2018 Ford Raptor Owner Review | 6 Months After Purchase.. (Pros and Cons) 

Has it been 6 months already? Wow! Time is flying by!!!! Great video Mike! So much detail!

Going from 8 to 3 as you were talking about is actually pretty awesome feature of this transmission as it can skip gears directly to 3rd instantly from 8th. It doesn’t have to go down through all the gears to get there. I am getting over 16 with my raptor and I always use sport and punch it at every intersection it’s interesting you are getting so bad mpg. As far as towing well you can’t have off road plush suspension and expect high towing capacity. The 2nd gen raptor has very soft leaf springs

Awesome review of the Raptor, Mike! That is not the best sounding car in the world. But you’re right. The speed is insane... especially for a truck of that size!

Love my 2017 Raptor! I’ve put 17k on it with no issues outside of a couple recalls that took about 15 minutes to resolve. Fit and finish still like new and absolutely the most comfortable truck I’ve ever owned. When towing I use the tow mode and that automatically locks out the top three gears. When I’m in a lot of traffic and there’s a lot of stop and go happening, I’ll normally just manually lock out the top 4 gears. That will alleviate all the searching for gears but not sure what it does to the fuel economy.

I have same vehicle in blue. Your pros and cons are SPOT ON. Agree 100% with everything you said

Just bought an 18 today for MSRP. Man I love this truck! Great video

I'm an old friend (Alex) of Chad's at Wheel Connection. I found you thru his Insta and started watching your videos. Loved your Raptor reviews so much it convinced me to purchase a 2019 Raptor. Had mind for a few weeks and just under 1k miles right now. Thanks for the info, love your stories and keep up the good work. Happy to see you doing what you love!

As a former Pittsburgh resident now living in the Pacific Northwest I really like seeing the scenery while you're driving around. Brings back some great memories!

Another very fair and impartial owners experience Mike. Keep up the good work

I had the Gen 1 Raptor and loved it! Skipped the Gen 2 Raptor and went for the Roush F-150 for the towing capability. Love it too

Man.. The 10 gears is what makes your truck drive so smooth, and always keeps it in the power band during acceleration.

Thank you for your honest opinion and detailed description of your experience with the Raptor.

MY GAD THIS IS ALSO PART OF MY BUCKET LIST, SUCH A BEAUTY! Thanks for the video! This is my first time in ur channel and already enjoying being here hehe. I've actually stumbled upon this vid cuz my Dad is getting his Raptor as well this Friday so I got excited and watched a lot of Raptor vids lol

I wish you had the fusion back.... it’s what brought me to your channel!! You always did an awesome job with your vids with it....!! Hope you bring it back

I think the softer suspension limits the towing/payload rating. Same thing with the Ranger Raptor here in Asia.

Awesome video Mike!

AutoVlog Great Video I'm glad you and Your have had a great experience for your Wife's Raptor

I love this truck so much I will be getting a Raptor tattoo lol, these trucks are awesome so much fun off-road after watching your videos I finally got one Thanks for the owner review.

Absolutely love your videos trucks and content keep up the good work can’t wait to see a supercharger on the F150

I just came at a year on mine my first Truck I still love it

Glad to see you coming back to making video content like this. Here's a suggestion for a video: Mike goes to visit Matt at Obsessed Garage and learns how to detail his truck ! That Raptor needs a good "obsessed" detail job.

This is the exact same truck I want. The color, graphics, the mean look is simply on point. I have to wait a few years my daughter is slated to go to college. So with that said, I will wait. Thanks for the video.

I watch all your videos and I support your Channel. God bless you and your family!

Awesome!!Love your video so much,thanks for your hard work!

