When we reviewed the Ford Maverick recently, we highlighted all the things that it had going for it, including its impressive fuel economy as well as some of the ingenious features Ford engineered into the truck (like the tailgate-mounted bottle opener.) However, the one significant flaw is that the Maverick wasn’t able to flex its muscles out on the open trail, with the hybrid model being limited to front-wheel drive and the all-wheel drive model not having enough rugged bits to make it a good trail runner. Ford has changed that with the 2023 Ford Maverick Tremor, which takes things in a muddier direction.
Maverick Tremor Fills Void In Family
The 2023 Maverick Tremor will join the F-150 and the Ranger pickups in offering a Tremor option for consumers. This will help fill a void for the company, and also allow the Tremor family to be a true model lineup with the Super Duty and F-150 models at the top while the Ranger is now relegated to a middle sibling role.
“Ranger, F-150 and Super Duty customers have embraced the unique off-road capability, technology and appearance updates found across our Tremor family of trucks,” said Todd Eckert, Ford truck product marketing and brand manager. “Maverick Tremor delivers on this same promise with new functions and features designed for off-roading–all while keeping the truck’s signature size, affordability, and Built Ford Tough durability and capability.
Like other Tremor models, the exterior styling of the Maverick doesn’t stray too far from its core identity, the front end still looks like a toaster and the same urban ready lines carryover intact. However, it’s the finer details where the Maverick Tremor truly morphs into a distinct model. The front grille features a unique design and blacked out accents for the logos, taillights, and headlights. The front tow hooks get a coating of Tremor orange paint and an optional Tremor Appearance package adds extra garnishments and flair to the truck including a graphics package. Trim exclusive 17-inch aluminum wheels round out the package and feature a blend of Tremor Orange and anodized grey accents.
Meanwhile, the interior has also been spiced up slightly to reflect the theme with splashes of Tremor orange in select areas of the interior, as well as Black Onyx seats with stitched Tremor logos on the headrest.
Maverick Tremor Adds Light Performance Touches To Truck
With the Tremor family being a budget focused alternative to the hardcore Raptor family, it should come as no shock that the performance upgrades to the Maverick are on the light side. In this case, it starts with the Maverick all-wheel drive model which means that it will have the 2.0 liter EcoBoost four cylinder lurking under the hood (sorry hybrid fans) which packs 250 hp for trail ready adventures. The engine itself is unchanged and the eight speed automatic also carries over too.
While the core performance hardware is carried over from the standard model, the Tremor’s changes make themselves apparent in other ways. All Tremors come with an all-new Trail Control system that acts as a form of cruise control for light off-roading. Like it’s application in other Tremor models, customers only need to select a certain speed and the system will then manage the throttle and vehicle speed while the driver only has to focus on steering and navigating their way through trails. The all-wheel drive system itself has also been reworked and builds on what we have already seen in the FX4 Package with an all new twin-clutch rear drive unit being added which is paired with a differential lock feature to help enhance off-road capability while also giving the system the ability to potentially send all the engine’s torque to one wheel if necessary.
The suspension also benefits from a one-inch lift and unique front and rear springs to help improve its ability to tackle obstacles. It doesn’t hurt either that the shocks have been beefed up to to better weather the abuse while still providing smooth ride quality. The Maverick tremor also gets upgraded half shafts and a new transmission cooler to help keep the internals from getting damaged under demanding driving. All of these upgrades purely benefit the truck and come at no expense to either towing or payload with the model retaining the stock 2,000 and 1,200 lb rating in each category. That allows the truck to tow a pair of dirt bikes or even supplies for a weekend camping trip when you need a break from the city life.
When Can I Buy A Maverick Tremor?
The Tremor’s arrival comes as Ford is reopening the order books for a whole suite of its lineup. In addition to the Maverick, the company is also opening up the books for the Bronco Sport, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Super Duty, Ranger, and Transit. All of these models are strong sellers for Ford, and all of them have had to weather the challenges brought on by lingering supply chain issues, and COVID-19 related production bottle necks.
As for the Maverick Tremor, the package starts at $2,995 with the Appearance Package adding an extra $1,495 to the total. Owners will have to opt for either the XLT model or the range-topping Lariat to take full advantage of the Tremor upgrades. Both of them will enter the order books this September, with formal production slated to take place this fall.
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.