When Ford first dusted off the Tremor nameplate back in 2019, it did so by using the moniker for an all new off-road model based on the larger F-250 and 350 models (versus an older sport version of the F-150 that used it.) With the bigger Tremor model selling very well in Ford dealerships, it was only fitting to expand the package to the smaller Ranger model. The Tremor brings alot to the Ranger, and it should be a nice way to satiate the appetites of those that are still craving the Ranger Raptor variant.
Buyers can equip the Tremor package to XLT and Lariat models, but only on those with the SuperCrew cab configuration. The package is also relatively inexpensive as well, with the Tremor package only costing $4,290 on top of the base cost of a XLT or Lariat truck. Ford claims that the Tremor is the “most off-road-capable factory-built Ranger ever offered in the U.S.,” and it aims to back up that claim with a host of off-road focused upgrades. The bulk of them are found in the suspension, which has been heavily revamped for Tremor duty. Ford engineers lifted the suspension, and even bestowed it with a set of new front suspension knuckles, and grippy Continental General Grabber AT/X tires. The meaty rubber is shod to 17-inch wheels, and the whole setup allows the Tremor to have 9.7 inches of ground clearance (a slight increase over a standard Ranger SuperCrew model.
The higher ground clearance also prompted the addition of a set of hoop steps to help buyers have an easier time climbing in and out of the truck, but unlike other steps, these don’t sacrifice ground clearance, and they actually look pretty spiffy too. But back to the suspension, and the festivities here are enhanced further by the extra amounts of travel that the front and rear units have when compared to a stock model. The front suspension for instance, can travel up to 6.5 inches, while the rear suspension wields an impressive 8.5 inches of travel. But the fun doesn’t stop there, with Fox 2.0 monotube dampers and specially tuned shocks also coming along for the ride.
The exterior styling also sees a whole host of upgrades, and while the suspension is where the bulk of the upgrades are located, rugged reliability was also a key cornerstone in the Tremor’s transformation. A frame mounted steel front bash plate helps the truck survive challenging trails, while underbody skid plates help protect the rest of the vital essentials from debris and rock related damage. The Tremor also comes with a rear locking differential, and two rear mounted recovery hooks to help compliment the two that are already mounted on the front bumper.
The core design itself does not change too much, but Ford designers added a darkened front grille assembly that features two large bars running across the middle of it. Optional graphics for the hood and sides of the truck add a distinctive flair to the truck, and do a good job of making it stand out from others in the Ranger family, especially when paired with the Tremor badging on both sides of the bed.
Performance for the Tremor is shared with other Ranger models, with the truck getting its motivation from the familiar 2.3 liter EcoBoost four cylinder which is good for 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. With this engine also being used in the Ford Bronco, it’s off-road pedigree is certainly on full display here in the Ranger. Ford’s Terrain Management system is also carried over complete with its Trail Control system, but Ford engineers tweaked the software for the traction control to allow sharper acceleration when going through flat sections of gravel. Break over, departure, and approach angles have also been improved, and that should allow the truck to be a better beast to take over rocky terrain, or even in a dogfight against the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro.
The best is naturally saved for last, with Ford making some minor changes to the interior for Tremor duty. The tweaked cabin features Miko leather seats that come equipped with special suede inserts, as well as embroidered Tremor logos for the seat backs. However, the real trump card here is not the splashes of black accents that are used throughout the interior, but rather the six switch auxillary power bank mounted on the dashboard. While the Bronco may be the leader when it comes to offering a wide range of accessories, the Ranger is no slouch, and buyers have over 200 accessories to choose from. The power bank supports a wide range of voltage types, and can be used to power things such as a front mounted winch, aftermarket lighting, air compressors, and other accessories when your out in the wild in your Tremor.
Ford revealed that it will begin production of the Tremor early next year, with the first production units being shipped out to dealerships sometime next spring. While some folks might be disappointed to hear that the Tremor is the most capable Ranger offering in the U.S. lineup at the moment (the vaunted Ranger Raptor is an international exclusive,) it’s a noticeable step up over the FX4 package, and the Tremor nameplate could serve as a middle ground in the future when the next generation model (and its rumored Raptor variant) eventually make their way to the U.S. market.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.