Aussies love utes, and I’m not simply speaking about tradies.

The common-or-garden dual-cab is now a life-style staple for folks from all walks of life, and among the many converts are off-road fans.

However in order for you a ute that’s rough-and-ready out of the manufacturing unit, the pickings are surprisingly slim. That’s very true for patrons on a price range – enter the 2024 Ford Ranger Tremor.

A cut-price different to the flagship Raptor, the Tremor is predicated on the two.0-litre Bi-Turbo Sport and kitted out with off-road upgrades together with Bilstein distant reservoir suspension, all-terrain tyres, a heavy-duty energy steering system with additional underbody shielding, together with a variety of additional driver assists for off-roading.

All with out the $100,000 pricetag of a Raptor.

It additionally undercuts rivals such because the Nissan Navara Professional-4X Warrior and Toyota HiLux GR Sport.

Just like the Wildtrak X that got here earlier than it, the Tremor is the one member of the Ranger lineup among the many 23 at present on sale fitted with this equipment.

As was the case with the Wildtrak X, don’t anticipate the Tremor to stay round. Solely 1150 examples have been allotted to native patrons, which pales compared to the 63,356 examples of the broader lineup bought in Australia final 12 months.

Do you have to rush out to purchase the beefed up Tremor earlier than it’s too late?

How a lot does the Ford Ranger Tremor value?

The Ford Ranger Tremor sits within the higher half of the vary, simply above the Bi-Turbo Sport on which it’s primarily based.

Ranger XL

Ranger Black Version

Ranger XLS

Ranger XLT

Ranger Sport

Ranger Tremor

Ranger Wildtrak

Ranger Platinum

Ranger Raptor

All costs exclude on-road prices.

To see how the Ford Ranger stacks up in opposition to a its opponents, take a look at our comparability instrument.

What’s the Ford Ranger Tremor like on the within?

The Tremor stands out from the Ranger crowd for a litany of causes, however its cabin isn’t certainly one of them.

Ford’s newest spin on the recipe takes the mid-spec Sport and tarts it up a bit, with out messing with the principle elements.

Climbing into the jacked up Tremor you immediately discover the addition of branded rubber flooring mats. Hardly an earth-shattering improve, however the mats increase the aesthetics and it the meant use of the car by defending the carpet from filth throughout off-road excursions.

Plucked from the Sport, re-trimmed leather-based seats additionally add some flavour to the inside. Or ought to I say, color.

In distinction to the monochrome Sport seats, the Tremor objects characteristic a brand new patten with orange embroidery on the backrest.

Design apart the seats are snug, with loads of energy adjustability for the driving force. None for the passenger’s seat although, which is operated by hand.

Thick aspect bolsters present a lot wanted stability when the route turns bumpy or twisty.

One other inside improve might be discovered overhead, within the type of auxiliary switches. Six pre-wired switches labelled AUX 1 by way of 6 are situated close to the rear-view mirror, every circuit individually fused for connection {of electrical} equipment akin to moveable fridges, photo voltaic panels, and lighting upgrades.

The Tremor will get a few additional off-road toys, too, together with the requisite switchgear. Path Flip Help is accessible by way of an icon within the off-road part of the display screen, whereas 4WD modes are chosen by way of a rotary dial close to the shifter.

Elsewhere, it’s commonplace Ranger Sport fare.

Which means you get Ford’s 10.1-inch SYNC4 infotainment system, not the 12-inch model present in greater mannequin grades. On this case measurement doesn’t matter, because the smaller display screen nonetheless places rivals to disgrace.

Like many trendy programs, it’s a vertical, smartphone-style format with massive app icons – a well-known interface with a flat studying curve.

There’s no nonsense right here, and that’s in line with the spirit of the Ranger Tremor. Smartphones might be paired with the system wirelessly – my iPhone hooked as much as CarPlay with out fault.

Behind the steering wheel sits an 8.0-inch, configurable digital instrument cluster.

Wanting profitable any design awards, the display screen is simple to get your head round with a brilliant background and readouts for velocity, revs, temperatures, and gasoline financial system. That is shared with the remainder of the Ranger lineup, bar the flagship Platinum which brings a 12.4-inch digital cluster.

Local weather controls are situated on the backside of the infotainment display screen, with bodily switchgear beneath. I’ve made this level earlier than with Ford merchandise, however why not simply put all of the climate-related features in a single place?

