Ford Raptor as a Daily Driver? (+F150, F250, F350, Ranger)
The Ford Raptor is an impressive light-duty full-size pickup and surprisingly comfortable for daily driving, although its fuel economy expectedly suffers.
Newer Ford trucks ride better than the older ones, but they mostly only make sense for everyday use if you need the cargo, towing, and payload capacities they offer.
Ford Raptor’s Positives as a Daily Driver
#1 Good Overall Visibility
Outward views are relatively good due to the Raptor’s commanding seating position, large windows, and windshield pillars that only get thick at the base.
However, the tall hood can be quite imposing, and it creates large blind spots towards the front, a typical drawback in large pickup trucks.
The roof pillars’ thick base may make the over-the-left-shoulder view difficult when changing lanes.
Delightedly, the 360-degree surround-view camera system aids in all-around visibility and a safer drive.
#2 Relatively Comfortable for a Truck
The Ford F-150 Raptor has good on-road manners.
Its interior is comfortable and quiet at a standstill.
When on the move, the Raptor’s coil-spring suspension provides extra suspension travel that helps smoothen out bumps and potholes with minimal disturbance inside the cabin.
Wind noise is sufficiently muted, especially if you do without the optional tow mirrors, although the all-terrain tires produce some road noise at higher speeds.
All seats have ample bolstering with appropriate support and are pretty cushy and comfortable, even on longer drives.
Plus, they come with heating and ventilation.
Available only in the crew-cab style, the front and back seat room is outstanding.
#3 Reasonable Maintenance Cost
What you pay for upkeep is a significant factor in your daily driver’s running costs.
Fortunately, the Ford F-150 Raptor isn’t the most expensive full-size pickup to maintain, even among Ford trucks.
According to RepairPal, the F-150 trucks average $788 per year in maintenance.
See the year-to-year maintenance costs comparison below:
| Year | Annual Costs (Tundra) | Annual Costs (F-150 Raptor) | Annual Costs (Gladiator) | Annual Costs (Ram 2500) |
| 1 | $268 | $353 | $395 | $811 |
| 2 | $304 | $413 | $464 | $965 |
| 3 | $362 | $508 | $576 | $1,210 |
| 4 | $453 | $659 | $753 | $1,602 |
| 5 | $529 | $785 | $900 | $1,928 |
| 6 | $649 | $984 | $1,133 | $2,441 |
| 7 | $892 | $1,386 | $1,603 | $3,481 |
| 8 | $989 | $1,546 | $1,791 | $3,895 |
| 9 | $1,079 | $1,695 | $1,965 | $4,280 |
| 10 | $1,213 | $1,916 | $2,223 | $4,851 |
| 11 | $1,230 | $1,944 | $2,256 | $4,924 |
| 12 | $1,373 | $2,181 | $2,533 | $5,536 |
Ford Raptor’s Negatives as a Daily Driver
#4 Average Fuel Economy (At Best)
EPA rated the latest Ford Raptor iteration at 16 mpg combined.
Real-world averages fall between 13.9 mpg and 14.8 mpg since the Raptor returned in 2017 with the high-output version of the 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 engine.
It’s a decent fuel economy considering its near-6,000-lbs curb weight (more than 1,000-lbs heavier than the standard F-150).
But if you compare it to other full-size trucks, it’s a gas guzzler – the 4WD Toyota Tundra averages 19-mpg overall, the std F-150 20-mpg, and the hybrid Ram 1500 22-mpg.
#5 Subpar Capabilities (Compared to the F-150)
The Raptor adopts a more aggressive styling over the standard F-150, but its towing and hauling capacities are lackluster, and it is a lesser workhorse than its cheaper sibling.
Its maximum tow rating stands at 8,200 lbs and payload at 1,400 lbs, versus base F-150’s 12,300 lbs and 1,880 lbs.
Despite being a full-size truck, the Raptor is one of the Ford lineup’s least capable work trucks.
| Tow Max | Payload Max | |
| Ford F-150 | 12,300-lbs | 1,880-lbs |
| Ford F-150 Raptor | 8,200-lbs | 1,400-lbs |
| Ford F-250 | 15,000-lbs | 3,450-lbs |
| Ford F-350 | 20,000-lbs | 3,160-lbs |
| Ford Ranger | 7,500-lbs | 1,650-lbs |
Ultimately, you get a Ford Raptor more for off-road adventures and less for hard labor.
