Ford Ranger Tremor 2025 Review : Blending Rugged Capability with Everyday Comfort
There’s a buzz in our long-term test fleet – and it comes from the arrival of the new Ford Ranger Tremor. In recent months, we’ve tested everything from luxury EVs to compact crossovers, but it has been a while since we welcomed a proper rugged bakkie. The Tremor steps into that role with confidence, offering a distinctive mix of urban usability and off-road toughness.
A proven performer with new tricks
You may remember the Tremor as the support vehicle during our 2024 SUV Shootout, where it effortlessly hauled gear and towed an off-road caravan on a near-1,000 km journey from Cape Town to the Tankwa Karoo. Based on the familiar XLT trim, the Tremor effectively replaces the outgoing FX4, adding exclusive styling cues and off-road hardware to sit neatly between the Wildtrak and the more extreme Wildtrak X.
Design & Features
On the outside, the Tremor wears a honeycomb grille, extended wheel-arch mouldings, Tremor-specific badging, and 17-inch alloys wrapped in 265/70 R17 General Grabber AT3 tyres. These upgrades not only enhance its stance but also signal its off-road intent.
Step inside, and the adventure theme continues. The cabin is fitted with durable vinyl seats and flooring – easy to clean after a muddy trail run. The 12-inch SYNC infotainment system dominates the dash, complemented by an 8-inch TFT instrument cluster for key driving information.
Powertrain & Off-Road Tech
Under the hood, the Ranger Tremor is powered by Ford’s 2.0-litre biturbo diesel producing 154 kW and 405 Nm, paired with a 10-speed automatic gearbox. But it’s the software and chassis upgrades that set the Tremor apart:
- Rock Crawl mode for tough terrain
- Trail Control, which handles throttle and braking so drivers can focus on steering
- Trail Turn Assist, braking the inside wheel to improve tight-turn agility
Borrowing the uprated suspension from the Wildtrak X, the Tremor gets a 30 mm wider track and position-sensitive Bilstein dampers, raising ground clearance by 24 mm (258 mm total). Protective bash plates safeguard the undercarriage, including the transfer case and fuel tank.
Everyday Utility Meets Adventure Spirit
What makes the Ranger Tremor appealing is its dual-purpose design. It’s just as capable cruising through the city as it is tackling rocky trails or sandy dunes. Its blend of practicality and performance positions it as an ideal choice for those who demand both a comfortable daily driver and a weekend off-roader.
With its balance of style, technology, and ruggedness, the Ford Ranger Tremor 2025 looks set to carve a special niche in the pickup segment. We’re eager to put it through even tougher challenges in the months ahead.
