Raptor for everyday driving… am I crazy?

Hey F-150 fans,

I’m looking to buy my first truck after driving a Lexus RX for the past 15 years. I test drove a Raptor and absolutely loved it, but it’s pretty big, especially for Long Island.

Am I nuts to get a Raptor as my daily driver? Anyone here using one every day? What are your likes, dislikes, or issues?

Most Raptors never leave the pavement. If you like it, go for it.

Plus, they hold their value better than a regular F-150.

That’s not just an opinion, it’s a fact.

If you’re not hitting the desert every weekend, it’s a lot of money for what you get. I’d personally go for a Lariat or Platinum. Have you looked at other trims? Even the regular 3.5 EcoBoost is plenty fast, and you can customize it with a lift and tires.

Agreed. If you’re spending that kind of money, I’d point you toward a Lariat 502A with a 5.0 engine and maybe supercharge it. Before committing, try renting one on Turo. You might find it’s just too big for your area.

Why bother with all that when an EV like a Tesla or Lightning will leave you in the dust at every stoplight?

True, but that’s just the reality of ICE vehicles vs EVs. They’re not in the same league when it comes to speed.

EVs are fast, but range is still a big factor. For road trips, I’d rather have a gas engine and skip the charging stops.

The Raptor is only 6 inches wider than other F-150s. Is that really a deal breaker for city driving? Parking garages are out, but I don’t think the width is that big of an issue.

That 6 inches makes a difference in tight spaces. Parking spots, garages, and narrow streets in urban areas can be a pain.

Good point. I wonder how parallel parking it would feel.

You might want to look at a Tremor. It’s basically a stock-width F-150 with some off-road features. Easier to park and still looks great.

Why not check out the Ranger Raptor instead? Seems like a better fit for your area.

I drive my Raptor daily and work in the city. Once you get used to the size, it’s no big deal.

The Raptor’s ride is amazing. It soaks up bad roads like they’re nothing.

I work from home, so I don’t rack up many miles, but I live in a rural area. Driving one in the city every day would be rough.

Why not get a Bronco or wait for the Ranger Raptor? Driving a full-size truck in a place like NYC sounds miserable.

I test drove the Bronco but didn’t like the windshield’s view or the interior. I thought the Ranger Raptor wasn’t coming out until spring, and I need a truck by November.

If you love it and can handle the size, get it. Most Raptors are pavement princesses, but they’re still awesome trucks. Just keep in mind they have lower towing capacity than regular F-150s.