The Ford Raptor SVT is the baddest truck on Earth. Period. End of discussion.

It’s the kind of truck that would be standard transportation for the renegades in a dystopian film (I’m pitching my script for “Mad Max: Rise of the Raptor” in case anyone’s interested).

But you don’t have to take my word for it. The Raptor speaks for itself and it speaks loudly.

Let’s start with the grill. When you see the unique brick wall design with bold FORD lettering in your rearview mirror, you have two options: Stare in amazement at the Raptor’s awesomeness or get out of the way. Hint: Option #2 is your best bet.

However, I can understand if you stare. This truck has that effect on people.

I first saw the Raptor last year at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and I couldn’t take my eyes off of it.

Although I drove an F-150 for work, I was never really a truck guy. I liked them for their ruggedness and usefulness, but that’s as far as my admiration went.

But after seeing the Ford Raptor, I was smitten. I knew that I had to get behind the wheel of this vehicle.

I drove the Raptor around Houston for a few days and I discovered that this truck is more than eye-candy.

It’s a powerful beast on four wheels.

Rated at 411 horsepower with 443 lb-ft torque, the Raptor’s big-bore 6.2L V8 engine can handle anything from Houston rush-hour traffic to desert sand dunes.

When you press the gas, the engine’s roar lets you know that it means business.

While driving the truck to a local burger joint, I drew the attention of two teenagers who were riding their bikes in the parking lot. When the boys noticed my pulling in with the Raptor, they made a beeline towards me.

“Whoa!” said the first kid who looked like a missing member of One Direction (henceforth referred to as Cody*). “That’s a Raptor SVT. I can’t believe it. This is my dream vehicle.”

I gave the boys the full walk-around and let them explore the plush interior. They were impressed by the size and comfort of the cab.

“Man, I love this truck,” said Cody. “I could live in there.”

I went on to tell the boys about the technology inside the truck. I held their interest with the hands-free communications and entertainment options from SYNC, but their eyes started to glaze over when I delved into my in-depth explanation of Eco-Boost.

After hearing all he could stand, Cody politely changed the conversation.

“Have you seen that YouTube video of a guy jumping his Raptor?” the young man asked. “He got some serious air, but he destroyed his truck.” (Disclosure: Before I could test drive the vehicle, I had to sign a waiver promising not to jump the Raptor. This video explains why).

However, I can understand why someone would be tempted. Those 35″ BF Goodrich all-terrain tires, oversize skid plates, and extra-long suspension FOX Racing Shox, will make you want to recreate scenes from “The Dukes of Hazzard.”

After advising the young men to drive responsibly and avoid reckless behavior, I tuned the SiriusXM satellite radio to Lithium and continued my journey. I’m used to driving small, fast vehicles that handle like a dream.

I didn’t expect the Raptor to handle like an Italian sports car, but I was impressed by how well it handled on the roads. If I weren’t perched a few feet above traffic, it would have been easy to forget that I was driving a truck.

My only regret is that I didn’t get a chance to take the Raptor off-road and get it dirty.

That’s okay.

The Ford Raptor made me a real road warrior for a week. Mad Max wishes he had it this good.

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