Doug Demuro Gen3 Review.

[Teghogh]

As a former tundra owner who is inbetween trucks, I’ll give my two cents on why I’m going raptor over TRX. I’ve researched both extensively.

I’m not a hardcore off-roader like rock crawling and such. I like to have fun in desert environments here in Phx and drive 2 hours north to the pine trees and explore. My kids are in the camping age now so that’s going to be a regular occurrence.

after looking at the raptor and the TRX, I literally can’t even look at trucks like the rebel or 150 tremor. And I’m not optimistic Toyota will bring it with their new tundra coming out. I drive my trucks about 5500 miles/year. They aren’t used as ‘daily drivers’.
Things I like about the Raptor:
1.Reputation- been out for 11 years or so
2. Gas mileage in comparison to other trucks in this segment
3. Looks. I like the look of the Gen 3
4. Options. I’ve come to learn that the domestics get a lot right in their trucks over Toyota. Generator on board all the drive modes. Lockers. Things like that.
5. literally would only need to add a lightbar and nothing else. Ready to roll from the showroom for my needs
6. Exhaust. I’m in the minority, but I’m not infatuated with how my trucks sound. Don’t get me wrong I don’t want it sounding like our Sienna, but think it’s Badass I can throw it in quiet mode when I’m on the highway and get rid of drone or rip it in Baja mode.
7. off-road capability. Let’s face it. That Fox 3 system is probably more suspension than I’ll ever need. And I’m perfectly ok with that!
8. The drivetrain not changing- one of the reasons I’m ok with going with a first or second year new Gen is the fact that the drivetrain is the same and most kinks are gone. (Still would’ve loved 30-50 more HP though).

I’ll just list why I decided against the TRX:
1. Gas mileage. I’m seeing 8-9 for most people. Screw that. I’m 43. Don’t care about 0-60 times….
2. Insurance costs. I’m hearing $225-$250/month for insurance. Ouch
3. Width. This sucker is 8 inches wider than a standard Ram. That makes parking and my garage a problem.
4. Reliability. There’s literally a long *** spreadsheet on the TRX forums for people to check when they deliver their trucks. Doesn’t instill confidence in me.
So yeah. I’m about 6-8 months from being ready to order a Raptor. I’m stoked and can’t wait for some adventures in it. This forum is great and I’ve leaned a ton from you guys in a short amount of time. And look forward to the incoming pictures over the next couple months.

Average gas mileage for a trx is 11- 13 mix driving and 16 on the freeway going 70. The people that get 8 can’t help themselves on the gas pedal. I averaged 8mpg on my f type r for the first month, coincidentally that was also a v8 with a blower I’m not too sure on the insurance however as I’ve never paid more than 100 a month for any of my sports cars and trx certainly isn’t one. Raptor is also 6 inches wider than f150 but trx is bigger. With regards to reliability, trx helcat drivetrain including zf transmission has been around longer than ecoboost I believe. Non of these trucks are a logical choice for daily drive of more than 40 miles a day, but as a toy both are great and gas mileage isn’t a concern. Again I’ll admit, had I not had the a raptor previously, I might have gone the raptor direction.

 

[ScrumHooker]

I've had a blown v8 in the form of a jaguar xFR and to be honest it was awesome but I was always aware of the gas I was spending. Maybe I just can't enjoy something that drinks gas that fast and its the miser in me. But when I look at two vehicles being compared in the same price bracket, I normally do consider mpg. This is going to be my daily driver as my GL450 is my wife's, so I'm giving up my diesel 5 series to own this Raptor. I've missed having a truck ever since I owned a 2004 Chevy 2500 HD. I'm excited that im able to buy a Raptor, and negativity aside I hope everyone else that has one on order gets to enjoy their's as well.

 

[Raptorbegone]

Once it’s pointed out you all the sudden change your tune and say. “Well nobody needs all that. It’s just for show.” SMH

nah, it ain't all just for show. It's just not enough of a change in the generations to send me running out the door to a dealership to get one. Besides, I like the new interior change more than anything else they changed.

Put a 700+hp engine in it. Now we are talking a difference.

 

[RaptorWhoSaysNI]

nah, it ain't all just for show. It's just not enough of a change in the generations to make a difference to me.

Put a 700+hp engine in it. Now we are talking a difference.

Leaf springs to coil springs with 5 link suspension is a pretty massive upgrade alone. Wish Ford would have introduced this suspension a long time ago, they are little behind the 8 ball on that one.

 

[Raptorbegone]

you sir are correct. I drive a Rebel with a 4" lift with 35's and I've been asked no less than 20 times over the last 6 months if it's the TRX.

You bought a truck with 33's and a lift from the factory. Then put a bigger lift and tires on it anyhow? to each his own

Leaf springs to coil springs with 5 link suspension is a pretty massive upgrade alone.

on paper. What I'd like to see is in the real world how much of a difference it really makes day to day.

 

[Raptorbegone]

Leaf springs to coil springs with 5 link suspension is a pretty massive upgrade alone. Wish Ford would have introduced this suspension a long time ago, they are little behind the 8 ball on that one.

I get it, I get it. MASSIVE difference.

Now I'd like to see real world how much of a difference day to day. no doubt it is better than leaf springs. Just curious to see if it's enough of a move of the needle.

 

[RaptorWhoSaysNI]

I get it, I get it. MASSIVE difference.

Now I'd like to see real world how much of a difference day to day. no doubt it is better than leaf springs. Just curious to see if it's enough of a move of the needle.

Real world feedback is needed and they will no doubt get some with the Gen3. That is essentially what made me pull the trigger on the Gen3. Not a big fan of clunky leaf springs, especially on a purpose built off-road truck.

 

[GordoJay]

Real world feedback is needed and they will no doubt get some with the Gen3. That is essentially what made me pull the trigger on the Gen3. Not a big fan of clunky leaf springs, especially on a purpose built off-road truck.

The leaf springs would be fine if Ford hadn't used that damn block.

 

[rtmozingo]

You bought a truck with 33's and a lift from the factory. Then put a bigger lift and tires on it anyhow? to each his own

on paper. What I'd like to see is in the real world how much of a difference it really makes day to day.

It is a bigger difference in performance than the V8 the TRX has, since the TRX is slower offroad than a Gen 1, and a tune-only Gen 2 is faster at the drag strip.

 

[Raptorbegone]

It is a bigger difference in performance than the V8 the TRX has, since the TRX is slower offroad than a Gen 1, and a tune-only Gen 2 is faster at the drag strip.

pretty sure I'd notice the 700hp engine more on the TRX day to day than the mildly improved rear suspension on the raptor