Ford F-150 Tremor proves it’s more than Raptor Jr.
The 2024 Ford F-150 Tremor off-road pickup kup is much more than the Raptor’s little brother. ther. I was skeptical when Ford added the Tremor mor to the already crowded F-150 lineup in the 2021 model year. • The roads are full of “off-road editions” ons” automakers tout to boost sales of pickups and SUVs. s. • Many are exercises in cosmetics and marketing. Add dd an aluminum skid plate here, an all-terrain tire there e and $1,500 to the sticker price. • Engineering fea- tures that deliver meaningful off-road capability are harder to find but the Tremor delivers them.
I learned that on an afternoon drive from the Mojave Desert to 7,200 feet in the mountains and down a mining trail created for mules, not an $80,000 full-size pickup with a V8, B&O audio and adaptive cruise control.
The F-150 Tremor delivers all that and legitimate off-road capability.
After jostling down a mountain from the pines of Baldwin Lake to the Joshua trees of Burns Canyon, I’ve got the bruises to prove it.
What makes it a Tremor?
I drove a Tremor with the standard 400horsepower 5.0L V8 engine, 10-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive, locking rear differential and low range of gears. Features on all Tremors include:
● An inch of extra ground clearance
● 33-inch all-terrain tires
● Upgraded suspension with off-road springs, front hubs and control arms
● Monotube front shock absorbers, twintube rear
● 2.0 kW Pro Power Onboard to power tools, campsites, tailgate parties, etc.
● Trail control with one-pedal drive
● Trail turn assist
● Modular front bumper
● Orange interior and exterior accents
● Running boards
● “Coast to Coast” grille
Tremor prices start at $64,150. My well
2024 F-150 trim levels and prices
● XL: $36,770
● STX: $43,895
● XLT: $47,620
● Lariat: $65,195
● King Ranch: $73,735
● Platinum: $73,735
● Tremor: $64,150
● Raptor: $78,330
● Raptor R: $110,225
Prices exclude $1,995 destination charge. equipped truck – it had just about every option except the optional 3.5L twin turbo V6 engine, which churns out 510 pound-feet of torque – stickered at $78,380. All prices exclude destination charges.
Driving impressions
The F-150 Tremor is comfortable, quiet and responsive on-road, its 33-inch all-terrain tires and other off-road gear notwithstanding.
The standard crew cab has plenty of room and storage for five people.
The controls are easy to use, with a combination of a 12-inch touch screen and physical buttons and dials.
The real test in my drive came on the mining roads’ ruts and rocks, scaling a steep packed-dirt hill and maneuvering around a couple of tight corners.
The Tremor conquered every challenge, the drivetrain was more than capable of mounting the slope.
The electronic trail control modulated power and brakes for a smooth climb and secure descent.
Trail turn assist, a setting that locks the inside rear wheel so the 19-foot-long pickup can make it around tight corners, operated flawlessly when I needed to get around a pile of downed wood at the top of a trail.
Why get one?
The 2024 Ford F-150 Tremor combines exceptional off-road capability, good on-road manners and a big, comfortable cab. With its roomy bed for cargo and ability to power multiple electric devices, it should be a welcome addition everywhere from worksites to picnics.
Safety and driver assist features
● Adaptive cruise control
● Blind spot and cross traffic alert
● Lane keeping assist
● Automatic emergency braking
● Post-collision braking
● Reverse sensing
● Backup camera
● Pro Trailer Backup assist
● Pro Trailer Hitch assist
● On-board scales
● Automatic high beams
● Automatic headlights
● Blue Cruise hands-free highway driving
● Keyless entry keypad