(See the Ford truck models comparison later in this post for more details.)
Other Ford Truck Models:
Is a Ford F-150 a Good Daily Driver?
Redesigned for the 2021 model year, the F-150 remains one of America’s best-selling trucks and a dependable workhorse.
The Ford F-150 is a solid daily driver among full-size trucks, with impeccable build quality, pleasant ride comfort, spacious interior, and a punchy yet reasonably efficient turbocharged engine.
Its impressive towing and payload capabilities (up to 14,000 lbs and 3,300 lbs, respectively) guarantee maximum utility, while the vehicle remains straightforward to operate.
You can opt for an F-150 hybrid with 4WD, available since 2021, for greater gas mileage at 24 mpg combined.
Is a Ford F-250 a Good Daily Driver?
When you need a truck that handles heavy loads and demanding jobs, the F-250 (or F-350) Super Duty is ready to serve.
The F-250’s class-leading tow capacity measures above 20,000 lbs (with the trailer tow package), while its hauling performance is equally impressive, benefitting from the weight-saving aluminum body.
If you require the extra capabilities of a heavy-duty truck besides meeting your daily driving needs, the Ford F-250 Super Duty is an ideal choice because it is sufficiently comfortable even though it rides on the firm side.
Still, opting for an F-250 for daily use will ensure high gas expenses.
Is a Ford F-350 a Good Daily Driver?
Weighing in at above 6,600 lbs (curb weight) with a crew-cab wheelbase approaching 160 inches, the heavy-duty Ford F-350 is an unwieldy daily driver that is cumbersome to maneuver and park.
Unless you need your everyday vehicle to shoulder some extra-heavy loads, the F-150 makes a better truck for daily commuting.
Is a Ford Ranger a Good Daily Driver?
All Ford trucks have strong powertrains, and the entry-level Ranger is no different.
Still, the Ford Ranger is a poor choice for daily use because it rides poorly over most surfaces, transmitting sharp motions through the cabin, and has imprecise steering that feels clumsy through corners.
Otherwise, the Ranger is an affordable light-duty truck and a reasonably fuel-efficient vehicle.
Best Ford Truck for Daily Driving: Models Compared
Table Guide:
- Engine: 4dr base trim; T=turbo; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined.
- Fuel Type: Flex-fuel=Unleaded/e85.
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | Tow Max | |
| Ford F-150 | 3.3L-V6-4WD | 290-hp | 20-mpg | Flex-fuel | $788 | Good | Good | 12,300-lbs |
| Ford F-150 Raptor | 3.5L-V6-T–4WD | 450-hp | 16-mpg | Regular | $788+ | Good | Good | 8,200-lbs |
| Ford F-250 | 6.2L-V8-4WD | 385-hp | 13-mpg | Flex-fuel | $1,241 | Good | Average | 15,000-lbs |
| Ford F-350 | 6.2L-V8-4WD | 385-hp | 13-mpg | Flex-fuel | $1,295 | Good | Average | 20,000-lbs |
| Ford Ranger | 2.3L-i4-T–4WD | 270-hp | 22-mpg | Regular | $615 | Good | Poor | 7,500-lbs |
Among Ford trucks, the full-size Ford F-150 is the best for daily use due to the relatively strong fuel economy, affordable maintenance, good ride quality, and substantial towing capacity.
The F-150 hybrid is more efficient, getting an estimated 24 mpg overall.
The Ford Raptor rides just as comfortably on the road, but its high base price (almost double the F-150) and lower towing power represent less value for money.
Still, the Raptor is an excellent choice for daily driving if you regularly venture off-road.
Ford Trucks Comparison with Similar Vehicles
Ford F-150 vs. Toyota Tacoma as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | Tow Max | |
| Ford F-150 | 3.3L-V6-4WD | 290-hp | 20-mpg | Flex-fuel | $788 | Good | Good | 12,300-lbs |
| Toyota Tacoma | 3.5L-V6-4WD | 278-hp | 20-mpg | Regular | $478 | Average | Poor | 6,500-lbs |
This contest is a full-size versus a midsize truck, with the apparent difference in pricing.
Despite being the larger of the two, the Ford F-150 is the more comfortable daily driver than the Toyota Tacoma, besides having significantly higher towing and payload capabilities.