10/16/2018 I just picked up mine last month with the 801A package and it's factory roll off date is July 2018. Haven't been in the dirt yet but in the old days after four wheeling we washed the underside and we'd spray the leaves with diesel or kerosene to prevent the squeeking. Since there are so many synthetic things to use today if I run into this issue I'll try one. Yes the mileage sucks but I didn't buy it for economy. It's not a work truck so I didn't plan on towing a trailer full of tools. If towing was my main concern, I'd buy a Super Duty f-250. As far as the shifting is concerned, the owners manual tells you specifically that the gears may not follow the consecutive patterns equally and that it may shift from 1st to 4th (example) depending on your acceleration. I've had zero issues and my only gripe is with Ford for raking all their 4X4's 2inches lower in the front which will require a leveling device (which are out now but overpriced just like they were when they were first made available for my 2015 F-150). Many of the F-150 2015 add on parts fit the Raptor which saves additional cash, is: floor mats/liners, seat covers, etc. All that being said and being a 6 time Ford owner, the Raptor is the best designed, most thought out, and most well built factory truck that rolls out of the assembly line in the world today.

I just bought a 2017 Ford F-150 lariat and super happy with the purchase

Coolest beast i have ever seen. I love it. It is a gorgeous truck. Great review

People are saying they need to put a V8 back in the Raptor and I completely agree but if you want that then just go to Paxpower in houston and they will convert most trim levels of an F150 with the 5.0L V8 into a fully fledged Raptor and supercharge it too And you get everything you would get on the raptor besides maybe the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel

Best truck that comes stock

I really need this truck in my life. Love how you edit. What do you do for a living? Thanks.

Nice review. Thanks for posting

Ive always wanted a ford raptor its my favorite vehicle

I do agree that I don't really see the point in going to a V6 if you are going to get V8 mileage but part of that is how you drive so it may be better for some than others.

Thank you for the excellent video 👍🎃👍! Please do more videos of the Hoopte!

Poly bushings make that squeak. Nothing wrong with it. Vacuum the leaves out of the cowl. You can’t get the max-tow pkg with the off road suspension bits. It’s a trade off.

I’m not a truck guy myself but man, both your modded F150 and the Raptor are awesome.

I have the Australian Raptor, same colour as your truck, it is the most smooth vehicle I have ever driven, absolutely love driving it

Great review Mike!

My boss has a 2014 Raptor with the 6.2 V8 which is very quick had a tune program put in it but I've drove it before up to Chicago which I live in Illinois as Well but 200 miles south and just recently up to northern Indiana but his raptor is the best riding and best handling truck I've ever driven

He is so on point! I have 2018 802A since 10/2017"Blackaveli". I love LOVE my truck! I feel so safe and I don't know if I look cool but I feel like I look cool driving it. Never had a problem. Tires thank goodness are still full function 28000mi. But there have been some recalls ....but no big inconvenience. The truck is super expensive but if you love LOVE your wife you'll work that OT and get her this truck!!

Thanks Mike, great video and Badass truck!!!!

Is that snus in your left pocket Mike? Love ya video’s bro! 👍🏻😎

Perfection!👌 The only things missing that I would want are the carbon finder trim details, and of course a classic ford 5.0 V8! Also I actually prefer your stock wheels painted black rather than the stock black wheels. The stock wheels are kind of small, yours are the perfect size.

Hey Mike, I am a sucker for ur cinematic drone shots.... It's amazing! Thanks for uploading such good videos. I actually feel empty the day ur videos is not uploaded. Keep it up with the amazing job man!

I also enjoy your reviews, this one feels a little off as you normally go deep into detail pros and cons.

Badass truck. I wish they kept the v8 but for short term or being a first owner I don't think it will be a problem. They sure are quick

Nice job on the review Mike

Yay finally a new Raptor video!!

Thanks for a good honest review. I was thinking about a 2019 Ram Limited, but now maybe a save a little money and buy a used Raptor... Good Review.

That’s my wife dream truck also. I promised her that after we pay off the house in 2019 she can get it

Very informative video as you point out cons. Others are only singing praise.

Man i was ready to buy a raptor but you just unsold me on buying one. I just learned everything I didnt want to hesr but am glad I heard it. Great video

Great video! Possibly Thinking of trading my Sequoia TRD PRO for a raptor. This pretty much told me everything I needed to know.

