It isn’t often we see a performance truck take to the same streets as performance cars. It’s even less often that we see these very same trucks leave sports cars in their dust. The 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor redefines what it means to be a performance pickup designed to tackle pavement and trails with ease.

The Ford F-150 Raptor made its initial debut in 2009 as an off-road version of the standard F-150 light-duty truck. It originally came equipped with the same stock engine as other F-150 models. Fox Racing shocks and massive 35-inch tires made the off-road model better at handling rough terrain than any other truck before it.

Unfortunately for truck enthusiasts, the original Ford F-150 Raptor left the American market after just five years. Now the American automaker has given into customer demands and the 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor has returned to the road.

2019 Ford F-150 Raptor Performance

The new F-150 Raptor comes stocked with a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. That combination generates an astonishing 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. The off-road truck comes with standard four-wheel drive. There’s no V8 engine on the docket just yet, but if enthusiasts have their way, there may be soon.

The quick-shifting transmission delivers power quickly and efficiently. A quick throttle response isn’t too surprising, especially considering peak torque is achieved at just 3,500 rpm. The Ford F-150 Raptor includes different drive modes. Normal, Sport, Baja, Rock Crawl, Deep Snow/Sand, Towing, and Weather settings affect how the engine and transmission operate.

Like the previous model, the 2019 F-150 Raptor features shocks and dampers by Fox Racing. Extra resistance to the compression side of the damper offers improved ride comfort and durability. A solenoid increases compression resistance, a useful touch when hitting jumps in the off-road pickup. A suspension height sensor is capable of telling the shocks when to stiffen and makes landing more comfortable as a result.

Trail Control arrives as a new technology in the 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor. Consider this system the equivalent of cruise control for off-road trails. Activing the system is as simple as pressing a button and managing speed. The system has a maximum speed limit of 20 mph.

2019 Ford F-150 Raptor Comfort

Inside, the F-150 Raptor nods to the Ford GT supercar. Recaro seats offer exceptional bolstering and a luxury appearance. The bucket seats feature a wide base and back that provide excellent support, even for larger drivers. Thanks to the high-end seats and shocks, the 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor remains comfortable when traversing rough terrain.

With an MSRP of $52,855, the 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor is no work truck. For that price, drivers get all the off-road capability they could want. Premium seats and top technologies, like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, help make this truck worth every penny.

The 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor is the only performance truck on the market, but it could soon see some fierce competition. A new Jeep pickup will debut at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show. The all-new Ford Ranger is expected to have a Raptor variant as well. Only time will tell how the Ford F-150 Raptor will improve in the face of competition.