Ford F-150 vs. Toyota Tundra as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; T=turbo; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | Tow Max | |
| Ford F-150 | 3.3L-V6-4WD | 290-hp | 20-mpg | Flex-fuel | $788 | Good | Good | 12,300-lbs |
| Toyota Tundra | 3.5L-V6-T–4WD | 348-hp | 19-mpg | Regular | $606 | Good | Good | 8,300-lbs |
Although evenly matched in size, the F-150 is better suited for daily driving than the Tundra because the former’s direct and quick steering makes it feel nimbler when cornering and more stable on the highway.
Its higher towing ability and flex-fuel requirement also offer greater utility and flexibility.
Ford F-150 vs. Ford F-250 as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | Tow Max | |
| Ford F-150 | 3.3L-V6-4WD | 290-hp | 20-mpg | Flex-fuel | $788 | Good | Good | 12,300-lbs |
| Ford F-250 | 6.2L-V8-4WD | 385-hp | 13-mpg | Flex-fuel | $1,241 | Good | Average | 15,000-lbs |
Unless you need the extra towing and payload capacities, the F-150 makes a better daily driver than the F-250 with higher fuel efficiency, lower maintenance cost, and enhanced ride comfort.
Ford F-250 vs. Ford F-350 as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | Tow Max | |
| Ford F-250 | 6.2L-V8-4WD | 385-hp | 13-mpg | Flex-fuel | $1,241 | Good | Average | 15,000-lbs |
| Ford F-350 | 6.2L-V8-4WD | 385-hp | 13-mpg | Flex-fuel | $1,295 | Good | Average | 20,000-lbs |
These heavy-duty trucks have impressive hauling and towing performances when properly equipped.
If you need their size and abilities, both F-250 and F-350 deliver, in addition to average daily-driver qualities due to their spacious interior and acceptable ride quality.
Neither one is better than the other as an everyday vehicle.
Ford Raptor vs. Jeep Gladiator as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; T=turbo; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | Tow Max | |
| Ford Raptor | 3.5L-V6-T–4WD | 450-hp | 16-mpg | Regular | $788+ | Good | Good | 8,200-lbs |
| Jeep Gladiator | 3.6L-V6-4WD | 285-hp | 19-mpg | Regular | NA | Good | Average | 4,000-lbs |
Despite being the larger pickup truck, the Ford Raptor makes a more comfortable daily driver than the Jeep Gladiator, with a broader utility through its considerably higher tow rating.
But if you value in-the-sun driving experience, you should opt for the Gladiator over the Raptor as the former is the only convertible truck you can buy. Plus, it is thriftier on fuel.
Ford Raptor vs. Ram 2500 Power Wagon as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; T=turbo; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | Tow Max | |
| Ford Raptor | 3.5L-V6-T–4WD | 450-hp | 16-mpg | Regular | $788+ | Good | Good | 8,200-lbs |
| Ram 2500 Power Wagon | 6.4L-V8-4WD | 410-hp | 13-mpg | Regular | $1,070 | Good | Good | 10,590-lbs |
Suppose you go off-road as much as you drive on-road, in which case, the Ford Raptor edges the Ram 2500 Power Wagon as the better daily driver overall, with considerable off-road capability while achieving a stronger fuel economy.
But suppose you need a workhorse on top of meeting other daily driving needs; the Power Wagon beats the Raptor with higher payload and tow abilities while being equally comfortable as an everyday vehicle.
If all you need is a light-duty full-size truck that offers one of the most comfortable rides, opt for the Ram 1500.
Ford Ranger vs. Toyota Tacoma as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; T=turbo; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | Tow Max | |
| Ford Ranger | 2.3L-i4-T–4WD | 270-hp | 22-mpg | Regular | $615 | Good | Poor | 7,500-lbs |
| Toyota Tacoma | 3.5L-V6-4WD | 278-hp | 20-mpg | Regular | $478 | Average | Poor | 6,500-lbs |
Although both generally have poor ride quality, the latest Tacoma iteration is the more agreeable truck to ride in.
The Toyota Tacoma is a better everyday car than the Ford Ranger with its marginally higher ride comfort, lower maintenance cost, and solid durability.
Further, the Tacoma is more rugged off-pavement than the Ranger without the optional off-road package.
References:
https://www.ford.com/new-trucks/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Raptor
https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2022_Ford_F150.shtml
https://www.autoweek.com/car-life/classic-cars/g36476691/ford-f-series-generations-guide/
