives you full control. You can mix and match different settings in R mode for suspension, steering, exhaust, and drive mode. You can make the steering feel similar to a Platinum, but because of the height, tires, and suspension, it’ll always be a bit different.

@Peyton
My Raptor has heated seats. All three of mine did.

Davin said:
@Peyton
My Raptor has heated seats. All three of mine did.

Yeah, I misspoke—I was thinking about massaging seats.

@Peyton
Out of all the F-150s you’ve owned, which one was your favorite?

Eli said:
@Peyton
Out of all the F-150s you’ve owned, which one was your favorite?

Definitely my 2024 Raptor 802A!

Second place goes to my 2016 XLT Sport in race red. I found a deal on leather seats that matched the truck, and I absolutely loved it for 50,000 miles. My first vehicle ever was an F-150, so I guess I’ve always been a fan.

I’ve had F-150s, Silverados, and Rams—all half-tons. The Raptor is on a whole different level. It’s fun to drive both on and off-road. I’ve never driven a truck that corners so well—it just feels so stable.

That said, the generation matters. I’ve tried Gen 1 Raptors and wasn’t too impressed. I own a Gen 2 and love it. I’ve only had a quick spin in a Gen 3, but I’d bet it’s just as good or better.

No comparison. It does everything better—except towing, but I don’t buy trucks for towing.

It just feels way sportier. You wouldn’t expect it, considering the size and tires, but it corners like a dream. Feels more planted than any other F-150. I’d say 80% of the experience is the same, but the other 20%—acceleration, cornering, and ride—makes all the difference.

@Shawn
Isn’t it almost a foot wider than a regular F-150? That probably explains the handling.

For me, it’s all about the front suspension. Every half-ton should have something like this. On the street, it smooths out everything—you barely feel the bumps.

And yeah, 400+ horsepower makes a difference too. I don’t think I could go back to a regular half-ton. They just feel flimsy in comparison.