F-150 Raptor

Make
Ford
Segment
Sports Car

The good news is that an all-new Ford F-150 Raptor is due to arrive sometime next year, as confirmed by a company spokesperson. Specific details are scarce at the moment but the third-generation Raptor will no doubt be an improvement over the already excellent current model. But there's one 2021 Raptor-related topic that hasn't been discussed much, if at all: pricing.

As we recently discovered, high-end 2021 Ford F-150 trims will all be more expensive than their 2020 counterparts. Expect the Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited trims to have an average price increase of $2,800. The Platinum, for example, will see a hefty $3,590 price boost, and the most expensive 2021 F-150 Limited is expected to top off at around $80,000.

The Raptor has traditionally slotted in between the King Ranch and Platinum so it's very possible it'll have at least a $3,000 premium over the current truck's MSRP of about $53,000. In that case, the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor should retail for around $56,000 (before delivery costs). Can this price increase be justified? Probably. The new F-150 sports a number of impressive new features such as lie-flat-seats, a B&O Unleashed sound system with up to 18 speakers, and an onboard generator. But the Raptor's true reason for existence is off-roading, and Ford isn't about to let its segment-defining hardcore halo truck fall behind.

Remember, the Hellcat-powered Ram TRX is just around the corner. Although the next Raptor's engine choice remains unknown, we doubt it'll meet or beat the TRX's 700+ horsepower, but it doesn't really need to. Off-roading isn't only about speed, but rather how a vehicle can dominate going over rough terrain.

Expect the 2021 Raptor to receive improved steering response, faster shift times, and enhanced driving mode settings. The Fox variable damping shock absorbers and available limited-slip front differential will also be improved. And yes, overall power is expected to increase over the current 450 hp and 510 lb-ft torque courtesy of the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6. There's a decent chance this engine will carry over, as will the 10-speed automatic transmission.

So even if the 2021 Raptor ends up costing a few thousand dollars more, Ford will make sure buyers get their money's worth.