The 2019 F-150 Raptor Gains 3 Worthy Off-Road Upgrades

Somehow, the Ford F-150 Raptor manages to keep ramping up its performance (reintroducing the V8 with the Raptor R). The 2019 F-150 Raptor needed to offer just a little more for the ultimate off-road pickup that seemingly has everything. So it did. But then again, there’s always this insane US$116,815 Shelby Baja Raptor.

Here are the three new features Ford blesses the 2019 variant with.

New Fox Shocks

The FOX 3.0 Internal Bypass shocks with Live Valve technology are a class-exclusive that enhances the new Raptor’s already proven shock setup. The new setup adapts to real-time terrain to maximize handling, comfort, and bottom-out resistance using sensors in the suspension and body.

As Ford’s rep puts it, “Not many trucks need sensors to detect when you are midair…the Raptor sets the dampers to full stiffness to help smooth shock performance as the truck lands.”

Trail Control

Suppose you’re looking for a cruise-control system for low-speed, rugged terrain. In that case, the 2019 Raptor comes with the new Trail Control, which essentially does just that: sending power and braking to the appropriate wheel when needed, automatically, allowing the driver to focus on what’s essential, like traversing mountains. Depending on the driveline position, Trail Control can be activated up to a maximum speed of 20 mph for the best low-speed off-road experience.

New Raptor Sport Seats

And to keep your ass properly fastened, all-new Recaro sport seats, which Ford claims will provide “aggressive support with generous bolstering in the seat back and cushion,” also make their way into the new Raptor truck, featuring blue Alcantara inserts and accent stitching inspired by the Light Speed-colored interior of the Ford GT supercar.

Expect the Dearborn, Michigan-produced 2019 F-150 Raptor to go on sale in late 2018. The starting price for the 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor in the U.S. began at around US$52,855, and around C$69,049 in Canada.

2019 Ford F-150 Raptor Specs and Images