Don’t drive a 2021 LOL

[modena2904]

I am a finance manager at a large Ford dealership in NH and we received a 2021 Ford Raptor in Antimatter that I had put my name on subject to a test drive. All I can say is wow!!! I had a 2019 Raptor that I traded for a Superduty 7.3 gas and just wasn’t happy with it so I traded back for the 2021. The between the G2 and G3 difference is night and day. The exhaust sounds amazing, the tech and interior are light years ahead, the ride is so improved it’s hard to explain and the power comes on much faster especially off the line. The tranny is much better sorted out with quick, hard but smooth uphifts in sport mode and super smooth shifts in regular mode. Don’t fool yourself into thinking there isn’t much difference because it truly is the next level the G2 was awesome but the G3 is more awesome LOL.

I was in the Laconia area on vacation about a month ago and I test drove your 2019 Gen2. That was a very nice truck -- nice spec and great color. I had been pretty set on a Gen1 but driving the Gen2 had made me reconsider. Guess it's all relative...

 

[RaptorSRQ]

Not sure what is happening here...

A salesman is happening here

 

[Specialtyperformanceparts]

It’s almost like the guy OP has financial incentive to get people to upgrade. Who would have thunk it.

Just my opinion, but I don’t think he was being bias. It was his opinion. He never asked anyone to buy one, and anyone who knows how hard it is to get a Raptor knows, he probably couldn’t offer one for sale if he wanted to. I’d have to go back and look, but I don’t think he mentioned what dealer he worked at. Just that he was at a dealer. I could be wrong, but either way, I don’t think he was trying to use his comments as a “sales pitch”.

That being said, I personally would agree. I have had 2 Gen 2 Raptors. A 2017 and a 2019. We recently just got our 2021 to prototype with. Of course to be fair to everyone’s opinion, and I think that’s important because everyone is entitled to one. While the truck is obviously on the same overall frame (with modifications of course) and the same overall cab body. Some sheet metal has changed like the fenders, the hood, the bumpers and grille. While the doors mostly are the same on the outside, the box inside is the same, but the bedside sheet metal has changed.

So in summary, they did take the main platform and bolt on new pieces for cosmetic change. However, what he was getting at in performance, I 100% agree on. I actually went through all this in a video review recently.

In short, the coil springs and updated tuning for the suspension are far far improved for ride. The electronics are also much improved. Let’s face it, Fords Sync voice system has been lagging behind voice controlled technologies such as Apple and Amazon Alexa for things like voice recognition for years. That’s why people prefer Android and Apple car play over the Built in Sync voice controls.

One big improvement I like was the wireless Apple car play that can now be automatic when you get in the truck and the wireless charge mat.

What he spoke of on the performance I also experienced. The shift quickness and response was night and day and I’m sure that goes hand in hand with the better acceleration I experienced.

Now, a side note on that. Both gens are rated at the same 450hp, and you can obviously tell a performance difference with the Gen 3.
Where the Gen 2 averaged 14-15mpg with normal driving, the Gen 3 tends to average 13-14mpg.
So with everything, it’s a trade off. I think Ford was so worried about fuel economy on the previous Gen, they left out that potential performance, and now realized people would rather have the performance.

Hopefully this video will help some who want some more perspective on some noticeable changes.

 

[Torchy]

It's rather interesting how different the opinions are in the differences in the G2 and G3. Personally, I think the difference is night and day. I loved my G2, but I think the G3 is a sizable jump forward.

And to be honest, I was not expecting it to be. I originally felt underwhelmed by the styling and upgrades when the G3 was unveiled. However, after driving (and now owning) one, my original opinion was quickly changed.

The G2 is absolutely still an incredible truck, so I could see not upgrading if it isn't yet time for you to be in the market...

I agree with the OP and this guy.

Had 2 Gen 2's and was not expecting that much of a change. Also didn't love the exterior but now that I have mine, it's a big difference and they do look better in person.

 

[Mxsledder]

Just my opinion, but I don’t think he was being bias. It was his opinion. He never asked anyone to buy one, and anyone who knows how hard it is to get a Raptor knows, he probably couldn’t offer one for sale if he wanted to. I’d have to go back and look, but I don’t think he mentioned what dealer he worked at. Just that he was at a dealer. I could be wrong, but either way, I don’t think he was trying to use his comments as a “sales pitch”.