Love the vids man keep it up

Yes awesome review!!👍🏼

Summary: "Its a great truck, buy it if you decided on it due to the hype surounding Raptor" -- "However, be prepared to pay more upfront for a truck that cant out tow or compete in MPG's to your neighbors F150 Lariat. And has a transmission that has too many gears -- considering they dont help increase cruising MPG over a 6-speed V6.

Amazing waiting for new 2019 raptor

Dear auto v log, Wanted to give a heads up, I have a xlt as well, I do not recommend fender flares if you can help it. They will eat into the bed sides . I had a minor paint job done and wanted to throw oem back on fender flares. Revealed over time fender flare started digging into body and paint was needed for all four sides.

I just bought mine a couple of weeks ago, curious to know what tire pressures you are running and what your experience has been with the impact to ride quality?

Tnx for the video i enjoyed it. 10 gears makes it possible to be at the near optimum gear combination reducing the fuel consumption and also drive smoothly

The reason I’ve been told by my ford mechanic friend for the transmission having ten gears is to have a smoother change between the gears giving it a longer life and better full economy.

Hi Mike great video, nice truck

Nice video bro but do some sports car reviews like mustangs or challengers I love your reviews

Spray leaf springs with Fluid Film ... (lowe's) no more anoying noise. I use Fluid Film usually to spray my cars whole frame before winter time ... keeps rust away ... frame, differentials and all underside looks brand new (someting similar to Krown Pruduct). Works great on leaf springs. Product does not dry it gives you oil like coating and all salt, water and elements seem not to go thru the coating.

I’ve done a bunch of off roading in my Raptor and never get that suspension squeak, take her in! Nice truck 👌

Just went to Michigan and back in my 5.0 got almost 22 mpg which I loved cause usually I’m at 14 to 15 expected more from the raptor

Mike, love the truck and the color! Which tonneau cover is that? Can you add a link to it please? I am looking for a good hard tonneau cover for my f150

I have an 18 platinum magnetic grey with the 3.5 eb and did not like the way the 10 speed was calibrated from the factory... I tuned the engine and trans and now it's a dream to drive... my next truck is gonna be a raptor and I'll give the platinum to the wife! Badest truck and color combo out there man!

the fire hazard recall is a simple fix of installing 3M fire tape. It's from the seat belt locking during a hard crash.

Love the looks and capability of the truck... the sound is so boring to me though ... also I thought the turbo lag was pretty disappointing as well. Overall really nice but doesn’t justify the price to me especially because I would want to tow with it... good review

I was just watching a video of a couple's brand new F-150 raptor having its transmission stop working in 3 months! I'm waiting on the 2020 Shelby Baja F150 raptor as my Christmas present to myself

Wooooo. I have watched many videos about the Ford raptor. This one is awesome. Wanna purchase one......

I had the same squeak out of my F150. The leaf springs for some reason was the problem. I would spray them with a lube and they would stop for a bit.

The raptor is the best truck in the game. Period.

I think the “horrible” gas mileage is from the way the truck is, it’s lifted, has 35s and also has a high horsepower engine so I think 19 is great for a truck that’s built for 60mph in the desert, I’d be lucky to get 20mpgs out of my 2010 F150 with the 4.6 and that thing only has 300hp. So consider yourself lucky as I’m sure other raptor owners may have way worse mpgs, and this isn’t hating on you I’m just saying why it may not be great gas mileage. And by lifted I mean higher than factory, and also great vids keep up the work, let’s see your F150 btw!

Those + and - on the gear selector can lock the highest gear you want to go in.

Truck looks great Mike

Despite everything you said about the truck, its still the best one out there, I don't care what people may think about it but for me its the best truck you can get right now.

