When the Ford F150 Raptor R 2025 arrived in the UAE, it wasn’t just another pickup launch, it was the return of an American icon to its natural playground. The golden dunes of Liwa and the rugged trails of Al Badayer became the perfect testing ground for this beast, built to combine extreme performance with modern refinement.
This latest version of the Raptor R represents more than power on four wheels. It’s a showcase of engineering designed for those who crave control and speed beyond the pavement. Every throttle push, every slide across the sand, and every roar of the V8 supercharged engine proves that Ford still knows how to build a truck that turns driving into pure adrenaline.
Our full test drive in the UAE showed that the Raptor R 2025 is not just powerful, it’s intelligent, comfortable, and ready to redefine what a performance pickup can be.
The moment the engine roared to life, it was clear that this was no ordinary pickup. The Ford F150 Raptor R 2025 felt built for one purpose: to dominate the dunes. Powered by a 5.2 liter supercharged V8 borrowed from the Shelby GT500, it unleashes 720 horsepower and 868 newton meters of torque. That makes it the most powerful Raptor ever produced, and it shows with every press of the accelerator.
On the open sands of Liwa and the sweeping dunes of Al Badayer in Dubai, the Raptor R delivered a breathtaking experience. It launches from 0 to 100 km per hour in just 4.2 seconds, a stunning feat for a full size truck. The updated Fox Live Valve 3.1 suspension reacts to terrain over 500 times per second, soaking up every bump and keeping the ride planted even when airborne.
The drive modes transform the truck’s character instantly. Switching to Baja Mode unlocked its wildest side, turning the Raptor into a dune racer. The intelligent four wheel drive system clawed through soft sand with ease, letting the truck glide and power-slide over crests like a desert predator.
Despite its intimidating performance, the Raptor R doesn’t forget the luxury side of adventure. Sliding into the Recaro sport seats wrapped in leather and micro suede, the first impression is pure comfort mixed with control. The seats grip perfectly during aggressive cornering, yet remain soft enough for long highway drives back to Dubai.
At the center of the cabin sits a 12 inch SYNC 4 touchscreen that responds instantly, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigation through desert trails felt effortless, while the 18 speaker Bang and Olufsen system turned the cabin into a private concert hall. Trail Turn Assist proved especially useful, helping the massive Raptor pivot smoothly through tight sandy bends.
Even after hours behind the wheel, fatigue never set in. The cabin insulation kept wind and sand noise minimal, and the mix of modern tech and rugged engineering made every kilometer as thrilling as the first.
Standing in front of the 2025 Raptor R, it’s hard not to admire its presence. The massive matte black grille carrying bold FORD lettering gives it an aggressive face, while the hood’s orange vent adds a performance touch. The 37 inch BFGoodrich KO3 tires, paired with 33 centimeters of ground clearance, made it look ready to take on any challenge the UAE desert could offer.
The wide stance and tough body panels don’t just look good, they play a key role in stability at high speeds. Whether blasting across dunes or crawling over rocky trails, the Raptor R felt planted and confident.
The Ford F150 Raptor R 2025 is available in the UAE with a starting price of around 565,000 AED. Buyers can personalize their truck through Al Tayer Ford or Middle East Ford dealerships, choosing from a range of paint colors, wheels, and accessories to match their desert ambitions.
Standard features include an advanced suspension system, wireless charging, a full 360 degree camera setup, and a suite of off road driving technologies that make it ready for any challenge.
After our test drive across the UAE’s toughest terrain, one thing was clear—the 2025 Raptor R is more than an update. It’s a statement of Ford’s ongoing dominance in the performance pickup class. With its mix of wild torque, luxurious comfort, and intelligent tech, it stands as the top choice for adventure seekers and speed enthusiasts across the Gulf.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.
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