I realized this morning as I looked wantingly at the Raptor's 4x4 switch that in nearly a year of driving this truck at least once weekly I've never switched it out of two-wheel drive.
So go ahead and begin the verbal abuse. I deserve it.
I take that back. Settle down. Because I have done this and this in a Raptor back when it had the sissy-pants 5.4-liter V8, so it's not like I've never put this truck through its paces.
But more importantly, I'm completely satisfied driving the thing around on the street. Because it's freakin' cool. I'm happy just looking at it in my driveway. And it's particualrly cool with a mountain bike in the back -- something I've done too many times to count.
So here's to the Raptor; A dirt truck that doesn't even need dirt to be cool.
Josh Jacquot, Senior editor
gslippy says:
05:34 PM, 07/19/11
There is no hope for you.
However, you've also supported my long-standing belief that 4WD/AWD is usually not a need; it's a want.
Having said that, most people actually buying a Raptor with their own money will use the 4x4 feature. At least I hope so.
dracy69 says:
06:11 PM, 07/19/11
4wd is great for the snow and a requirement for the beach. Also if you tow trailers upstate (NY) you will more than likely need it at some point.
I will probably still find a mid 90's Chevy silverado for about 5 grand this winter to do my scrap runs, go to the beach, and drive in the snow. Day to day basis? FWD sedan is doing it for me
lostboyz says:
06:16 PM, 07/19/11
@gslippy, in california it certainly is a want, though some of the more worrisome editors think you need it in the rain or something.
Nothing wrong with rwd, even in a raptor, depends on the terrain you are tackling.
dayz says:
06:35 PM, 07/19/11
haha... all to sad and true unfortunately. Most 4X4s don't ever see the dirt much less get put into 4wd. They are glorified masculine grocery getters for the most part. Get off the road and start exploring the back country that will be much more satisfying and enjoyable in this truck.
half_ton says:
07:12 PM, 07/19/11
I can say with 110% certainty that here in Wisconsin 4WD will get some use in the winter months . . .
johnny_b_good says:
08:47 PM, 07/19/11
"Get off the road and start exploring the back country that will be much more satisfying and enjoyable in this truck."
In a Raptor? Give the back country a break. Get out of your truck and walk (used 99% of the time to drive on LA highways) and walk.
bassrockerx says:
12:49 AM, 07/20/11
however i am suprised that these are the only settings that you get considering how complex the system in the ford explorer
igeekone says:
12:50 AM, 07/20/11
I have to say it, poser definitely fits for people who just buy vehicles like this for show. But if you can pay to play then more power to you.
ampeg500 says:
04:37 AM, 07/20/11
I believe the Top Gear blokes would refer to that as a Chelsea tractor.
langjie says:
08:37 AM, 07/20/11
why would you need to switch it off of 2wd in socal?
DLu says:
09:49 AM, 07/20/11
Agree 100% with get out of your truck and walk!
While we are all influenced by image when we consider cars, I still think the Raptor's horrendous gas mileage is not justified. Mr Jacquot's experience here is probably the same with most Raptor buyers. Maybe take off those tacky plastic trim pieces, get low rolling resistance tires, ...
btw that switch looks incredibly cheap.
hybris says:
12:24 PM, 07/20/11
Since your in SoCal I can understand why you don't use 4wd hardly at all.
That said I agree with DLu that I hate that switch in fact I hate all of Ford's ESOF systems not because they don't work or anything like that its simply because a manual T-case shifter looks beautiful in a truck. Save the knobs for the new Explorers and Escapes.
@DLu
I don't think the Raptor can be justified in anyway just like most performance vehicles like a Ariel Atom or Veyron. They all serve a very limited purpose but what they do focus on they do well in and that is why you shouldn't even bother to try to justify something unique like the Raptor.