Awesome Raptor. I haven't followed all threads recently. So no price protection on those that rolled over?So I've been posting my overly smart-ass and extremely dramatic posts on here for months as I have waited on my Raptor like so many others, and this past Monday, it finally arrived. (Some quick pictures below).
Before anyone gets prematurely angry that I received my Raptor already, just know that Like most of you, I was reserved within the first 24 hours, and I have been pushed to from a '21 Bronco, to a '22 Bronco, and then got pushed to a '23 Bronco and had to take a $5k price hike in the process.
Here are my initial thoughts and impressions. I've literally got 100 miles on it so I am no expert, but Feel free to ask questions. I'm more than happy to answer as time allows.
- This thing is HUGE. If you haven't yet seen one in person, know that pictures and videos don't do this any Justice.
- You may or may not like the factory running boards. The non-skid design is great, but tends to stick to longer pants/dresses as you step out.
- The fender flares aren't as bad in person. Honestly, most of the hate comes from a single unflattering picture angle that so many people like to re-post
- Again on the flares.... just because they don't look bad in person, doesn't mean they aren't big. They Are!
- Let's talk about the engine... I'm not disappointed but I'm not overly impressed either. I know all of the reasons that the 3.5 couldn't make it into the Raptor, but it will probably remain a wish of mine until they are able to make it happen.
- Speaking of the transmission, its buttery smoooooth.
- Keeping on the engine... The its awesome that the turbos stay spooled up at higher RPM's and speeds... that extra little bit of "Ready to go" is NICE!!!
- The rear-view visibility isn't really a thing. The spare tire and rear brake easily cover 50% of the back window, and what's not blocked looks to the upper left and right. But the side view mirrors are great.... I just wish they were powered.
- I opted for the leather seats and they are easily the most comfortable seats I have ever had in a vehicle.
- Speaking of interior... I also opted for the Blue Onyx and was so afraid I was going to hate it, but the Blue is a dark blue with almost a hint of dark grey... ITS PERFECT!!!! Great Job Ford Design Team!!
- Yes... per my previous post, the rumors are true. The 2023 model does come with Digital A/C Buttons. The only thing I seem to have gotten out of the $5k Price increase is these stupid little knobs. If anyone with a '22 wants to buy them for the $5k I paid... I am happy to consider that deal.
- As has been reported before. The wireless charger is pitiful. I have an iPhone 14 ProMax and it hasn't managed to "Charge" it at all. I honestly don't think it even maintains power level... it just allows my phone to die more slowly.
- The Code Orange is a master of trickery.... I'm not sure how, but in pictures, it looks RED no matter what you do.... but in person, It's a beautiful shade of orange.
- The steering wheel heater is barely warm... probably as a side effect of the steering wheel being so thick and cushy...
- Butt warmers are WAY warm.... my butt will not ever be cold again.
- If you have a vent-mounted phone mount, get a new one... the vents turn left and right so easily that making simply following the road with a phone mounted on them makes it fling your phone left and right.
- The 12" screen is amazing... especially now that it comes with FULL SCREEN CARPLAY
- The B&O sound system is something that Ford and B&O should be ashamed of. And yes... The Subwoofer Rattles... Honestly... don't pay extra for it.
- The interior lighting is abysmal.... The floor lighting does not come on when you open the doors.... its only used for ambient always-on lighting. Good thing there are a number of 3rd party options already.
- One thing I noticed is that my "Raptor Mode" seems to maintain the status of the Auto Engine On/Off that so many people hate... I just wish I didn't have to select my Raptor Mode each time I got into the vehicle.
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