A wi-fi charging pad sits on the base of the centre stack, accompanied by USB-A and USB-C shops to maintain your units powered up.

Practicality contained in the Tremor extends to a helpful collection of storage compartments, not restricted to massive door bins, a deep armrest cubby, central cupholders, and a beneficiant glovebox with an open higher tray. No ‘tradie-style’ cupholders that come out of the sprint, although.

Whereas the Ranger is a benchmark for contemporary dual-cab utes throughout many metrics, it comes again to the pack on the supplies entrance.

Workmanlike plastics dominate the house, damaged up by the inclusion of leatherette padding for frequent contact factors such because the centre console and door playing cards.

Real leather-based tops the steering wheel and e-shifter, giving each satisfying tactility. All surfaces that must really feel premium do, and the remaining are hard-wearing if nothing else.

It’s the identical story within the second row, which is roomy sufficient for youths and adults alike.

Taller of us as much as a peak of round six-four match simply superb, with sufficient legroom and headroom in addition to house for toes beneath the entrance seats. It’s among the best dual-cab choices if you’ll want to match three tradies throughout the rear.

On the facilities entrance it’s fairly naked bones, with a few air vents and a 12V outlet. A USB outlet or two can be welcome, as they’re extra suitable with the cables that most individuals use to cost their trendy units.

No less than you get first rate cupboard space with bins beneath the seat bases, a pair of map pockets, and door cubbies.

ISOFIX and top-tether anchor factors for the outboard rear seats additionally bolster the Tremor’s credibility as a household automotive.

The rear mattress, unchanged from the Sport, has additionally been designed with practicality in thoughts. Which means it’s simple to entry by way of a pair of aspect field steps situated behind the tyres, or by dropping the counterbalanced tailgate.

The mattress itself is vast and configurable, with six tie-down hoops and a 12V outlet, which isn’t a given on this section.

Both sides of the mattress has attachment factors for canopies and the like – the house might be customised to suit all of the instruments of the commerce, as much as a payload of 901kg.

It’s a cleverly laid out cargo administration system that makes the many of the house on provide.

To see how the Ford Ranger stacks up in opposition to a its opponents, take a look at our comparability instrument.

What’s beneath the bonnet?

In contrast to different members of the Ranger steady, the Tremor is barely provided with the two.0-litre Bi-Turbo four-cylinder diesel engine, mated to a 10-speed computerized transmission.

Conversely, the upcoming Everest Tremor SUV shall be powered by brawnier 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6. Ford says the engines chosen for every Tremor mannequin replicate their respective positions throughout the mannequin vary.

The Ranger Tremor incorporates a full-time four-wheel drive system with selectable modes. We noticed a gasoline financial system common of 10.3L/100km throughout our testing of the Tremor, which concerned a day-long mixture of freeway driving and low-speed off-roading.

To see how the Ford Ranger stacks up in opposition to its opponents, take a look at our comparability instrument.

How does the Ford Ranger Tremor drive?

The Tremor has been designed for off-road expeditions, and that’s evident in the way in which it drives in comparison with different Ranger variants.

On the tarmac, the latest member of the Ranger household isn’t as snug because the Sport on which it’s primarily based.

With stiffer all-terrain tyres and off-road targeted suspension, the Tremor is busier on sealed roads, bouncing over bumps and potholes reasonably than soaking them up.

It doesn’t trip harshly by any means, however consolation ranges are noticeably down on different fashions. The actual fact is, many rival utes behave in the same method.

The chunky A/T tyres include a second downside, which is elevated street noise. I discovered myself cranking up the quantity on my tunes extra usually, however that’s a small worth to pay for additional off-road functionality.

As a freeway cruiser, the Tremor advantages from its raised trip peak. The Ranger already boasted a commanding driving place, so additional elevation within the Tremor gives an much more expansive view of the street forward.

A nicely executed suite of energetic driver assists additionally permits stress-free cross-country driving.

Lane-keep help is dependable and intuitive, guiding the Tremor inside its lane easily, whereas the adaptive cruise management maintains secure distances to vehicles forward with out jarring use of the brakes.

Ford hasn’t touched the engine or transmission, which isn’t any unhealthy factor.

The Bi-Turbo four-cylinder is a refined powertrain by section requirements, working easily, quietly, and effectively when paired with the 10-speed computerized gearbox.

