1.5 Days with My 2023 Raptor Impressions

[widnere12]

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.

 

[Apache 8]

Congratulations, it is a beauty! Thank you for the impressions as well!

 

[BHesterDMD]

Congratulations!!! Two Raptors in our little town now!!!

 

[TurboS]

Congrats and Thank you for the write-up, I've learned a couple things I didn't know and I've had it since October.

A FYI, you do have Power side view mirrors, located to the right of the power windows in the center console.

 

[BHesterDMD]

One more thing that I have noticed this week with all the rain....the lack of a rain gutter over the door edges DOES make a difference. After driving a Jeep Wrangler for ten years WITH the gutter, water definitely pours in more on the Bronco when you get in and out even with the slightly raised sides. Water also dumps into the rear liftgate especially if you are parked slightly uphill.

 

[Montducati]

Congrats! I just turned 1k miles and pretty much agree with you on all points with the exception of the heated steering wheel. I find mine to be plenty warm.
Funny comment on paying $5k for digital temperature display! Why didn't you receive price protection based on the time you made your reservation and how long you had to wait? Just doesn't seem fair.
One other note, after a few days of driving the Braptor I no longer found it to be big. Maybe because I was use to driving F-150 Raptors. Strangely, it almost feels small to me now.

 

[Sticks]

Congratulations!!
Was contacted by my dealer last week about my build. I was advised that they were contacted by Ford and they would build the Raptor but the Seats would have to be changed from the Leather to the Marine Grade Vinyl. Has anyone else heard of this?

 

[braptor0074]

Congratulations!!
Was contacted by my dealer last week about my build. I was advised that they were contacted by Ford and they would build the Raptor but the Seats would have to be changed from the Leather to the Marine Grade Vinyl. Has anyone else heard of this?

I have not, however I ordered MGV seats, be advised that even with Lux package this selection changes stitched dash, no middle arm rest in back seat, no power seat, also you have to select headliner to build option separately even when it was free option. That said, I do like theMGV seats.

 

[TurboS]

Congratulations!!
Was contacted by my dealer last week about my build. I was advised that they were contacted by Ford and they would build the Raptor but the Seats would have to be changed from the Leather to the Marine Grade Vinyl. Has anyone else heard of this?

I have not heard anyone else on this forum that they needed to drop the leather option. I suggest you call Ford Performance Customer Service 1-800-367-3788, have your order information handy.

 

[widnere12]

I’ve not

Congrats and Thank you for the write-up, I've learned a couple things I didn't know and I've had it since October.

A FYI, you do have Power side view mirrors, located to the right of the power windows in the center console.
View attachment 4966

sorry. To clarify, I meant power FOLDING mirrors

 

[TurboS]

I’ve not

sorry. To clarify, I meant power FOLDING mirrors

No problem, after I posted above I almost removed as I thought it was odd you had discovered this list of things I hadn't yet missed the power mirror button... my bad.

The positive to not having power folding mirrors is they are a nice peripheral guide to where the edge of the fenders & tires are located. I suppose if I ever damage the clearance light on a mirror I will think different as I suspect the replacement will be the entire mirror assembly as is on my Superduty.

 

[Dragoon]

Thank you for the thorough review of your initial impressions! I can't wait to walk around one in person and see the size firsthand. I've driven behind one briefly and was shocked at how wide it looked compared to my Sasquatch Bronco going down the road.