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Toyota started the trend of advertising a truck’s capability on the bed years ago. Since then, every manufacturer has used that billboard-sized space to announce their trucks’ special editions, special features or off-road prowess. Often, you’ll see a Ford truck, whether that’s an F-150, a Ranger or a Maverick, with the letters FX4 on the bed. That’s Ford’s designation for its off-road truck package..

What is the FX4 package at Ford?

The 2023 Ford F-150 Rattler parked in dirt
2023 Ford F-150 Rattler | Ford

FX4 simply stands for Ford 4×4. In many ways, that is what it is, except the FX4 adds more than just a four-wheel drive transfer case. In Ford’s case, the standard 4×4 F-150  trucks come with a manual two-speed transfer case, which can help get you out of some sticky situations.

The FX4 F-150 package adds a lot: it includes Rancho shocks with a slight lift. FX4 trucks also get a limited-slip differential and, often, an automatic shifting transfer case. They also get an electronic locking axle and hill descent control, which are both critical features for off-road driving. The package also includes skid plates that cover the transfer case, the front differential, and the fuel tank. The new Rattler trim, shown above, is an FX4 package with some slight changes.

Though that’s just a few simple upgrades, FX4 trucks can tackle trails that many trucks would balk at. However, the Tremor packages and Raptor include more off-road features. And, in case you were wondering, the Expedition Timberline replaced FX4 version of that SUV, according to FordAuthority.

What is included in the Ranger’s FX4 package?

The 2022 Ford Ranger is a mid-size truck with off-road capability, especially with the FX4 Off-Road package
2022 Ford Ranger | Ford

The FX4 package is available on Ford’s F-Series trucks, even the Super Duty versions, and the FX4 Ranger. The Ranger’s 4×4 FX4 package, though, is slightly different. In the Ranger’s case, it gets a Dyna front axle and a solid rear axle. It also gets a sophisticated terrain management system that allows the driver to select a driving mode. Like the F-150 it has frame-mounted skid plates. However, it does come with two stiffened tie hoops on the front so you can pull a buddy out of a ditch (or get your own truck un-stuck)

On the 2023 Ranger, the package costs $1,295 extra. You can pick 17-inch or 18-inch wheels, too. It’s not available on any 4×2 version or the base XL trim of the Ranger.  

What is the FX4 package on a Maverick?

A 2022 Ford Maverick is a small truck ready for camping.
2022 Ford Maverick | Ford

The Maverick’s FX4 package is substantially different from the packages on either the Ranger or the F-150. The Maverick is base on the Ford Bronco Sport platform, so it’s more of an SUV underneath than a pickup. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s not a capable off-roader.

Just like its SUV cousin, the Bronco Sport, it gets all-wheel drive. But, that means you have to get the more powerful 2.0-liter engine. You also get (yay!) tow hooks, and skid plates, and the drive mode selector gets two additional clicks for sand and mud/ruts. But, the Maverick FX4 has just 8.6 inches of ground clearance, which means that its break-over angles are fairly shallow for hard work off-road. Still, it adds a lot of capability to Ford’s entry-level truck.

The FX4 package on the Maverick costs $800 more, and also adds a clever off-road screen in the dash.

Related The Ford Maverick, Escape, and Bronco Sport Are All the Same. Sort Of.

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Writer - Sedans & Coupes

Dan Mayfield

Dan joined MotorBiscuit in 2022 with over 20 years of experience in journalism and a lifelong passion for anything related to the automotive industry. He grew up wrenching a 1949 Ford pickup truck and an MGB with his dad, learning how not to wire a fuel pump (he inadvertently set the MGB on fire).

After earning a bachelor’s degree in photojournalism from the University of New Mexico, Dan has contributed his expertise to a range of local outlets, including the City of Albuquerque, US Eagle, and the Alliance for Local Economic Prosperity.

On weekends, Dan spends Saturdays enjoying “cars and coffee” chats and, on Sundays, he’s watching the Route 66 Cruise roll through town. He also races motorcycles, and it’s not unusual to find him elbows-deep in his latest cafe racer build.

Taking advantage of the local desert terrain, Dan also enjoys exploring and driving off-road in his trusty Ram Rebel pickup truck, which provides personal insights into his contributions to our Trucks, SUVs, & Crossovers coverage. Dan strives to give our readers unique information about the dynamic automotive market, reading anything that has to do with cars, trucks, bikes, 4X4s, and, in his words, “everything with a motor.”

Dan has earned a number of accolades from the Public Relations Society of America, and is a University of Southern California, Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism Fellow.