Mike, I have the same Raptor you have. You need to do the Raptor Assault Course out in Utah.....it comes with the purchase of the truck and you will be able to use their Raptors to get first hand experience in the capabilities it has. All you need to do is pay your lodging and way out there. mike r. in NC

Thanks buddy 👍💥

Great video

The 10 speed trans. The reason you have that in the Turbo charged version is that it keeps you in the powerband. Turbos are notorious for lag and the close ratio off sets that lag. As far a gas mileage, I have a 2017 with a 3.5 and on the hwy it hit 22.5 mpg. That's on CC at 78 mph with AC. Smaller engines with turbos are only economical if you're not in boost. Once in boost mileage goes down the drain. Driving the truck in sport mode is a gas guzzling mistake if you're looking for mileage

That intro music was perfect

the reduced the two cylinders and added two turbos but they sure gave you an amazing sound that… that's where your fuel is duped

Great truck

This is some hulking, beastly monster of a truck.

Best in class ecoboost f150 tows 13,200lbs

100% Agree on everything you said.

I have a similar 2018 Raptor, but have the 12 inch shorter wheelbase SuperCab version. The shorter wheelbase makes a big difference in turning ability, it becomes a nimble vehicle. However, the 12 inch reduction in length makes the back seat quite tight for adults. My opinion is that a true Raptor race truck has the short wheelbase, the longer CrewCab is the compromise “stretch” version for carrying passengers. The tiny V6 is quite powerful. No complaints regarding lack of power. It even feels powerful before the boost gage reports any pressure boost. My mileage is consistent 19.5 MPG driving around suburbs on gasoline with 10% ethanol. I really love the Raptor, I can’t imagine life without it!

Complain about the 10 gears, V6 engine and gas mileage, but wants a V8 with old 5 speed transmission.

You can’t defy the laws of physics. In an internal combustion engine more torque and more horsepower usually means more fuel consumption. It doesn’t matter if it’s a V6, V8 or V10, turbos or naturally aspirated. And those power numbers are insane for any engine and really quite the achievement from those folks in Dearborn. The theory of EcoBoost is that you can achieve Eco and Boost just not both at the same time. Also the Raptor BFGKO2s don’t help either and would most certainly negatively affect fuel mileage on any truck. It will be interesting to see how the fuel mileage will sort out on the new 2019 Limited trim with this same engine but with better aero and without the KO2s.

You should do like a race/drag between your 2 trucks maybe after the 2015 gets supercharged

I just bought a 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor from Mullinax Ford in Kissimmee, FL. I love the truck!

That is one sweet truck!

Instead of the V8 sound how about a boost increase and some blowoff valves

As for the MPG - it's Ford's way of trying to "game" the EPA - the EPA sets the test battery (rules) and their turbo engines (EcoBoost) can do well in those tests. I saw very good MPG out of my 2.7l EB in my Edge Sport (2016) compared to the outgoing 3.7l normally aspirated motor in the previous gen Edge Sport but I'm still not a huge fan of Ford's turbo motors overall. I currently have a 2018 F-150 XLT with the 302a package and the 5.0l 10speed - my overall average (since purchased in the spring) is 19.6 - I guess that goes to show you that smaller displacement with turbos isn't always better for fuel efficiency. Still if I had the option for about $10k more than what I paid for my current F-150 for a Raptor I would have jumped at it - they're awesome trucks no doubt!

As far as ride quality is concerned I picked up a 2018 F-150 I was gunna level it for my new wheels I got and was considering a fox coil over setup and I’d like it to be a little more spongy... I know they have long travel and wider stance which helps but from a dampening stand point does the raptor (on the street) Seem “noticeably softer” I live in oklahoma and the roads are terrible most of the time. I’d just like a little softer and fox 2.0/2.5 seems to be good there’s just not a lot of info other than off-road testing.

yay a 4k video

My local Ford dealer has a 1st gen Raptor with 40k miles for only $43,000. Love the truck!!

I have the 2018 in lead foot. Absolutely love the truck. I've nothing negative to say about it. My only comment is that you don't really purchase a Raptor for fuel economy...