I know many cross shop this to the TRX, and the Raptor R (if it ever becomes available), but what else are you looking at?
I know most here buy specifically for an off-road truck, but I think many buy it because they need a truck, but also something that is off-road capable. Off road is a relative term that means something different to everyone. As I shop, I looked at:
Raptor and R
TRX
Trackhawk
Durango hellcat
GMC Yukon
… and now the Escalade V
All of these vehicles would handle my off-road needs, and towing. The Escalade V stands out right now, so that may be what we go with. I can order that soon, so we will see if Raptor R news breaks before then.
I agree with others that all of our offroad "needs" vary. We find that as a couple we dont enjoy trails rated more than a 2, and I personally avoid anything over a 4. That said we probably have around 1-2k miles offroad including Mojave and Bradshaw Trails and lots of weekends around Big Bear, Joshua Tree Johnson and Death Valleys. Oh, and the truck is a snow monster, like it is the very finest vehical I have ever owned for going to the mountains for snow weekends. So with that context...
We traded our 2018 Raptor with 50k miles in on a 2021. The new truck is tighter, more tactile and quiet and comfortable than the old one, which was outstanding. We debated about waiting for the V8 Raptor R because we've never owned a supercar and we think this V8 has the opportunity to be something really special and even investment level collectible. But in the end, we don't really want for more speed and power. The truck pulls our 6500 lb boat across the I-40 hills at 90mph, in 105 degree temps with the A/C flowing. The twin turbos feed full horsepower as we get into altitudes of 5-6k feet. We've also heard rumors the TRX project is losing money, and if that goes away, we wondered if the R is really going to be manufactured at all with the engine problems which are widely circulated.
If you dont offroad but you tow, my advice is the Yukon/Tahoe. We loved ours. Well, those were our thougts, hope they are helpful to you.