That being said, I personally would agree. I have had 2 Gen 2 Raptors. A 2017 and a 2019. We recently just got our 2021 to prototype with. Of course to be fair to everyone’s opinion, and I think that’s important because everyone is entitled to one. While the truck is obviously on the same overall frame (with modifications of course) and the same overall cab body. Some sheet metal has changed like the fenders, the hood, the bumpers and grille. While the doors mostly are the same on the outside, the box inside is the same, but the bedside sheet metal has changed.

So in summary, they did take the main platform and bolt on new pieces for cosmetic change. However, what he was getting at in performance, I 100% agree on. I actually went through all this in a video review recently.

In short, the coil springs and updated tuning for the suspension are far far improved for ride. The electronics are also much improved. Let’s face it, Fords Sync voice system has been lagging behind voice controlled technologies such as Apple and Amazon Alexa for things like voice recognition for years. That’s why people prefer Android and Apple car play over the Built in Sync voice controls.

One big improvement I like was the wireless Apple car play that can now be automatic when you get in the truck and the wireless charge mat.

What he spoke of on the performance I also experienced. The shift quickness and response was night and day and I’m sure that goes hand in hand with the better acceleration I experienced.

Now, a side note on that. Both gens are rated at the same 450hp, and you can obviously tell a performance difference with the Gen 3.
Where the Gen 2 averaged 14-15mpg with normal driving, the Gen 3 tends to average 13-14mpg.
So with everything, it’s a trade off. I think Ford was so worried about fuel economy on the previous Gen, they left out that potential performance, and now realized people would rather have the performance.

Hopefully this video will help some who want some more perspective on some noticeable changes.

I would love a 0-60 test to verify the performance increase you speak of.

 

[Littlefx4]

I would love a 0-60 test to verify the performance increase you speak of.

Hop on the 0-60 thread. Some guys did some testing there…and not that TFL junk.

 

[Badgertits]

Amazing how different everyone's perspectives are. I just test drove a 21 with 37" package today, and was underwhelmed. The interior is no doubt an upgrade, and I liked the rear end with coils more than springs. That being said, it wasn't night and day, it was exciting and new. But felt like a very incremental improvement, definitely not enough to move me out of my 2020 yet. I will like "upgrade" in 2023 or so, but I didn't feel like the Gen 3 was as phenomenal as some people say, though it may be hyperbole. A great truck, and no doubt an improvement, but not what I had been lead to believe. And yes, that's my opinion I understand everyone has one. Just my .02 for anyone on the forum interested in a relatively unbiased opinion.

I test drive a 2021 & own a 2020 & in a nutshell? I feel the same Way…however Infeel
Like the coil over rear is by & far the biggest improvement, I wouldn’t be surprised if it outhandled a Dodge Charger lol! Im
Not a huge interior/luxury guy (have had 2 801a gen2s) , but I def like the improvements, not enough to give
A damn. I drove a 35” version, I also would prefer a 37”
One but it’s as tough enough getting a raptor test drive period let alone a 37” package, it’s more apples & apples to what I have now anyhow.

I want to get another raptor for my “next” vehicle, but I only have 15k miles on my 2020 that’s already modded (the Gearhead tune on my gen2 > than stock Gen3 but that’s to be expected) AND more importantly, I’d rather get past the “newness” of the Gen3 + the chip shortage & get a Gen3 in the 3rd or 4th year or production.

 

[4wheelinAZ]

How much money do you think you’d save in this market? I bought my Gen 2 SCREW new Aug 24 of last year, and my dealer offered to buy it for what I paid for it about two months ago.

General rule of thumb: if you have the opportunity to get the newest, do it. You never want to play the “I wish I had…” game, especially with cars.

Yeah I’m 100% going Gen 3.

 

[COLORAP303]

I bought one of only 3 raptors we have coming in, one of the others is already sold and delivered and I don’t get paid to sell cars I’m a finance manager LOL. You are obviously a very unhappy guy and have been abused at some point to have such a cynical attitude. I’m not here to sell anything or I would post the name of the dealership I work for .

I think you missed the joke. Haha

 

[wowanothertruck]

Biggest differences I noticed between the G2 and G3 are the exhaust sound, interior features, and sound system. The ride quality is still great so that wasn't too noticeably different. The new interior made it seem like I wasn't driving an F-150. I do appreciate the upgrades and I'm happy with the G3.