After its 2021 redesign, the Ford F-150 is more appealing than ever. However, despite its impressive hauling and towing capabilities, it doesn’t have optimal features for off-roading adventures. Ford announced that a Tremor package for the F-150 is coming, but not until this summer.

Fortunately, the Ranger and Super Duty models are already available with this package. The Ford Ranger Tremor is the cheaper of the two, but some shoppers might assume it won’t have as much power. However, the Ranger Tremor is as capable off-road as a bigger truck.

The Ford Ranger Tremor’s off-roading prowess

The Ford Ranger Tremor package (available for every trim except the base XL) mostly gets its equipment from existing packages. It has some components from the FX-4 upgrade, which include beefy 32-inch tires, skid plates, and a terrain management system. It also has trail control and a locking rear differential but doesn’t include one for the truck’s front end.

The Tremor package adds a steel front plate, upgraded Fox shocks, tow hooks, and knuckles for the steering wheel. The front end also gets a ton of new equipment, like a slimmer anti-roll bar, updated springs, and more capable control arms. Additionally, it now has 9.7 inches of ground clearance.

The Tremor package improves all of the Ford Ranger’s angles. The approach is 30.9 degrees, the breakover measures 24.2 degrees, and the departure is 27.1 degrees. All of those provide more travel than the Ford F-150 Tremor, Equipment World reports.

Powering the Ford Ranger Tremor across rocky terrain is an EcoBoost turbo-four capable of 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with a 10-speed transmission and four-wheel drive, with a towing capacity of 7,500 pounds. CNET was a little disappointed with the engine’s fuel economy but satisfied overall with its power.

Sure, it’s not a Ford F-150 Raptor, but CNET’s tester had a blast testing the Ranger Tremor’s off-roading tech. The terrain management system is easy to use and allows you to switch modes at a moment’s notice. The trail control feature also proves useful when descending hills.

Visibility is slightly limited without a forward-facing camera, but not to the point of being a detriment. CNET also said the EcoBoost’s low-end torque provides more than enough power for tackling snowy terrain. In fact, the tester even preferred the trip in the Ranger to off-roading in a full-size truck.

Its sporty look

The Ford Ranger Tremor’s exterior is fittingly more aggressive, with a special red-outlined grille and stylish blacked-out bumpers. The interior looks dull in comparison, save for the red Tremor logo stitched into the seats. Unless you’re getting a Lariat trim, it doesn’t even come with a push-button start.

The Ranger Tremor is definitely more functional than aesthetically pleasing, but CNET still appreciates it. The cabin also has a built-in power generator if you want to use extra lights or winches.

Why get a Ranger Tremor over an F-150?

Considering the Ford Ranger Tremor’s base price of $41,900, you could just as easily buy a new Ford F-150. It has a more refined engine and upgraded towing power, but some people don’t want to deal with a full-size truck. A bigger pickup can make off-roading more difficult, especially for less experienced drivers.

Plus, an F-150 doesn’t come with all the Ranger Tremor’s cool off-roading gear. Pricing for the F-150 Tremor isn’t available, but it will undoubtedly be costlier because it’s a full-size truck. From that perspective, the Ford Ranger Tremor is both an off-roading champ and a bargain.