2017–2020 Ford F-150 Raptor (Gen 2) Ownership Guide
Garage Guide Verdict
🟢 Highly Recommended
The second-generation Raptor didn’t just continue the legend—it redefined it.
When Ford replaced the original V8 with a twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, enthusiasts complained.
Then they drove one.
The result was a truck that was faster, lighter, more capable, and more advanced than anything else in its class.
Today, the Gen 2 Raptor remains the benchmark for factory off-road performance trucks.
Garage Guide Ownership Score
🟢 9.3 / 10
🏆 Hall of Fame Series
“The Desert King.”
Why It Made The Hall Of Fame
The Raptor created an entirely new segment.
Before the Raptor, enthusiasts built desert trucks.
After the Raptor, manufacturers started building them.
The Gen 2 perfected the formula:
✅ Baja-ready suspension
✅ Massive power
✅ Everyday drivability
✅ Incredible off-road capability
✅ Strong reliability
✅ Huge aftermarket support
Reliability Snapshot
Reliability
🟢 Excellent
Maintenance Costs
🟢 Moderate
Off-Road Capability
🟢 Exceptional
Daily Usability
🟢 Outstanding
Collector Potential
🟢 Strong
Long-Term Ownership
🟢 Excellent
Buying Checklist
Documentation
✅ Clean Title
✅ Service Records
✅ No Major Off-Road Damage
✅ Differential Service History
✅ Transfer Case Service Records
Engine Inspection
3.5L Twin-Turbo EcoBoost
✅ No Turbo Leaks
✅ No Coolant Leaks
✅ Proper Oil Change History
✅ No Timing Chain Noise
✅ No Misfires
Suspension Inspection
FOX Racing Shocks
✅ No Leaks
✅ Proper Damping
✅ No Excessive Wear
✅ Suspension Mount Inspection
Drivetrain Inspection
4WD System
✅ Transfer Case Operation
✅ Front Differential Inspection
✅ Rear Differential Inspection
✅ Terrain Management Modes
Chassis Inspection
Off-Road Damage Check
✅ Frame Inspection
✅ Skid Plate Inspection
✅ Suspension Mount Points
Best Model Years
🥇 2019–2020
Ultimate Ownership Choice
• Most refined calibration
• Improved reliability
• Updated software
• Strong resale value
🥈 2017–2018
Best Value
• Same core platform
• Lower purchase price
• Excellent capability
Ownership Priorities
🔧 Oil Changes
🔧 Differential Service
🔧 Transfer Case Service
🔧 FOX Shock Inspection
🔧 Tire Rotation
🔧 Cooling System Maintenance
Vehicle Highlights
🏜️ 3.5L Twin-Turbo EcoBoost V6
🏜️ 450 Horsepower
🏜️ 510 LB-FT Torque
🏜️ FOX Racing Suspension
🏜️ Baja Mode
🏜️ Terrain Management System
🏜️ Massive Interior Space
🏜️ Excellent Towing Capability
🏜️ Huge Aftermarket Support
🏜️ Daily Driver Comfort
Watch Out For
⚠️ Hard Off-Road Use
Many Raptors live difficult lives.
Inspect carefully.
⚠️ FOX Shock Wear
High-mileage trucks may require rebuilding or replacement.
⚠️ Turbocharger Wear
Not common, but expensive if neglected.
⚠️ Large Tire Costs
Premium off-road tires are not cheap.
⚠️ Fuel Economy
Capability comes at a cost.
Mileage Expectations
Under 50,000 Miles
🟢 Collector Grade
50,000–125,000 Miles
🟢 Prime Ownership Range
125,000–200,000 Miles
🟢 Excellent If Maintained
200,000+ Miles
🟡 Buy On Service History
Not Mileage
Estimated Annual Ownership Costs
Insurance
$1,500–$3,500
Maintenance
$800–$2,500
Fuel
$3,000–$6,500
Repairs (As Needed)
$500–$3,000
Miscellaneous
$500–$1,500
Estimated Annual Ownership Total
💰 $6,300–$17,000+
Ownership Score Summary
Pros
✅ Incredible Off-Road Capability
✅ Excellent Reliability
✅ Comfortable Daily Driver
✅ Massive Aftermarket Support
✅ Strong Resale Value
✅ Family Friendly
✅ Powerful EcoBoost Engine
✅ Legendary Raptor Reputation
Cons
❌ Fuel Economy
❌ Expensive Tires
❌ Suspension Maintenance
❌ High Purchase Prices
❌ Frequently Abused Examples
Garage Guide Final Verdict
The Gen 2 Raptor isn’t just a truck.
It’s a purpose-built desert weapon that somehow manages to be comfortable enough for everyday life.
It can haul your family, tow your toys, commute to work, and then spend the weekend flying through the desert.
Few vehicles are this versatile.
Even fewer are this much fun.
The Raptor remains the truck every competitor still chases.
BUILT TO FLY.
BUILT TO ROOST.
BUILT TO DOMINATE.
THE DESERT KING.
THAT’S RAPTOR.
Garage Guide Ownership Score
🟢 9.3 / 10
Garage Guide Verdict
🟢 Highly Recommended
🏆 Hall of Fame Series
“The Desert King.”
Garage Guide #74 🏜️🛻🏆
🏁 Build Smarter. Drive Longer.™