Gen 2 Ford Raptor Off–Road Parts
RAPTOR GEN 1 VS GEN 2
2010 was the year that Ford and their Special Vehicles Team (SVT) would create a legendary truck that would go on to pull at the heartstrings of off-road enthusiasts all over, the Ford SVT Raptor. The Ford SVT Raptor was based off of the already successful F-150 platform, but was strictly a purpose-built design not just for comfortably hitting the dirt, but soaring over it. It definitely wasn’t the first production off-road vehicle, but it is sure looked at as one of the most capable ever made.
The SVT Raptor had a run from 2010-2014, but Ford took a short break from the nameplate until 2017, when they dropped the “SVT” from the name. Although the original SVT was already so well known and beloved, the 2017 model stepped it up and brought much needed improvements.
Performance
The original SVT Raptor came from the factory in 2010 with two engine options, including a 5.4L V8, and a larger 6.2L V8, the latter becoming standard in 2011. Ford realized the V8, although big and brawny, could be replaced by their new EcoBoost engines. For 2017, the second generation of Ford Raptor got the new EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, much smaller than its V8 counterparts, but creates more torque and is incredibly more efficient. The 6.2L V8 was producing 411 hp and 434 lb-ft of torque, while the EcoBoost puts out an impressive 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque.
Another improvement for the second generation from the first was the inclusion of a 10-speed automatic transmission, rather than the SVT’s 6-speed. The addition of a larger gearbox gave the second generation Ford Raptor much better fuel economy while also giving the Raptor more options when looking for the right gear to hit the right power band.
For suspension, the second generation Raptor gained two inches of travel in the front and rear, going from 11 inches in the front and 11.9 in the rear to 13 inches and 13.9 inches. Wider Fox shocks were also incorporated into the second generation Raptor, along with 6 new driving modes.
Although the first generation of the Raptor was so highly acclaimed, its hard to look at the performance numbers and not agree that the second generation Ford Raptor is the better performer.
Exterior
Although the general designs of the first and second generation Raptors are fairly similar, a closer inspection will show you the massive amount of aesthetic changes Ford made between 2014 and 2017. To start, the SVT Ford Raptor was a tad bit narrower than its younger counterpart, but fitting a larger wheel setup and giving the Raptor more room for travel over the F-150 led to wider looking fenders. The second generation Ford Raptor is a bit wider, so the fenders aren’t as pronounced. When it comes to the grille and headlights, the differences are unmistakable, but the FORD logo stamped across the front will always be an attention grabber.
Overall, the first generation Raptor is a bit more rounded, from its hood leading into the flush headlights, and the wider, more distinct fender flares, while the second generation Ford Raptor is a bit boxier and beefier.
Technology
It’s understandable that the second generation Ford Raptor is going to have significant technological advancements over the SVT just because of when they were made. The SVT Raptor was based off of the 2010 F-150, while the second generation Raptor was based off of a much newer platform.
Technology the second generation Ford Raptor includes over the SVT: hydraulic soft-drop tailgate, panoramic sunroof, lane-keeping system, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, push button ignition, and more. The latest F-150 also comes standard with an all-aluminum body which got bought over to the Raptor, saving a ton of weight. As mentioned before, the newer Raptor also comes with the 6 drive modes, known as the “Terrain Management System''.
Conclusion
From 2010 to present, with a short hiatus, the Ford Raptor is no doubt the most capable and rugged production off-road vehicle ever built. And although the two generations have their differences, they each are incredible machines that can fly through the desert with ease.