Outputs of 150Nm and 500Nm gained’t drop any jaws, however the Tremor accelerates willingly when requested and the transmission usually picks the correct gear.

That’s particularly noticeable at low speeds, when different utes can really feel torpid. No V6, no worries.

Regardless of having an even bigger footprint on the street, the Tremor stays a manageable automotive to drive across the metropolis.

It has the identical gentle steering because the Sport, which is exact and makes the Ranger really feel manoeuvrable.

Idle begin/cease additionally takes a load off in stop-start site visitors, whereas conserving treasured diesel.

It’s simple sufficient to park, too. The reversing digicam presents in excessive decision, pairing nicely with gentle steering in difficult buying centre conditions.

However sufficient of all that, how does the Tremor carry out when taken off the crushed monitor?

A day spent at Lerderberg State Park exterior Melbourne would counsel it’s among the many most succesful dual-cab utes available on the market.

For starters, the all-terrain rubber and upgraded suspension elements come into their very own right here. The chunkier tyres eat up nasty-looking rocks with ease, and provide superior sturdiness to your run-of-the-mill street tyre.

Suspension tweaks taken from the Wildtrak X provide higher floor clearance to cease the Tremor from bottoming out when tackling steep undulations, in addition to enhancing articulation and minimising impacts.

The four-wheel drive system comes with 2H, 4H and 4A modes, in addition to specialised terrain modes together with ‘rock crawl’, that are solely accessible on the Tremor and Raptor.

That’s earlier than contemplating the suite of off-road assists accessible, akin to a rear differential lock, Path Flip Help, Path Management and hill descent management (HDC).

All of it sounds a bit overwhelming, however the options are all simple to make use of and simply activated, both by way of bodily buttons or contact icons on the devoted off-road infotainment menu.

I discovered Path Flip Help notably helpful throughout our drive – it helps to navigate tight activates unfastened surfaces by making use of brakes to the within rear wheel, bettering the turning circle of the Tremor by 25 per cent.

It’s a case of hitting a button, after which ensuring the steering wheel is at full lock. Easy.

Hill descent management is equally foolproof – as soon as activated, you possibly can mash the throttle down a steep decline and the system will prohibit your descent to the specified velocity.

Path Management is like cruise management, simply geared for decrease velocity coasting on unsealed surfaces.

All the weather come collectively to create a ute that may deal with many of the challenges Australia can throw at it with an inexperienced off-roader behind the wheel.

What do you get?

Ranger XL commonplace tools:

• 16-inch metal wheels
• All-season tyres
• 16-inch metal spare wheel
• Entrance disc and rear drum brakes
• Heavy-duty suspension
• Black grille
• Halogen headlights
• Halogen daytime working lights
• LED central high-mounted tail gentle
• LED tail lights (pickup solely)
• Tailgate with elevate help (pickup solely)
• Built-in tailgate step (pickup solely)
• 10.1-inch Sync4 portrait touchscreen infotainment system
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Embedded modem
• Distant begin by way of FordPass app
• 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster
• Tilt and telescopic steering column adjustment
• Ebony fabric upholstery
• 8-way guide driver seat
• 4-way guide entrance passenger seat
• Vinyl flooring masking
• Energy rear home windows (double cab solely)
• Single-zone local weather management
• Electronically locking rear differential (4×4 fashions solely)
• Typical gear selector
• Mechanical handbrake

Black Version provides:

• Black sports activities bar
• Drop-in mattress liner with 12V socket
• Asphalt Black 17-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres
• Black aspect steps
• Asphalt Black grille with Bolder Gray inserts

Ranger XLS provides:

• 16-inch Darkish Sparkle Silver alloy wheels
• Black aspect steps
• Halogen entrance fog lights
• Black grille with silver accents
• Carpet flooring
• Driver flooring mat
• Entrance parking sensors
• Drive mode choice
• Tow bar
• Trailer gentle verify
• Built-in trailer brake controller
• Prolonged blind-spot monitoring with trailer protection
• Physique-colour door handles
• 6-speaker sound system
• Proximity entry with push-button begin
• Twin-zone local weather management
• Rear seat air vents
• Satellite tv for pc navigation
• DAB+ digital radio

Ranger XLT provides:

