The Ford Ranger Tremor occupies a sweet spot between comfort and capability, while shining as a Raptor alternative that makes financial sense.
At R1 008 000, the Ford Ranger Tremor sits in an interesting position in the brand’s local bakkie hierarchy. It’s R262 000 less expensive than the flagship Ranger Raptor, yet delivers much of the same off-road capability and comfort that makes Ford’s uber pickup so appealing.
For buyers who want enhanced capability without the Raptor’s hefty price tag or thirsty petrol V6 engine, the Tremor presents a compelling proposition.
The Tremor is essentially Ford’s answer to customers who need serious off-road ability but don’t require the Raptor’s ultimate performance credentials. Based on the XLT series but enhanced with the same suspension upgrades as the Wildtrak X, it bridges the gap between everyday utility and weekend adventure machine.
Engine performance
Under the bonnet lies Ford’s 2,0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine, producing 154 kW and 500 Nm of torque. While this might seem modest compared to the Raptor’s 583 Nm or even the V6 diesel’s 600Nm, real-world performance tells a different story.
During a week-long test, the twin-turbo four-cylinder never felt wanting for power, whether tackling highway overtaking or crawling over challenging terrain.
The engine’s 500Nm torque figure proves more than adequate for most applications. Unless you’re regularly towing heavy trailers or large caravans, the Tremor’s powerplant delivers satisfactory performance. The bonus comes at the fuel pump, where the diesel four-cylinder returned an impressive 9.9-10.1 litres per 100km during testing, including some spirited gravel road driving.
Off-road prowess
The Tremor’s off-road credentials are immediately apparent. Ford has equipped it with the same Bilstein Position-Sensitive Dampers found on the Wildtrak X, providing 24mm additional ground clearance and a 30mm wider track.
This suspension setup transforms the Tremor’s behaviour on challenging surfaces, delivering genuine comfort over rough terrain that many bakkie owners will appreciate daily.
The full-time 4WD system with electromagnetic transfer case offers multiple driving modes including 4A (Auto), 4H, 4L, and 2H. During gravel road testing, the Slippery mode proved particularly effective, automatically engaging 4A while allowing manual selection of 4H when conditions demanded it.
Traction from the General Grabber X3 tyres (265/70 R17) was excellent, providing confident grip while remaining quiet on tar roads.
Trail Turn Assist is a neat trick the Tremor has up its sleeve. It brakes the inside wheel during tight off-road manoeuvres, reduces the turning radius by up to 25 percent. Combined with Trail Control for maintaining set speeds below 32km/h, these systems make challenging terrain more manageable for drivers of varying experience levels.
Function over form
The Tremor’s cabin reflects its working-vehicle ethos. Water-resistant black vinyl seats with Medium Dark Urban Grey stitching can withstand wet clothing, while vinyl flooring replaces traditional carpets for easy cleaning.
The 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system works exceptionally well, with responsive operation and intuitive menus. Wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto come standard, though the absence of rear USB ports on a million-rand bakkie feels like an oversight for families. At least there’s a 12V socket for rear passengers. With an adapter inserted, your offspring can keep their devices charged.
Sound quality from the standard Ford audio system is truly impressive, delivering clear, well-balanced audio that enhances long-distance comfort. The large door mirrors provide excellent visibility, while the 360-degree camera system makes tight manoeuvring effortless.
Practicality and build quality
The load bin features a spray-in bed liner and adjustable tie-down system with dual rails, plus integrated side steps for easy access. The Cargo Management System helps secure loads, while the tough steel bash plate and comprehensive underbody protection demonstrate Ford’s commitment to durability.
Build quality feels solid throughout, with no obvious fit-and-finish issues evident during testing. The almost-black ceiling helps hide dirt, while vanity mirrors (sans lighting) and proper three-point rear seatbelts add practical touches.
However, the driver assistance systems can be overly intrusive. The lane-keeping system frequently demands hands be placed on the steering wheel even when they’re already there, creating unnecessary distraction during highway driving.
Technology and towing
The Tremor introduces Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist with Trailer Reverse Guidance, a sophisticated system that uses cameras and sensors to guide trailer reversing manoeuvres. The system can store up to 10 different trailers and provides multiple camera views to simplify what’s traditionally a challenging parking task.
Standard equipment includes Hill Descent Control, Hill Launch Assist, and comprehensive stability management systems. The electronic parking brake and push-button start add convenience, while roof-mounted auxiliary switches accommodate aftermarket accessories popular with overlanding enthusiasts.
Value proposition
Compared to the Wildtrak X (R1 070 500), the Tremor saves R62 500 while sharing the same wheels, tyres, and 4WD system. The Wildtrak X adds adaptive cruise control, rear USB ports, tinted rear windows, part-leather upholstery, electric seats, Matrix headlights, and self-parking. Whether these features justify the price premium depends on individual priorities.
For buyers seeking enhanced off-road capability without premium luxury features, the Tremor strikes an appealing balance. It delivers the comfort and capability that working vehicle owners genuinely need, without the premium pricing of more luxurious variants.
Verdict
The Ford Ranger Tremor succeeds as a “Raptor Lite” by focusing on the fundamentals that matter most to serious bakkie users. Its suspension provides genuine comfort over challenging surfaces, the diesel engine delivers adequate performance with good economy, and the build quality inspires confidence for demanding applications.
While the interior materials feel somewhat basic for the price point, the Tremor’s combination of capability, comfort, and relative value makes it a compelling choice for buyers who need serious off-road ability without Raptor-level expense. It’s a very likeable bakkie that understands its target market and delivers accordingly.
The Ford Ranger Tremor 2,0 BiTurbo 4WD is offered for R1 008 000 and scores 4 out of 5.
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
