Ford Raptor Wins 4x4 Shootout
How did the Ford Raptor do in the 2012 Ultimate 4x4 Pickup Shootout? One word: DOMINANCE.
Throughout a "decathlon-style competition" administered by Pickuptrucks.com, the Ford SVT Raptor V-8 did exceptionally well. It had enough power for all the events and the suspension to handle them all. It excelled when in high- and low-speed four-wheel drive and has enough different types of gears and traction to handle anything on a trail. Also, PickupTrucks.com found the Raptor integrates its electronics (traction control, gearing, transmission, etc..) really well with the mechanicals creating a truck that can seamlessly handle a variety of different terrains. (Learn more about Ford Raptor history in this blog post.)
The competition featured the "best off-road packages" from different manufacturers (GM declined). These competitors were (listed from 2nd-4th place):
- Toyota Tacoma TRD Baja V-6
- Ram Power Wagon ST V-8
- Nissan Frontier PRO-4X V-6
The competition ranked each truck on a variety of challenges which were:
- 0-60 Accerlation
- 60-0 Braking
- Overall Value
- Fuel Economy
- Towing Capacity
- Quality of Parts and Pieces
- On-Road Feel
- Sand Hill Climb
- Stair-Step Navigation (off-road climb)
- Rock Garden Ballet
Here are PickupTrucks.com official results.
While there will still be doubters and debaters (i.e.; I don't care about fuel economy), one thing is sure. The Ford Raptor took first in 5 out of the 10 events and finished high in all others. It is without a doubt a beast of a truck that you can buy right off the lot.
What do you think? Is there any argument to be made?