February 3rd, 2021 is the confirmed launch date for the third-generation Ford Raptor, and the million-dollar question revolves around its muscle: will it return to V8 motivation? Until we get our answer, we've brought along a test involving the current F-150 Raptor, with its twin-turbo V6, and the supercharged HEMI monster that is the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX. And while this challenge is all about towing, there's more to the adventure than that.
For this pulling brawl, each of the two machines was fitted with a tail, which came in the form of a 5,000+ lbs (2,300 kg) trailer. And with the test being held by the bed addicts over at TFL Truck, they took the vehicles down the Ike Gauntlet route. As such, the Ford and the Ram mainly had to play on an 8-mile (12.9-km) stretch of the I-70 interstate between Dillon, Colorado, and Eisenhower/Johnson tunnels at the Continental Divide (an elevation of 11,158 feet/3,400 meters).
With the trucks going up and down the mountain, the 7% incline provided the perfect conditions for this tow-off. And there were three main stages. It all started with an engine brake comparison, with the goal being to drive in one-pedal mode, avoiding the foot brake while going downhill.
Next up, the 450 hp Ford and the 702 hp Ram engaged in a quick rolling race, which was followed by the uphill part of the competition. Unsurprisingly, the last also included a bit of competitive sprinting.
As good as YouTube videos like this one are, we still can't get inside the cab with the drivers. However, one thing is clear: even with the said trailers being far from the maximum towing capacity of the trucks and the speed limits still on the signs, these vehicles weren't exactly driven with MPGs in mind, but at least it seems like both toys got the same treatment.
With that in mind, perhaps the most interesting part of the towing comparo arrives in the final part of the video. This is where the fuel efficiency figures of the Raptor and the TRX are measured, both by reading the dash and using the good old full-tank-to-full-tank method after a total of 22 miles (35 km).
And while you'll find the actual figures behind the "play" button below, there's just one thing we need to mention - if you're willing to be nice to the gas pedal, the Raptor should be noticeably more willing to stay off the dinosaur juice than the TRX, but is this really the purpose of such trucks?
In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist. Full profile
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