After revealing the rear-end design of the automaker’s first electric crossover, Ford is much obliged to showcase the 2019 F-150 Raptor. In regard to upgrades, we’re much obliged to report the newcomer isn’t on par with the mid-cycle facelift of the half-ton pickup truck.
So what’s new, you’re wondering? The name is Trail Control, and as you might have guessed, the system can be summed up as cruise control for off-road driving. Coming to a dealership near you early next year, the F-150 Raptor can now manage “throttle and braking” thanks to this feature, leaving the driver “to focus on steering through challenging off-road conditions.”
“Trail Control can be activated at speeds from one mile per hour up to 20 mph, and Raptor is the only pickup that allows the driver to operate Trail Control in all 4x4 modes.” Of course, the system is designed to direct torque to each wheel to overcome the obstacles on the route. According to Ford, Trail Control “can help in digging the truck out if it happens to get stuck in extreme sand.”
The button to activate Trail Control is found right above the touchscreen display, to the right side of the hazard lights and to the left of the “traction control off” button. After engaging, the driver needs to set up the speed using the SET+ and SET- buttons on the left-hand side of the steering wheel. All that remains for the user is to take the foot off the brake/throttle, let the F-150 Raptor get going, and steer.
As for those who manage to get stuck in sand, the Ford Motor Company recommends to set Trail Control to one mile per hour. Bringing the point home, the driver can put the 10-speed automatic transmission in 4 Low.
Going on sale in late 2018 for the 2019 model year, the F-150 Raptor with Trail Control doesn’t have a price for the time being. The outgoing model starts at $50,675 for the SuperCab. The SuperCrew is $2,985 more expensive, and even at this price point, the 4.10 front axle with the Torsen differential is an optional extra ($500).
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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