• 17-inch Darkish Sparkle Silver alloy wheels
• 17-inch metal spare wheel
• Rear disc brakes
• Digital handbrake
• Leather-based-wrapped ‘e-Shifter’ gear selector
• 4×2 locking rear axle
• Entrance grille with chrome central bar
• LED headlights
• C-shaped LED daytime working lights
• Entrance-mounted tow hook
• Black sports activities bar (pickup solely)
• Rear tub illumination (pickup solely)
• Bedliner with 12V socket (pickup solely)
• Spray-in bedliner with 12V socket (tremendous cab solely)
• Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
• Electrochromatic mirror
• Rain-sensing window wipers
• Adaptive cruise management with lane-centring and cease/go

Ranger Sport provides:

• 18-inch machine-faced and Asphalt Black accent alloy wheels
• 18-inch spare wheel
• Darkish accent grille
• Darkish exterior accents
• Two front-mounted tow hooks
• Skid plate
• Entrance flooring mats
• Rotary drive mode selector
• Wi-fi cellphone charging
• Off-road display screen
• Ebony leather-based upholstery with ‘SPORT’ embossing
• 8-way electrically adjustable driver seat
• 6-way guide entrance passenger seat

Ranger Tremor provides:

• Full-time 4WD system
• Distant reservoir Bilstein shock absorbers
• 17-inch black wheels
• Basic Grabber AT3 All-Terrain Tyres
• Heavy-duty energy steering system with additional underbody shielding
• Path Flip Help
• Path Management
• Rock Crawl drive mode
• Tremor branding
• Tremor branded rubber flooring mats
• Overhead auxiliary switches
• Tremor grille
• Built-in auxiliary driving lights
• Entrance bash plate
• Forged aluminium aspect steps
• Sports activities bar
• Rear field step
• Distinctive seats with embroidered TREMOR emblem

Is the Ford Ranger Tremor secure?

All variants of the 2024 Ford Ranger aside from the flagship Raptor have a five-star ANCAP security ranking.

Normal security tools throughout the lineup contains:

• 9 airbags
  • incl. driver, passenger knee airbags
  • incl. front-centre airbag
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
  • Automobile, Pedestrian, Bike owner detection
  • Junction help
• Adaptive cruise management
• Blind-spot help
• Rear cross-traffic alert (pickup)
• Lane departure warning
• Lane hold help
• Highway edge detection
• Reversing digicam (pickup)
• Rear parking sensors (pickup)
• Trailer Protection (with non-obligatory Tow Pack)

Ranger XLT provides:

• Adaptive cruise management incl. cease/go
• Blind-spot monitoring incl. Trailer Protection
• Lane centring help
• Site visitors signal recognition
• Tyre stress monitoring

The non-obligatory Touring Pack provides a surround-view digicam, whereas stepping as much as the Wildtrak and above provides the Energetic Park Help 2.0 system.

How a lot does the Ford Ranger Tremor value to run?

The 2024 Ford Ranger is roofed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee just like the broader Ford vary.

Logbook servicing is required each 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first, with the primary 4 visits capped at $379. This equals $1516 for 4 years or 60,000km.

CarExpert’s Tackle the Ford Ranger Tremor

The Tremor is a compelling addition to the Ranger lineup, and by extension the dual-cab panorama.

It brings heaps of off-road equipment to the desk for just some grand over the Sport on which it’s primarily based.

The enhancements aren’t only for present. Many of the tweaks are go-to upgrades for the off-road fans who put down their hard-earned for these autos – all with a manufacturing unit guarantee.

You’re unlikely to get that sort of backing for a elevate equipment out of your mate’s mate down the street. And at its core, the rough-and-ready Tremor remains to be a Ranger. Which means class-leading infotainment and powertrain refinement.

So, the Tremor an excellent choice for Ranger devotees who can’t stump up the near-$100,000 for a Raptor.

Its street manners are barely diminished in comparison with the remainder of the Ranger lineup. However there are many different variants accessible to go well with patrons of that persuasion (Sport, Wildtrak), and certainly loads of different rival utes.

What about rivals to the Tremor? The Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior and Toyota HiLux GR Sport might have the instruments to maintain up with the Ranger off the blacktop, however neither can match the Tremor for cabin and powertrain refinement. Each are costlier, too.

There’s not a lot else in the way in which of price range, adventure-focused utes.

Sure, the Tremor has actually shaken issues up, and it deserves to be in your buying checklist… in case your model of buying is baiting a hook and casting a line.

Click on the photographs for the total gallery

MORE: Purchase a Ford Ranger
MORE: Every thing Ford Ranger