Ford answered our prayers today and brought us a truly off-road-capable Ranger pickup. Here’s what you need to know about the 2021 Ford Ranger with Tremor Off-Road Package.
While the Ranger with Tremor package isn’t the Ranger Raptor we’ve all been craving, it will stand as the most off-road capable Ranger on offer in North America.
The key to this package, though, is that the off-road upgrades won’t degrade the on-road performance. Nor will they impact the payload and towing capabilities. The 2021 Ranger Tremor should make for a great all-around adventure truck and a smaller alternative to the F-150 Tremor and Super-Duty Tremor models.
2021 Ford Ranger Tremor Off-Road Package
What will you get with the 2021 Ranger Tremor off-road package? Ford included upgraded off-road suspension, bigger aggressive tires, more recovery points, underbody armor, and sporty appearance updates inside and out.
Put simply, the Tremor package elevates one step above the FX4 package in terms of off-road capability.
Taller & Wider
You get redesigned front knuckles and aggressive 32-inch all-terrain tires — General Grabber ATX — with the Tremor package. And the bigger tires wrap around new 17-inch “Magnetic” gray wheels.
But the really big news with the Tremor package is the improved suspension. FOX 2.0 monotube shocks all around, with piggyback reservoirs in the rear, mark the major upgrade. With new off-road-tuned coil springs up front and leaf springs out back, these new shocks provide a plush ride on road and off.
Add that to the new softer sway bars, and this setup provides an impressive 6.5 inches of front suspension travel and 8.1 inches of rear travel.
The combo of rolling stock and suspension creates a taller and slightly wider truck. This setup offers a much-improved approach angle (30.9 degrees), departure angle (24.2 degrees), and ground clearance (9.7 inches) over the base Ranger SuperCrew 4×4.
Off-Road Capability
The Ranger already comes with a rear electric locking differential, Terrain Management System with four drive modes, and Trail Control (off-road cruise control). But to up the off-road ante even more, the Ranger Tremor receives a recalibrated traction control system “for improved acceleration and traction in gravel, so customers can punch it in a washout with gusto,” according to Ford.
While that may seem like a lot of marketing mumbo jumbo, it does sound like this truck could provide a good time in loose conditions.
Underneath the Tremor specced Ranger, you’ll also find frame-mounted steel skid plates. Out back, you’ll get two additional tow hooks (on top of the two standard hooks up front). And on the sides of this truck, you’ll get new hoop-step-style side steps and wider fender flares.
As a bonus, the 2021 Ranger Tremor package provides a dash-mounted accessory switch pod. This six-switch dash pod allows you to run all your off-road electrical accessories through a single OEM switch panel. No need for an aftermarket switch panel for your winch, air compressor, auxiliary lighting, etc.
Tremor Styling
While the Tremor package has a lot of functional upgrades, it also packs some sporty styling upgrades as well. The nose of the truck has a new grille with a gray surround (matching the wheels), along with black bars and red corner accents. Inside, the front seats get black suede inserts and the “Tremor” badge stitched into the backrests.
Standard on all Tremor-equipped Rangers is the “Tremor” decals on the bedsides. If you so choose, you can also add the Tremor graphics package. This adds black and red stripes to the hood and down the sides of the truck.
If you ask me, they are an acquired taste, as I don’t believe they improve the lines of this truck in any way.
2021 Ford Ranger Tremor Against the Competition
The Ranger Tremor should succeed in one key area: overall versatility. The Tremor off-road package doesn’t diminish the Ranger’s payload (1,430 pounds) or towing capacity (7,500 pounds). The package also doesn’t change the 270-horsepower, 310-pound-foot, 2.3L EcoBoost backed by a 10-speed automatic that we already love in the Ranger. Sadly, there’s no bigger power option or manual transmission — yet.
Still, there’s stiff competition in the midsize U.S. truck space, especially in the off-road-optimized category. The Chevrolet ZR2 and Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro are the current class leaders.
While the new Ranger Tremor model lacks a few things found on the competition (33-inch tires, front locker, diesel option, manual transmission, etc.) it should be a great all-around truck for 99% of casual off-road explorers.
Get Your Hands on a Ranger Tremor
The 2021 Ford Ranger with Tremor off-road package will start rolling off the assembly line in Wayne, Michigan, early next year. The Tremor package is available on SuperCrew 4×4 mid XLT and high Lariat trim-level Rangers. Check with your local Ford dealer about getting your hands on one.
