Ask TFLtruck: Which to Buy – 2017 Ford Raptor or 2017 Lexus LX570?

2017 Ford Raptor

This question comes to us from Shiraz of Ontario, Canada. He has an interesting dilemma with a purchase of a luxurious off-roader.

Hi guys, I’m one of your followers from Canada. I need your expert help to make an informed decision. I am debating between two vehicles: 2017 Lexus LX 570 and the 2017 Ford F150 Raptor. Both have all the bells and whistles I can dream of, both are quite capable off road and offer more than what I will likely be doing off road. Both have all the space I need for me and my family. I want to buy one of them as my daily driver, and for recreational use. Will be towing well within their limits occasionally. My question is which is more comfortable on the road and overall? Which is likely to be more reliable and less problematic in terms of breakdowns and expensive repairs? Which will likely have a better residual value? Which will likely give more owner satisfaction?
Where I live (North Western Ontario), it’s like Colorado in terms of Winter just without the elevation.
Thanks in advance, Shiraz

My take is very simple. The 2017 Lexus LX570 will likely be more reliable and surely more expensive than the 2017 Ford Raptor. Both will be very comfortable for daily driving, although the Raptor is a large and wide truck. We have driven the new Raptor yet, but the first generation Raptor has a wide turning radius. This makes the Raptor a little difficult to handle in a mall parking lot or on a tight off-road trail.

The Lexus LX570 is a known entity. It has been refreshed for 2017, but the 5.7L V8 engine has been around for many years. Lexus is known for its reliability and longevity. The 2017 Raptor is all new. Ford has spend a lot of time and resources developing the truck, but the engine/transmission and the rest of the truck are a brand new design. The truck’s reliability and longevity are not yet known.  Side note: we have driven the 2014 6.2L V8-powered Raptor for around 40,000 miles, and it has treated us well and never broke down.

Here is our latest take on the 2017 Lexus LX570.

And here is the 2017 Ford Raptor.