Is the 2017 Ford Raptor a Good City Vehicle?
With the right upgrades, the Raptor handles everything a city has to offer.
We talk a lot about taking a Ford Raptor off-road. Honestly, if you’re going to spend the money for a brand new Raptor, you’re probably not just going to use it for your grocery store runs. The whole point of the Raptor is how it handles itself when you’re going through trails, mud, and whatever else you come across when you’re not on asphalt. However, for reviewer Jill Ciminillo, she wanted to see if the Raptor is actually a practical vehicle for those who don’t go off-roading all the time. Can the Raptor be good for city use also?
In her review, she first decided to test the parking ability of the Raptor. Of course, she had to actually fit the truck in her garage. After some trick maneuvering and the use of cameras, she fit the large truck in her garage with an inch to spare. Once she got on the road, driving around the city, she started to fully experience all that the Raptor has to offer.
Ciminillo said, “… if you equip the Raptor correctly, it is not only easy to drive in an urban environment but also fun.”
The same reasons people who take their Raptors off-road love the truck are the same reasons Ciminillo loved driving the truck through the city. One of the first things that stood out for her when she was driving the truck through the city was how easy the Raptor handled potholes. Those who have taken their Raptors over ditches and through mountainous terrains probably scoff at this, but if your most treacherous obstacles you come across are potholes, then you’re covered in this truck.
“What this means in an urban environment is that potholes and speed bumps barely register, and overall ride comfort is very smooth,” said Ciminillo.
Now, she does stress in her review that a stock Raptor isn’t necessarily the best for city dwellers. While the ride will still be smooth, and the power is more than what’s necessary, there are some bells and whistles that city drivers will need that the standard Raptor doesn’t come with. First off, the 360-degree camera system is vital for parking and maneuvering in tight spaces. She also recommends the technology package that includes the lane-assist features that make highway driving a little safer.
Overall, Ciminillo was impressed with what the Raptor offered during her test in the city. While it’s not the ideal city vehicle, it would be perfectly fine for those who are looking for a Monday through Friday city driving vehicle, with the option to have more fun with it on the weekends.
“Available adjustable foot pedals and heated seats make this a comfortable cruiser for a multitude of drivers, and even though the Raptor has a large profile, it’s remarkably maneuverable,” concludes Ciminillo. “While it’s easier to drive in a city than you may think, you may have to plan ahead for multi-tiered garages – and be sure to use that 360 camera!”
