2019 Ford F-150 RTR: Kind of Like the Raptor, Only Not

Having completed a tribute to Vaughn Gittin Jr.’s 900-horsepower drift car with its Series 1 Mustang, RTR is moving onto Ford’s F-150 — delivering something akin to an unofficial Raptor appearance package. As with the coupe, the pickup attempts to provide RTR’s unique blend of automotive style and performance without obliterating drivability. However, we expect a bruiser to arrive later on, since RTR also sells several beefed-up versions (kits, really) of the Mustang.

For now, shoppers will have to make due with Series 2.0 shocks from Fox, 20-inch RTR Tech 6 wheels, 295/55R20 Nitto Ridge Grappler tires, and a throaty exhaust system from Ford Performance. The engine has not been modified. But RTR assured us that the custom grille does improve airflow to the radiator, which we suppose you could brag about in a pinch.

While the company claims the kit can be applied to any new F-150 (minus the Raptor) so long as it’s of the 4×4/Supercrew variety, you’ll have to provide one equipped with the 5.0-liter V8 or one of the EcoBoost V6s if you want the cat-back exhaust hookup. Fortunately, you won’t have to do the work yourself. Gittin/RTR’s partnership with Ford allows its vehicles to be sold straight from the dealership… for an additional $12,750.

While not cheap, consumers have shown there’s really no limit to how much some are willing to spend on a full-sized pickup. And yet we remain unconvinced that this is a superior choice to nabbing something like a Ram Rebel and just calling it a day. You could, of course, save yourself some cash by basing your RTR on a more-affordable F-Series.

Of course, then we’d just wonder why you didn’t put that 13 grand into the powertrain and suspension. Are you some kind of poser? Why didn’t you just get a Raptor?

The package makes the most sense when you’ve got money to burn and want something that stands out a bit — which the F-150 RTR manages to achieve without being garish. The company provides exclusive LEDs, fender flares, skid plate, floor liners, a graphics package, loads of RTR badging, and a serialized dash plaque signed by Vaughn Gittin Jr.

[Images: RTR]