RAPTOR 101

What are the differences between the first- and second-generation trucks?

- Monica Gonderman

The Ford F-150 Raptor pickup feels like a long-running staple, but there have only been two generations of them. The original was introduced for the ’10 model year, and lasted through the ’14 model year before being replaced by the second-generation model for the ’17 model year. Both are hugely upgraded F-150s with awesome suspension modifications, muscular flared fenders, and big-horsepower engines for bashing around off-road, Baja-style at high speeds. So, what are the differences between the first- and second-generation Ford F-150 Raptors? Plenty.

For the sake of clarity, we’ll contrast a ’14 Raptor (the final first-generation model year) with a ’20 Ford F-150 Raptor, the latest second-generation model year. Many of the changes are F-150–specific rather than Raptorspecific, basically meaning that the biggest contributors to Raptor changes between the ’14 and ’20 models are technological advancements and aesthetic tweaks to the underlying F-150. Therefore, the goal is not to label one as “good” and the other as “bad;” we’d drive and own either—and if we were rich, both. Instead, we’re just serving up talking points for your next friendly argument with friends over the pros and cons of each.

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